A few months ago, I picked up Clock In, the new career book by Emily Durham, better known as Emily the Recruiter.
After reading the book, I had the chance to hear Emily speak in person. I walked away thinking, I need to get her on the podcast!
I’m so glad I did.
Emily brings a refreshing mix of practical career advice and contagious energy. I ❤️ love her energy, and I think you will too.
Our conversation covered everything from job interviews and salary negotiations to executive presence and personal branding. Whether you’re actively looking for your next job opportunity or simply trying to become a stronger communicator at work, I think you’ll find something valuable in this episode.
Here are 3 insights that stood out for me from our conversation:
- Silence Is a Power Move
- Your Job Interview Is a Sales Pitch, Not a Confessional
- Let’s Be Audacious!
1️⃣ Silence is a Power Move
Most people are uncomfortable with silence.
We rush to fill the gaps.
We keep talking after we’ve already made our point.
We assume that more words equal more credibility.
Emily told me that the most confident communicators she knows are comfortable making an ask… and then sitting quietly.
That pause communicates confidence.
I see this in my coaching practice all the time. Folks early in their careers often worry about speaking up. By contrast, senior executives ask how to speak with greater precision and brevity.
Ironically, one of the most effective ways to elevate your communication is to stop talking!
The next time you’re making a recommendation in a meeting, resist the urge to keep explaining. Finish your thought. Then pause.
Silence is a power move. Let your message land.
2️⃣ Your Job Interview is a Sales Pitch, Not a Confessional
Emily says that in roughly 80% of interviews, candidates either talk too much or not enough.
The most common mistake? Talking too much.
Job candidates often feel they need to explain every career decision, every accomplishment, and every possible concern before the interviewer even asks. As Emily put it, they treat the interview like a confessional instead of a sales pitch.
I couldn’t agree more.
One job-searching executive I coached was frustrated because she rarely advanced beyond first round interviews. When we practiced with mock interviews, the issue became obvious. Her answers stretched on and on… By the end, even she couldn’t remember the question!
Here are 3 simple words I encourage clients to use in interviews:
“Happy to elaborate.”
Answer the interview question clearly and concisely. Then say, “Happy to elaborate.” Invite the interviewer to decide where they want to go next.
“…those are the big boys” – Don’t you love it?!?
3️⃣ Let’s Be Audacious!
One word from my conversation with Emily has stayed with me since.
Audacity
She used it to describe the confidence that senior leaders develop over time.
Audacity is not about arrogance. It’s not dominance.
It is about being direct. It’s the willingness to speak with conviction instead of apologizing for taking up space.
This reminded me of conversations I have with clients about executive presence.
What exactly is executive presence? I like to break it down. Folks with executive presence have exceptional foundational communication skills, they’re confident, and they’re perceived as credible.
Executive presence often shows up in surprisingly small moments.
- Giving a recommendation without seeking permission
- Sharing your misgivings without apologizing first.
- Making eye contact during and after your comments.
Sounds like audacity, doesn’t it?
This is about believing enough in yourself to communicate with confidence and credibility.
I am going to carry this “audacity” word into my workshops and coaching sessions. I invite you to try it on too.
What would it feel like to communicate with audacity this week?
I hope you enjoy Emily’s positive energy as much as I did! I invite you to listen to the episode.
Now I have a favor to ask . Whatever platform you’re on, Spotify, Apple, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts:
Can you please leave us a review?
This makes a big difference in the podcast algorithm and helps us get found by more people.
Thank you and have a great week!
“TALK” soon,
Dr. Andrea Wojnicki Executive Communication Coach – Talk About Talk
