In this article, I will not suggest to you to apply a painful grip to the HR manager or your future boss if they don't want to give you the job after the interview. There is no need to break someone's hands or tear tendons. Similarly, we will not talk about cosmos and energy. We will talk about a practical principle. It's called "Connect and Redirect."

In life, two guiding principles seem best suited to me. One comes from Aikido: "Connect and Redirect," the other from Karate: "If you don't know what to do, take a step forward." I have always used one or the other during my 15-year career in martial arts.

The principle Connect and Redirect means that instead of fighting with the opponent or confronting them directly, you try to understand their perspective and use their energy to achieve your own goals. In Aikido, almost all techniques are performed following the 1-2-3 principle: Connect, Technique, Control. In life, we can approach most situations similarly.

This is particularly important in life situations where physical confrontation or escalation can only worsen the conflict. In most life situations, you cannot just "strike" like in boxing. Escalation usually harms problem-solving and can lead to a deterioration or even destruction of relationships. Instead, if you convey to the other person that you are on their side and understand their perspective, you can often steer the situation to mutual advantage.

Applying Aikido in a Job Interview

Now let's get back to the job interview. Below, I will provide some examples of how to answer difficult questions in the job interview using the "Connect and Redirect" principle.

Question 1: Why did you leave your last job?

1. Connect: Acknowledge the significance of the question and show understanding.
2. Redirect: Explain the reason for your departure in a positive light and steer the conversation towards your professional goals and how they align with the interests of the new company.

Thank you for the question. I understand that this is an important aspect to understand my career path. My last job provided me with many opportunities for personal and professional development, for which I am very grateful. However, I eventually felt that I had reached my maximum potential in that environment and was looking for new challenges and opportunities to further develop my skills.

I was seeking a company where I could effectively apply my knowledge and experience and also continue to grow professionally. Your offer has piqued my interest because I see great potential for growth in your company and believe that my skills can be useful in achieving your goals.

Question 2: How do you handle pressure and stress at work?

1. Connect: Acknowledge the significance of the question and show understanding.
2. Redirect: Explain your stress management methods and how they help you be an effective and productive employee.

Thank you for the question. I understand that stress and pressure are an inevitable part of any job. I have learned to deal with them by applying several methods that help me stay productive and focused.

First, I try to maintain a positive attitude and view stressful situations as opportunities for growth and development. Second, I use time management techniques such as setting priorities and delegating tasks to avoid overwhelm. And finally, I always make time for short breaks and physical activities to maintain a balance between work and personal life. These methods help me effectively deal with pressure and stay productive at work.

Question 3: How do you feel about working overtime?

1. Connect: Acknowledge the significance of the question and show understanding.
2. Redirect: Explain your willingness to work overtime in the context of task necessity and importance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life.

Thank you for the question. I understand that overtime may be necessary in certain situations to achieve important goals and complete urgent tasks. I am willing to work longer hours if it is truly necessary and if it helps the team or the company as a whole.

However, I also believe it is important to maintain a balance between work and personal life. I try to manage my time and resources as effectively as possible to minimize the need for overtime. This way, I can stay productive and energized in the long run. Ultimately, overtime should be the exception rather than the rule, and I strive to organize my work as efficiently as possible.

This technique is indispensable in stressful situations. As you begin to agree with something, you will understand what to respond next. It is impossible to argue with someone who does not react aggressively.

“Joining and Redirecting” in Politics: Example of the Communist Party of China and Kung Fu

This technique is truly universally applicable, it can be applied both in politics and at home with a spouse.

Example:

In 1949, when the Communist Party of China (CPC) came to power, the Party faced the challenge of managing a huge population and various cultural traditions. Traditional martial arts like Kung Fu were widespread and popular among the population. However, the communist ideology was skeptical of traditional practices as they were considered remnants of the feudal past.

Joining:

Instead of completely banning Kung Fu and other traditional practices, the CPC decided to join the interests of the population and recognize the value of martial arts as a form of physical exercise and national heritage. The Party began to support and popularize Kung Fu by associating it with patriotism and health enhancement.

Redirecting:

The CPC redirected the practice of Kung Fu by creating new standardized forms like Wushu that aligned with the Party's ideological goals. Wushu became a sport discipline that could be integrated into school curriculum and used for promoting a healthy lifestyle and military training. This preserved the tradition of martial arts while integrating it into the new political and social structure.

In this way, the CPC used the technique of "Joining and Redirecting" to satisfy the cultural needs of the population while steering these traditions in a direction that aligned with the new ideological and social goals.

I hope this article will be interesting and useful for you. Thank you for your time, and I invite you to also read our other articles on job interviews.