When I joined Bob Gerst on his People in Transition podcast, we talked about the messy, exciting, sometimes confusing in-between moments of building a career...the kind that happen after you walk across the graduation stage and realize there’s no syllabus for what comes next.
Through the Independence Lab, I’ve spent years helping ambitious grads find clarity after college and confidence in their next steps. But this conversation dug into something deeper, how to navigate every transition in your career with more curiosity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways from our conversation you can put to use during your job search.
7 Tips for Getting and Prepping for Job Interviews
1. Focus your job search on what actually moves the needle
Too many job seekers spend hours polishing resumes and obsessing over templates, when employers are really looking for alignment. The key is understanding what matters most to the company and positioning your story around that. When your value is clear, your application stands out.
2. Show that you’re always leveling up
The workplace is evolving faster than ever (think AI, automation, shifting roles) and the best way to future-proof your career is to show growth. Demonstrate that you’re learning new tools, exploring new ideas, and staying curious. Employers hire people who evolve.
3. Turn everyday experiences into career stories
You already have stories that show your impact, you just might not recognize them yet. Whether it’s a group project, part-time job, or volunteer role, ask yourself:
- What did I learn?
- How did I stretch myself?
- What did I contribute?
Those answers can become powerful stories in an interview.
4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is your quiet superpower
Hard skills might get you the interview, but EQ helps you grow once you’re there. Navigating feedback, conflict, and collaboration with self-awareness and empathy sets you apart. When you can read a room, manage your emotions, and adapt, you lead, no matter your title.
5. Tackle tough interview questions with insight they won’t see coming
Most candidates rehearse cookie-cutter answers. Instead, connect your story to who you are and how you think. Employers remember insight, not memorization. Authenticity shows confidence and clarity.
6. Network meaningfully: quality over quantity
Networking isn’t a numbers game; it’s a relationship game. Engage with people who share your interests or values. Comment on their posts, share a thoughtful note, offer something of value. Even a kind follow-up counts. Consistency matters more than mass outreach.
7. Confidence + curiosity = your best career tools
No one has all the answers, especially in your first few years out of school. The trick is to stay curious enough to keep learning and confident enough to take action anyway. That combination creates momentum, the kind that carries you through every stage of your career.
Lean into the transition from college to career
Whether you’re a recent grad, a few years into your career, or facing a major pivot, the lessons from this episode apply. Transitions are uncomfortable, but they’re also where growth happens. The goal isn’t to avoid them. It’s to navigate them with intention.
If you lead or mentor early-career talent, this is also a reminder that what matters most in young professionals isn’t the perfect resume. It’s curiosity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, the skills that make them lifelong learners and leaders.
Here are a few of my favorite takeaways from the episode
- “Transform everyday experiences into career stories that get noticed.”
- “Confidence and curiosity are your best career tools.”
- On networking: meaningful > massive.
- On interviews: don’t just prepare answers...prepare your mindset and unique narrative.
You can listen to the full episode of People in Transition with Bob Gerst here on Apple Podcasts.
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