Reading · The New Rules of Work with Sho Dewan

Hello friend!

Another week in the books and another chance to connect with you here. On a personal note, I have been really proud of my team recently. We went into the new year with this mindset: let’s try out new shit! And you know what, we are sticking to our word.

Yeah, this Substack channel doesn’t have thousands of subscribers yet.
Yeah, our last IG reel showing a different side of me flopped more than our usual style videos.
And yeah, our podcast rebrand took me longer to shoot than I would have liked…
but we are trying, and I always think TRYING IS COOL.

*Life Update: Game night with my boys recently!*

I’d love to hear from you and what you have been trying to do that’s new. (Reply back to this post and let me know!)

Speaking of trying, I think anyone trying to land a new role in 2026 deserves some credit. It’s a tough market out there! And it could be easier to give up and just wait around for something to come to you. BUT that’s not you! You are a “tryer” and will come out on top.

From what I am seeing from our Get Hired community and friends who are job searching, is that companies are back to hiring this month but the interview processes have been damn competitive. So I want to come on here and share with you 5 things that I think may be holding you back from future rounds or landing the job!

Like anything else, interviewing is a skill that you can learn. So read this article to see where your gaps are first and then go practice your stories in front of a mirror.

You can do it!

Interviews are nerve-wracking. Sometimes, in an effort to be honest or eager, we say things that actually hurt our credibility.

We’ve previously covered phrases you need to delete from your vocabulary and what to say instead. Here are five:

Even if it’s true (and I believe you!), an interview is never the place to vent. When you speak negatively about a former manager, the hiring manager immediately wonders: *”Is this person difficult to manage? Will they talk bad about us when they leave?”

To fix this: Pivot to the future. Frame your reasons for leaving positively. Focus on seeking new challenges or better alignment with your career goals, rather than running away from a bad boss.

You might think this makes you look flexible, but to a recruiter, it screams a lack of direction. It suggests you haven’t taken the time to assess your own strengths.

You can fix this by understanding that employers want alignment. Focus on the specific elements of this job that excite you. Show them why you are interested in this particular seat on the bus, not just any seat.

This is an instant disqualification. In the age of Google and AI, showing up empty-handed reflects poorly on your work ethic. If you won’t prepare for the interview, will you prepare for the actual work?

Be sure to know the basics: Their history, their clients, and their Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Check the recent news for trends they are facing so you can mention them in conversation.

Honesty is good, but telling an employer you want to be their competitor (or that you’ll leave as soon as your side hustle takes off) is risky. Remember, they are investing time and resources to train you. They need to know you are committed to their success, not just your own.

Instead, frame your ambition around growth within the company. Show that you are excited to contribute to their long-term wins.

This is the fastest way to kill the vibe at the end of an interview. It implies you aren’t that interested or you haven’t thought deeply about the role. You miss out on learning about the culture, and you miss a chance to show your strategic thinking.

Always have questions prepared. You can ask about the team, saying that you worked with a competitor before and you’re wondering how does the culture here compare. You could also ask about the interviewer’s success within the company. Your curiosity shows eagerness.

The goal of the interview isn’t just to survive it. It’s to present yourself as the solution to their problem. Clear out these red flags, and let your actual skills shine through.

✅ If you want to nail the "Money Talk"
Negotiating is scary, but leaving money on the table is worse. Here are 3 psychological hacks to help you ask for what you’re worth without feeling awkward.
Read more >>

✅ If you want to impress them after the interview
The interview doesn’t end when you hang up. The questions you ask and the follow-up can seal the deal. Here are the questions that make you look like a pro.
Read more >>

✅ If you want to stand out in a remote role
Applying for a WFH job? The requirements are different. Make sure your resume highlights the specific skills remote hiring managers are looking for.
Read more >>

Weekly Work Wire: Volume 9

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