In Job Search Rule #17 I said:
"The unwise candidate treats a job search as if he is waging war. He views getting his resume in front of the right people, passing a phone screen, and securing an interview as mini-battles to win on the way to victory."
I can always tell when a candidate has this approach to his job search and frankly it makes me kind of sad for him. Why? Because it is a defensive, self-focused, and unproductive approach to an interview. Here's a fundamental truth about HR Reps, Recruiters, Managers, and anyone else you may interview with: They really want you to succeed!
If I am interviewing you, then I have an open position and that probably means that some work is not getting done. I have likely already screened through several other resumes, and I've made time in my day to meet with you. Since I am a rational, productive worker, my goal is not to torture you, but to have a positive outcome for my work.
Ask A Manager addresses this concept in a recent posting on How to Answer: What are your Weaknesses? He says:
"When I'm interviewing you, I'm not your adversary, so don't treat me like one by trying to snow me. If you're a good fit for the job, I want to find that out and hire you ... and if you're not a good fit, I want to find that out so that I don't put you in a job that you'll struggle with and even risk getting fired from. Assuming you want to land a position where you'll thrive, this should be your goal too -- and honesty is more likely to get us there."
So next time you go in for an interview, relax and be confident - the interviewer is on your side and wants you to succeed!
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