Interviewer vs. Interviewee

The Interview. This is a process most, if not all of us know well. Many people relish the challenge, while others fear the potential rejection.

Interviews are, without a doubt, very important. They can very well determine the course of your life for many years to come. It is very important to take it seriously and put yourself out there in the best possible way. Think of your strengths. Think of your weaknesses. Think of ways to overcome those weaknesses. Be prepared. Organize your thoughts. Be clear. Be concise. Be the best that you can be. Remember, they aren't giving you a job, you have to earn it.

I want you to consider the trait of selfishness, or the opposite of selflessness. It probably not something that comes into mind too often during the whole interview process, whether it is during preparation or the actual interview itself.

You Are Selfish.

Have you ever stopped to think about the person on the other end of the interview? No, didn't think so, you only think about yourself and the job YOU want to get.

Why the bitterness you may ask? Let me tell you.

I was put into a position by Bob today to give an interview I was not prepared for. He had scheduled the interview at the same time he had an important conference to attend. 15 minutes before the interviewee arrived, Bob phoned to let me know he wouldn't be there, and that I should take over, and get a feel for this new potential hire. Most importantly, I should look for that certain "twinkle" in his eye. You know, the one that shows he is genuinely interested.

I have always believed that the best way to introduce yourself to new people is with humor, so I started the interview off with a few jokes.

"We don't get any benefits, we are payed below minimum wage, there is no business plan, and the cafeteria food is terrible!" I said. Our new interviewee's eyes widened and I could see the terror creeping in. "Don't worry, I'm just messing with you! The cafeteria food is actually mediocre." I quickly said to lighten to the mood. He cracked a smile and chuckled and we continued with the interview.

Calling on experience from past interviews of my own (not including my GenTechs interview, lets just say that Bob has interesting methods) I began to show him around and explain just what we do here at GenTechs (as a side note, many of you may be wondering just what exactly we do here and I wish I could tell you, but we have signed a NDA with ourselves). After that I sat him down and asked him a few questions about his work experience, and a few about how he thought he could best fit in here. We spent the next 10 or 15 minutes discussing various work related issues until I thought I had done the best I could and said that we would be in touch.

Bob rang about 30 minutes after the interview had ended, wanting to know how it went. I proceeded to tell him the questions I asked, and the answers that I received. I told Bob that even though he did not have any prior experience, I thought he could do fairly well. Bob said "Let me tell you a secret." I listened in closely. "None of that stuff matters," he said, "did you see the twinkle?" "The what?" I asked. "The twinkle in his eye, you know, the one you can see when he is really interested." Bob continued on, explaining how in addition, you need to sell the company to the interviewee. He explained to me that just like any other business negotiation, you need to sell your company, tell them how great it would be to work here, let them know that its about the opportunity to learn to grow, and most of all that its just a great opportunity, its not about the money after all.

So in the end, I guess I am not actually bitter. At least not bitter towards Bob. More bitter at myself for not taking better advantage of the opportunity he gave me to learn how to interview and hone my interviewing skills.

Until we face off again, interviewee, I will be waiting, and I will be prepared.