Instant Interviews_ 101 Ways to Get the Best Job of Your Life - Jeffrey G. Allen [66]
If I walked into the lunchroom, smashed the glass on the fire alarm, and aimed the hose, nobody would have missed a chew.
I had a few things going for me, though. I knew how to get hired. I just hadn’t figured how to get interviewed yet. But I knew my boss, the vice president, could do that for me. A great guy, but tough as nails. A bodybuilder.
I remember walking into his office as if it were yesterday:
Jeff: Skip, I need to talk to you for a few minutes.
Skip: What now? I told you we submitted your tuition reimbursement request a few weeks ago.
Jeff: Thanks. Actually, it’s about me leaving here.
Skip: What? I just wrote what a valuable employee you are in your performance appraisal. Besides, you’re not a fancy lawyer yet.
Jeff: Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk about too.
Skip: Okay, let’s hear it. Sit.
Jeff: Wait—I’ll tell Zelda to hold your calls. I’m going to have to resign (closing the door).
(I didn’t ask him to have his calls held or ask to shut the door. I now was the boss. If we’d had cell phones then, I would have told him to turn his off.)
Skip: Oh, fine. Just what I need. We’re right in the middle of a big bid.
Jeff: Look, I have to study for my finals. Bev’s doing the best she can, but our future’s at stake. We’ve got the baby on the way, and I just made editor of the law review.
Skip: I know you, Allen. What’s your plan?
Jeff: You do know me. So you know I wouldn’t leave you in a lurch. And I know you wouldn’t leave me in one, either. (He really was a great guy, and this gave him a chance to prove it again.) I won’t be able to work full-time anymore, but I’ll find, train, and job-share with my replacement for the next three months. You’ll continue to pay me as usual. In exchange, you’ll arrange for me to interview with anyone you choose at least three times a week. I’d like something law-related.
Skip: So I’m doing outplacement now?
Jeff: Yes. Except that you’re doing it because you can, not because I’m paying you.
Skip: I do know a lot of people. I could do that at the health club. (He went there every morning with our CEO.)
Jeff: That’s why I’m so fortunate to have you in my corner—and in my life.
Skip: How are you going to recruit a replacement?
Jeff: My assistant, Agnes, can do this job.
Skip: She doesn’t have the experience.
Jeff: (Gulp! Better think of a zinger fast. Finding a replacement would take time I can’t afford.) I’ve got enough experience for both of us. You can keep her at her current salary for six months, and I’ll even help you review her performance.
Skip: It sounds like a plan. But what will we tell everyone?
Jeff: I don’t see any reason for a big announcement. I’ll just make sure this all works out. That’s the least I can do for all you’ve done and will do.
Skip: You know it’s my pleasure. I’ll just lie about you and get it done. (He was only half-joking. I was no prize.)
Jeff: I’ll give you a background summary to keep you honest.
Skip: Three interviews a week, right?
Jeff: Yes, and I’ll work around the clock if necessary to keep my end of the bargain.
Skip: Who’s going to ask Agnes?
Jeff: Leave everything to me. I’ve got you covered.
Skip: I’ve got you covered too! I’ll start making some calls.
I spent the next month helping Agnes learn what she already knew. I must have had 30 interviews. Skip kept me busy—I think he enjoyed his new mentor duties.
Something cosmic happened that day. I went from desperation to inspiration. What an empowering experience to just tell my boss what he already knew and to have more than his blessing—to have his guiding hand.
I interviewed with a clear conscience. Got a great gig. The next rung on an endless ladder that I’ve been climbing every