Everyone is bound to have a bad interview at least once in their life. I define “bad” as a meeting to which no one benefits from. Yes, even recruitment professionals looking for a new gig are prone to the same challenges as everyone else.
I recently met a VP at a national recruiting firm. It took over 4 weeks, a personality profile and a re-scheduled meeting before I met with this person. I could tell the minute I sat down that I had more knowledge and experience in the recruitment business than this person did. Not to say this VP wasn’t a good person (seemed really nice actually), but lack of this person’s industry knowledge made it hard to make a connection to someone who has never been in the recruitment trenches (it’s an all out WAR at times).
At first I was thinking that there must be a better use of my time. My gut was telling me to ”end it quick” but logic prevailed and I was able to sit through it all. I’m so glad I stuck around too. It was not a waste fo my time after all – in fact I gained more perspective and insight than I would have researching the company on the net or talking to ex-employees.
So what did I gain?
The first thing you need to understand is that every interaction and transaction has value, regardless of how minute it is. By meeting with this VP I knew that working along side this person would not serve in my best interest or theirs. I saved myself some grief and perhaps a career damaging move. Secondly, I met another player in the recruitment industry that I might be able to contact in the future – business cards are GOLD!
If you walk away from a bad interview please keep the following in mind. It’ll help build perspective and ultimately enhances your experience.
- NO is a “good” word. If you meet with a company and they say they are not going to hire you then walk away with a smile. The more NO’s you get, the greater the chances of you hitting a YES. In this market it has almost become a game of numbers – and the odds are stacked against you. Keep rolling the dice.
- Use the inside information you have gained and talk to your peers. They may be interviewing at the same company and you just may help them move along in the process. This is good because you have less competition for other roles AND that person will no doubt feel a great deal of gratitude. Favours are often returned down the line.
- Refer a friend. If you know you are not going to get the job then offer to refer a friend who is like yourself or a closer fit. You’ll be doing the interviewer and your friend a favour AND you gain credibility for future employment. It’s a Win-Win situation for the employer and eventually yourself.
- Solicit feedback. If you know you are not going to move forward then kindly ask the interviewer what you can do in order to enhance yourself the next time around. Every meeting is a growth experience but it only works if your intention is to constantly improve yourself.
- Personality – Be consistent and be yourself. If you feel the meeting hasn’t gone your way then don’t fret. As long as you know you put forth your very best effort and remain even-keeled about the results (i.e not overly emotional) that is all anyone can ask.
- Always send a thank you note. Regardless of how good or bad the interview may have seemed, always send a thank you email or card. WHY? Simple, it’s polite and that interviewer may know of other openings in the industry that you may be better suited for.
This article was written by Jay Zaidi – jzaidi1@hotmail.com.
