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In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions Podcast Todd Adkins, Barnabas Piper, and Kevin Spratt talk about how you can have a successful job interview. What are dos and don’ts and considerations? What are people thinking who are interviewing you? The conversation ranges from funny stories about awkward interviews to discussions of ministry interviews to practical advice about what kinds of questions to ask.
- What is your funniest or worst interview experience?
- What is one thing a person absolutely must do to prepare for an interview?
- What is one thing a person absolutely must do in an interview?
- What is one thing a person must absolutely NOT do in an interview?
- What are good follow-up steps for an interviewee?
BEST QUOTES
“Churches are notorious for not having a clear job description or clear objectives for the people they employ.”
“Pessimists always find the downside. Realists realize there is usually an upside and a downside.”
“The last thing I need on my team is someone who just wants a job.”
“Be prepared.”
“Are you ready to leave wherever you are?”
“Know as much as you can about the organization you are interviewing with before you interview.”
“You’re not just going to do a job; you’re an emissary for the organization.”
“Know the mission statement, but know how they live it out.
“Find areas you are passionate about and give examples of how you identify with them.”
“It’s not a matter of preparing for questions that will be asked. It’s preparing to be able to converse in the arena of the organization.”
“Awareness is probably the biggest hurdle to overcome as an applicant.”
“They’re looking for character, chemistry, and competency.”
“Be your truest self; don’t over-sell.”
“If an accurate portrayal of yourself doesn’t get you the job then it wasn’t the job for you.”
“Don’t just know about the organization, know about the person interviewing you.”
“Know the questions you will always be asked and have an answer ready for them.”
“Share a weakness you are of and share steps you are honestly taking to work on it.”
“Interview the people who are interviewing you.”
“If you don’t have questions it signals that you are either unprepared or won’t stick around very long.”
“Don’t lead with finances but don’t leave without knowing what they are.”
“Never run down the organization you are leaving.”
“Don’t ever compromise. If you talk yourself into a job you’re setting yourself up for failure.”
“If you talk yourself into a job you can be talked out of it shortly.”
“Be thankful, express gratitude.”
“Be sure to leave your current organization well.”
“Be patient.”
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Top 10 Ministry Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
We’d like to thank our sponsor, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. SEBTS is always asking the question, “Where are you going?” They want to equip pastors, missionaries, theologians, scholars and more to obey the commands of Jesus to make disciples anywhere and everywhere God calls them to go. Wherever students are going, Southeastern can help them get there. Southeastern Seminary has a wide range of degrees at many levels and all M.Div. programs now have a stronger core curriculum to better equip students biblically, theologically and practically for their current and future ministries. In addition to a stronger core, the total number of hours required to complete an M.Div. has been reduced to 81-84. They even offer distance education options for those who cannot relocate to North Carolina to study.
Apply now to begin your theological education at Southeastern. Use the code 5LQ to receive a discount on your application for any degree.
