Don’t Just Stop at an Interview, Job Shadow Your Way into a Career - (W9:D3) Debt Free Millionaire

Shadowing - If there are only a few interviewees and the manager doesn’t have a lot of time to interview you, or has already interviewed you and wants to see you in action, they will ask if you would like to shadow them, to see how they work. Always accept the invitation. This is not as much for your benefit, but to see how you interact with other employees, to see if you are a good worker, and to see if the interviewer will like you after a hard day of work. Remember, the manager will be working harder than you during the day, with much more responsibility and they want to show that to you, so they will most likely pack the day with things to accomplish. This can also show that they are interested in you. You will need to bring your A-Game.

Before the Shadowing Appointment:

1. Work around their Schedule – Do everything possible to meet when it is convenient for them.
2. Know the Details - Before you show up, make sure you are clear on the details. 
3. Appropriate attire - Make sure to ask beforehand what clothes you should wear. Do not wear a suit if you are going to dig in the dirt. You can ask for an itinerary, so you know how to prepare.

While Shadowing:

1. Show up early - This is an interview in action, and they want to make sure you will not just show up, but be early - since it’s a better indicator of how you will work if employed.
2. No phones - Put your phone on silent and keep it out of your hands. If you pick up the phone while you are shadowing, you most likely will not get the job. Show them that the job and this opportunity is very important to you.
3. Your best self - Present your best self with your body, non-verbal language, and speech.
4. Be positive and interact nicely with everyone you encounter - while you are with the manager, and while he is away. Others are watching, and the manager will most likely ask for others’ insight on you.
5. Be prepared to stay later than they ask. Managers have a job to accomplish, and this may be longer than the normal workday. Offer to stay to help with things afterwards, until they leave for the day, if they are accepting of this. You don’t have to do this after you are hired, but you are showing them that you work hard.
6. Get out of your comfort zone and ask to help wherever you see a need. They want to make sure you are a good fit, and who could be a better fit than someone who takes initiative. 
7. Take plenty of Notes - Bring a notepad. Remember, the interviewer may have the position you ultimately want. Take notes on what they are doing, so you can work towards that position. 
8. Ask plenty of questions to show your interest, and that you are trying to understand everything.
9. Earn the Position - Remember that you are not entitled to this job. This is how you earn it.
10. Reflect on your Career Path – Prepare to answer more personal career questions, spontaneously, in this interview. Prepare an answer to why you chose this position or job posting. This is a less formal setting, so don’t act like you have all the answers. Be humble and willing to, instead of making up an answer, ask a question to clarify, or gain advice from the interviewer.
11. Be curious, yet discreet – Show your interest in the interviewer and the position. Watch them for reactions, and empathize where possible. Practice active listening. Also, don’t cut them off.

After Shadowing: 

1. Send them a thank you note – Like after any interview, send a personalized note, to stay at the top of their mind, and the list of potential employees.
2. Remember to follow up with an answer you promised, or a task they gave you.
3. Follow up a week later, about the job, by asking a question in a quick, easy-to-respond-to email.

After you have the job offer, if you still feel loyal to the company you work for and think that a promotion would satisfy your disengagement, then go to your current employer and explain the situation. Do not go empty handed (without another job offer) because if this meeting doesn’t go well, you want something ready and solid to fall back on. When speaking to your employer, tell them why you began looking, but tell them that you are loyal to the company, you like your co-workers and that you just need a change. Then, let them know you would like to stay, if they can make it viable to keep you. This then puts the ball in their court, giving them the chance to act; if they don’t want to, or can’t, you must then act on what is best for you. You gave them a chance, though. Remember, most employers do not want to lose someone that shows initiative, by bettering themselves with more education, or going out and experiencing job hunting for a better job.

Union Members - If you are working with a union, tell the union representative what you are doing. Your employer may not be allowed to promote you because of union rules, so asking for a promotion may not be a viable option. Unions are set so everyone is treated equally. Those who work harder cannot have an advantage, unless a different job becomes available - and you will still have to apply for that position. If there is not a job available, the employer is not allowed to offer you more money. This may be the best time to get out of this job and find one with an easier success ladder, where you can work harder to get ahead of the rest. 

If you take the time to become better educated or find a better position, let your current employer know and tell them you will stay if they offer you a better position. They know they would lose a lot by letting you go. They would then have to go through the interview process and potentially pay the new employee more, due to newer and higher salaries for that position. They know that they are in a hard position, because you will save them time and money and you are already educated for the current position. They want you to stay, if that will keep you engaged at work.

Read additional articles, including: https://careers.unl.edu/resources/job-shadowing-a-pathway-to-professional-insight-and-growth/ https://career-advising.ndsu.edu/resources/job-shadowing-preparation-and-tips/ https://hbculifestyle.com/job-shadowing-questions-for-hbcu-success/