How to overcome gender stereotypes during a job interview

How to overcome gender stereotypes during a job interview

In today's world, a woman working in a male team - it is not nonsense. Many employers are praised for its tolerance to gender diversity in the work environment, but in spite of this, women are faced with the problem of double standards so far. To stereotypes, strengthen, anyway, in the minds of modern humans, had no effect on your successful implementation, it is necessary to know how to prepare yourself for possible problems arising due to the myth of gender inequality and how to respond to disrespect in the working environment. These simple guidelines will help you to avoid double standards and gender clichés at work and, most importantly, in the interview process.

1. Pretreatment

Most often, women are victims does unflattering opinion that they are not suitable for a particular job because of their natural weakness and uncertainty. But here's the secret: the uncertainty does not depend on sex, and is a natural psychological reaction to the upcoming important event. The fact that women can show their emotions more openly than men, has created around them trap "weaker sex".

The best cure for uncertainty and excitement - this preparation. This means that you need to study a company in which you plan to work, to think in advance the likely questions and answers to them, and most importantly - to rehearse out loud. Thus, you will create a safety net on a psychological level, which should cover the overwhelming majority of your emotions and give confidence in the success. But remember, if you do not fulfill at least one of the following self-points, consider that the training did not take place, and if you're not ready - it's a great occasion for your environment to play on your insecurities.

2. Disarm interlocutor

How to overcome gender stereotypes during a job interview

Another great way to avoid biased judgment about you - is to disarm his interlocutor. Do it you can, capturing his attention in the first minutes of the interview, commenting on the specifics of the company, showing that your knowledge of this sphere of activity is quite deep, making it clear that you have done some preliminary research and you have comments (but so far, no particular criticism).

Another good option to begin with - it's a compliment. It is not necessary to get personal, not to fall into another trap, but positive feedback about the product that is created in this company can create a positive atmosphere for both interlocutors. Also, you can win your future employer's something that concerns him personally. As a rule, it can be a sphere of its interests. Say that noticed his enthusiasm in a certain area, and then tell me something interesting, what do you know about it herself. This is quite simple manipulations of humanity and will not affect your professionalism, because you can always put yourself in the place of his companion, and experience what it's like when someone says something about what you live.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of

Speaking about his past work, do not be afraid to go into details and personalize the process passed. Show me what your understanding of the specifics of really deep and available in your living experience and relevance. This is a great version of the employer's interest: in the summary should be brief, and the interview can be and delve deeper into the details. Speak confidently, specifying what you could add to your workflow and why it matters. Your understanding of the working of the system and professional creativity is much stronger gender bias, which, one way or another, may affect the opinion of your future employer. At this point, for them it is better not to think, to your interview does not become a feminist manifesto.

4. Listening

How to overcome gender stereotypes during a job interview

An important quality that can give you confidence and create a positive opinion of you as a professional - is the ability to listen. Let your interviewer to say, paying attention to the important moments of his or her thoughts. It is best to mark the main points in a notebook, to always stay in the conversation key. Let your interlocutor think that it was he who directs the conversation, but do not lose sight of the phrases that you would like to comment on. Show interest in what was going on, because a positive attitude towards the other party is formed thanks to the realization of mutual interest in the subject under discussion. You must always remember what you asked, but also be able to ask your question.

5. The moderate appreciation

To keep the self-confidence, you need to remember that everything is good in moderation, especially thanks. Be polite and friendly, but do not overdo it with the recognition that is not the impression that you are desperate to the job. Be discreet and a little cold-blooded. Instead of letting joy overshadow your mind, focus on the essential points that you need to check with their interlocutors. So you show more professionalism and understanding what you have to deal with, and it means that you know your business and will not let you treat inappropriately.