The Interviewing Game, part one
I am a single man. I'm not saying that so you search your Facebook friends for a possible set up for me, but I say it merely as a statement of fact. Although I’ve been in the dating pool so long that my fingers and toes are all wrinkly, I feel very blessed to say the longest relationship in my life actually is the one that I have with my career, which I genuinely love.
If you find yourself in the position of filling a job opening on your team or finding a job working with a team you will love, the process can often feel much like a date. With this being the case, I’d like to share some common rules of dating that easily cross over into interviewing—no matter what side of the table you sit.
1. You gotta be in it to win it. A person won’t get a date if all he/she does is sit on his/her couch and watch television. A person has to get out there, on social media sites, through community activities, at bars, by network through friends, etc. Likewise, a person won’t get the interview they want if all they do is stay at a computer constantly revising their resume. And a recruiter won’t get the targeted professional if they aren’t spreading the word about the opportunity - in the right spots.
In today’s age of technology, no matter where you are in the country, you have access to join a professional organization that focuses on your industry. Whether in person or online, many of these will offer networking opportunities that could connect you to the right people to find the position or person you really want and need. The focus needs to be sharing your availability and being present. When looking to find or fill a position, it’s not the time to be a wallflower. Join the dance.
2. Have something nice to say. You can learn a lot about a person from the way he/she talks about past significant others or a spouse. The more negatively the picture is painted of previous relationships, the more insight you have into the person's personality and pattern. In the same way, going into an interview and disparaging your previous employee or employer often reflects more negatively on you than the person or company you are describing.
If at all possible, it’s best to avoid the negative remarks. While certain difficult situations may have directly initiated the interview taking place, work to share the most realistically positive view of all circumstances, while still being honest. Word choice is key because, let’s face it, you’re both measuring each other up. It might be a great time to practice the old adage, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
3. Show what you want. Too often in dating, opportunities are missed because people don’t clarify what they want. Whether shy, insecure or merely a poor communicator, ships pass in the night because one or the other didn’t send the right signal at the right time. Similarly, career opportunities are missed and jobs are not offered simply because one or another did not voice what they really want or need.
If you are interested in a new opportunity within your current organization, pursue it. Share with the appropriate parties how you are qualified and what you can bring. If you have a position in your company right now and you know the perfect person for it, share your interest in him and her. You may think that person is on Cloud 9 where they are, but you never know. Whether the brass ring is a new position or an incredible candidate, always try to reach out to grab it.
4. Don’t overdo it. “Needy” is not one of those adjectives you would want to include in your dating profile.
While you shouldn’t be afraid to be open about your goals and intentions with interviewing, as with eating, exercise and everything else in life, you’ll want to keep it in check. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Desperation is not a draw—whether desperate for a job or desperate to interview a candidate. Proactive persistence is good; stalking is not. There’s a fine line, and you don’t want to cross it.
5. Confidence is key. Have you ever seen a mismatched couple? Those that might have one person in the relationship that somehow seems not to fit well with the other—either based on physical appearance or social standing. How did they come together? The chances are high that one or both demonstrated such strong confidence that any other factor didn’t seem to matter. Confidence can work wonders.
Entering an interview fully knowing the value you can bring to the company, or of the strengths and resources your organization offers its employees reads almost instantaneously. Humility is an admirable trait, but overdone, it can put a damper on the confidence you need to demonstrate in an interview. If there’s ever a time to toot your own horn, this is it. Be proud of your accomplishments. Share them. And remember: Head held high, straight posture, firm handshake, strong voice… nonverbal language sometimes speaks louder than the words you say.
Next month, I’ll wrap up with five more tips on interviewing… Until then, go out there and get ‘em!
