Instant Interviews_ 101 Ways to Get the Best Job of Your Life - Jeffrey G. Allen [81]
It’s virtually impossible to interview when some yahoo in a cowboy hat is standing between you and an offeror eating a bowl of chili with a handful of Saltines. So you do-si-do (she leads—it makes her feel like she could be the boss) out into the hall.
If there are chairs side by side, sit. People in facing chairs are psychologically conveying “It’s you against me.” (Standing face to face—sans a cowboy in between—is fine.) People in chairs side by side convey, “It’s you and me against the problem.” You’re just starting to mate, so anything but facing chairs, sit. Facing chairs, stand.
You found out she’s in the jewelry manufacturing business. Forty-five employees and growing. Say: “I wanted to know what you thought about my reviewing your necklace inventory. I’m told I have an eye for fashion and enjoy designing jewelry. I wouldn’t charge you or anything. It’s just my passion, and you seem so dedicated to producing the best.”
What’s she going to say that won’t make her look like a chamber-maid?
Why is she there if not to build her business?
Whip out a card from your left pocket, then your pen (Do 1), and get her card. (She’ll have one unless she left it inside while the junior high swing band was playing “Flamingo Serenade.”)
Going back into the mix is okay for a few minutes, but now you can’t stay. Forget the raffle. You didn’t really need a fruit basket that badly anyway.
Getting instant interviews at a mixer is better than standing on one foot all night.
Thank her as you escort her back to the talkfest, shake hands, look her in the eye, smile, and say, “It was a pleasure meeting you! I’ll call you next week.” (Don’t say anything about an appointment. The walls in there have ears.)
Then find your host (the CEO), give him a handshake, eyeball, smile, and thanks (Do 1). Then ask him if there’s anyone special he’d like you to meet. “Yes,” you stay and work the same routine; “No,” you go pronto.
Then there’s the chamber directory. Call the phone numbers only to find out when the member’s in the office. Confirm the addresses so you can appear like that very magical genie you’ve become since Do 1!
Do 57: Learning to Play Ball from the Blue Crew
This Do is an interview incentive for you.
Relax for a minute and I’ll tell you a story.
Bev and I recently celebrated our thirty-sixth anniversary. (I’m still working on it—second marriage and all.) Bev had never been to a baseball game, so I drove up to Dodger Stadium to get the best seats and scope out the place for the big day. (Advance sleuthing is optional for instant interviewers but mandatory for lifetime lovers.)
Calling or e-mailing the Dodgers is like calling or e-mailing any business these days. If you want to get anything done, I don’t suggest it. Basic information (like office hours and directions), fine. But I didn’t know any first or last names of execs, and certainly couldn’t penetrate deep enough with a cell phone or laptop.
Phones are better for interrupting than interviewing. Don’t try to phone an interview in. You’ve got to be there. Show up.
So I took down the office hours and directions and drove down to the stadium. I was surprised that on a weekday in the middle of the season, nobody was there looking for work.
I overheard the receptionist giving callers instructions on how to apply for a job either in person or online. So I asked her why nobody was applying in person. Her reply: “They just apply online, I guess, and we send them an automatic e-mail confirmation.”
This is why opportunity is smashing down your door. Employers don’t expect walk-ins because there aren’t any. Jobseekers don’t venture out.
Then a short, elderly man hobbled in wearing a Dodger uniform and cap, carrying a Dodger bag. He sat down next