Dynamic, collaborative relationships are desired. Most companies that I get to work with are
often eager to find professionals who understand how to make an impact with the
skill set they have while being respectful of the authorities in place
already. Smart employers often seek to
find these exceptional people with vigor.
So, where are these people?
Do they exist? After speaking
with some of the ones we get to work with at Humareso, I would say 9 out of 10
have become discouraged about the talent pool.
Whether it’s a non-committal attitude, a desire for a list of all
benefits offered by the company prior to the first interview or an awareness
that the depth of work ethic displayed falls short of what’s actually needed in
the workplace, these employers have dejection written on their metaphorical
faces.
People, let’s display what should be displayed, not just as
an appearance, but as a true picture of the qualities we possess. Do I think that all candidates fall into the
descriptors above? No. However, do I think that these employers are
wrong? No. They are responding to what they see. And remember, what they "see" is not always
viewable.
I sometimes wish that everyone’s skill sets could be viewed,
such as what a model has to do for his/her interviews. Show me what you can do. You can sit all day and tell me how great you are, but it’s better when I see you get up
and walk the catwalk. The tangibles are
visible. How do you move? What does your face do when you walk? Do you capture the look we want? It takes about 4 minutes to know. So, theoretically, can you show what you must
in 4 minutes?
Most potential employers conducting interviews say they can
tell within a few minutes if you have what it takes. So, if the interview is a half an hour or
longer, what is happening in the interviewer's mind? You’ve got to make a quick, competent
impression as an applicant. The
shortfall here is part of the reason that these potential employers feel that
there is a lack in the talent pool. They
struggle to know what you know because it’s not presented in a coherent
way. If you have four minutes, what do
you want to share? Practice.
OK, naysayers, I hear you.
“Yeah, but John, when I walk into an interview, I don’t get to dictate the
questions.” After years of witnessing
interviews, I would have to say that more than half of those times begin with a
potential employer asking one of the following questions to start out:
- Can you tell me a little about yourself?
- Why are you leaving your current employer?/Why did you leave your last employer?
- Why did you decide to apply for this position?
- Why should we hire you?
Think about what you can do with the answer to any one of
these questions. Can you give them a
great snapshot of your competencies, personality and work ethic in four minutes
by answering one of these first questions?
Heck, yeah (Sorry, I will tone down the language moving forward). Practice what that response is. Look in the mirror and work it out.
However, I have to address those who do practice the
answer. Can you act like you believe
what you’re saying? The words are not
the only important part, but the facial expressions, body language, inflection
and lilt in your voice, etc., too.
Robots are not attractive and will not communicate who you really are
(unless you really are a robot, and in that case, please be sure to check “other”
in the Self-Identification section of the application). Being believable is done when you are
believable. Crazy, right?
Authenticity begins with a belief in who you are and a
confidence in it. You might not be a fit
for every company, but you are a fit for a company. Your disillusionment with the process of
finding a job can be seen clearly in the first four minutes, even if you’ve
practiced your answer. The spark in your
eyes is dim, the life in your voice is weak and the enthused body language is
replaced by a slouch. Be prepared, yes,
but be engaged, too.
I do believe that the talent pool needs to get stronger in
certain skill sets (technology, written communication and mathematics) and in
presenting those aptitudes. I believe
it takes work to get the job you want to get.
I don’t believe that you should just hope it works out. Rather, work it out. Do what you have to do to be enthusiastically
ready for an interview. Share with those
potential employers why it would be great to have
you as an employee based upon a clear and vibrant expression of your
competencies. Believe in who you
are. You’ve only got four minutes.
