Career and Job Search Advice

When it comes to interview advice we’ve all heard the basics. Arrive on time. Dress professionally. Have a firm handshake. Ask the right questions. Etc. Etc. Etc. I recently heard an interview story though that brought to mind a few new tips that, while entertaining, are very practical. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did.

A while back a hiring manager I know was looking to fill an IT management position. The opportunity was a good one, especially in the current job market. A hiring firm arranged for him to meet two candidates, one right after the other, at a local restaurant. The first interview went well, although fairly average. The candidate had the appropriate experience and was enthusiastic about the opportunity. At the conclusion of the interview, he thanked the hiring manager and went on his way. The second interview never took place. The hiring manager waited forty five minutes for the candidate before calling it a bust and leaving for the airport to return to his home city. Later that day the account manager for the placement firm contacted the hiring manager with a forwarded email from the second candidate. The email read,

“I was at the vet all morning because one of our family pets had to be put down after being diagnosed with liver failure among others. I did get a slightly later departure than I wanted (my fault for not paying attention to the time) and got to the restaurant at 12:45 PM and that was only due to incorrect mapping by Google Maps as illustrated by the enclosed file. The address provided showed the restaurant as being over a mile away in the opposite direction. I stayed until about 1:05PM. Moreover, I accidentally left my cell phone at home so was unable to call anyone including you. I walked and drove around to 4 different locations before finding an establishment with a pay phone and called the my contact at the placement firm, whom, at that time informed me that I was too late and that another candidate had been selected.”

“Anyway, thank you so much for coordinating everything. I would that things could have turned out in a more positive manner but guess it was meant to be. Please extend my sincere thanks, as well as apologies, to the hiring manager for the missed appointment.”

So, as promised, here are a few new tips:
• Display the qualities when interviewing that will give you the ability to succeed (and show up )at the job. It’s important to give the impression that the interview and career opportunity are important to you.
• Be honest; if you say you were fifteen minutes late but the interviewer waited 45 minutes there’s obviously some exaggeration. Companies value honesty and timeliness.
• Spell check and grammar check all communications, even if it seems the opportunity has passed, and always keep your communications professional. You never know who will read your email.
• This one may be the most important so listen carefully: accept responsibility. This candidate was quick to point out all the reasons why it wasn’t his fault he didn’t make it to the interview. He could have summed the situation up as, “Extenuating circumstances kept me from getting to the appointment on time. Please accept my sincerest apologies”.

The story has a happy ending. Candidate One took the job and is doing great. Sometimes someone else’s extenuating circumstances can work to your advantage.