Lisa Lampanelli was Donald Trump’s latest layoff on The Celebrity Apprentice despite the recommendation of last season’s winner John Rich and runner-up Marlee Matlin. When they interviewed her they found Lampanelli a very clever and passionate competitor that succeeded in tasks and fundraising.
Her strengths couldn’t save her though. So close to the finale, she was fired like Meatloaf was last season for being overly emotional. All of her brilliant ideas and contacts couldn’t save her after she flew off the handle crying and screaming at a fellow contestant in front of Don Jr. when he stopped by to gauge their progress.
Women and men alike can have problems controlling their emotions in the pressure cooker of the interview process even if they’re not sitting across the table from a Manhattan mogul. Try these tips to help keep the flood gates from falling apart even when everything is on the line:
Just Breathe – Concentrate on your breath to keep from crying. Keep it steady and not too deep or fast. Try to match the pattern as the person across the desk and they will perceive that you are in sync with them and hopefully the rest of the company. They won’t suspect that you’re simply trying to save face.
Count to 10 ah ah ah ah – If you feel your emotions are about to get the better of you, keep your cool by silently counting to 10 before you speak. Taking this time to clear your mind will reduce the risk of your voice cracking as you explain why you left your last job.
Time it Right – Avoid scheduling interviews when you are super stressed out. If a particular time of the month is rolling around when you are extra irritable or it’s the anniversary of a loved one’s passing, try your best to push back the appointment.
Think Happy Thoughts – Even if it’s not rain drops on roses, positive thoughts will lift your spirits and hopefully stop you from crying in the spur of the moment. Come up with a few warm and fuzzy concepts before you go so you can call them to mind when needed. Try to stick to general happy thoughts that won’t have your mind wandering.
Game On – Consider this an emotional staring contest and if you cry you lose. Train your brain not to over react by talking about potentially touchy subjects with a close friend or relative before you’re supposed to show up.
If you still can’t keep a curb on crying and there’s a subject that’s just too close to home, you can at least offer a justifiable cause that won’t raise questions about your emotional frailty. A good save is to quickly start rubbing your eye so much that it would create tears if you weren’t crying already. After that you can excuse yourself of simply explain that something has gotten into your eye but you would like to continue talking with them.
Keeping your cool in the interview will let them know you can handle yourself in negotiations. You won’t bring any extra drama to the table and will be a good representative of the company.
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!