Are you tired of feeling like you're wandering through the desert, searching for that one burning bush of a job opportunity? Do you get the interviews but never seem to land the position? It's a frustrating feeling, but don't lose hope just yet! With a few adjustments, you can turn things around and land your dream ministry job.
First things first, make sure you're presenting yourself well during virtual interviews. With Covid still going strong, video calls have become the norm, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your background clean and tidy (no one wants to see your dirty laundry or unmade bed!), invest in a ring light to brighten up your appearance, and dress in a nice shirt with a collar (sorry, V-neck tees don't cut it). And if you're not sure what makes for a good or bad interview setup, check out Room Rater for some examples (just be prepared for some colorful reviews).
Next up, don't wing it during the interview! Sure, you might have a quick wit and the ability to think on your feet as a pastor, but in an interview setting, it just looks sloppy. To keep your answers on track and concise, try using the S.T.A.R. method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Briefly describe the situation, explain your role and responsibilities, describe the steps you took to overcome the challenge and share the results you achieved. And don't forget to practice a few short, humorous stories about your ministry accomplishments to use as examples during the interview.
Third on the list ... avoid coming across as cocky. It's important to be confident during an interview, but there's a fine line between confidence and cockiness. Don't brag about your accomplishments or put down others, and remember to show appreciation and humility. Instead, focus on your strengths and how they could benefit the church or organization.
Last but not least, make sure you're tailoring your resume and cover letter to each specific job and organization. It may take some extra time, but it's worth it to show the employer that you're interested in their specific position. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, and don't forget to proofread for spelling and grammar errors – mistakes like that can immediately disqualify you from consideration.
With these tips and tricks in mind, you'll be well on your way to landing your dream ministry job. Just remember to stay positive, stay determined, and never give up! Like the 1997 hit song "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba says, "I get knocked down, but I get up again." You've got this!
Do you need some help thinking through how to find the right staff member? Or maybe your team needs a little coaching. I'd love to have a conversation with you!
Mark Maestas
Mark Maestas is an innovated and passionate Pastor with over 20 years of experience leading at a high level. He is known for both building and bringing teams to their full potential with his passionate vision and collaborative leadership. In 2002, Mark and his wife, Jamie, founded Maestas Consulting that specializes in helping both Churches and Non-profits. Mark has worked on Executive Teams at several churches to include Sagebrush, Southeast Christian (Denver), and Journey Church. Mark graduated from Howard Payne University (summa cum laude) and Denver Seminary (magna cum laude). He currently lives in Bloomington, IL with his wife and three sons.
