Interviews
Q
"On the phone"
I am going into a telephone pre-screen interview before this company decides to fly me to
their headquarters. I have read your book and I am concerned how I begin this process. I
am ready to start demonstrating that I can do this job. I do not have enough information
about the interviewer to determine their comfort level. Should I react 'normally' during
this interview or should I try and divert conversation to how I would do the job?
A
First of all, you can only do this on the phone with the hiring manager, not with
HR.
Second, never "divert" a conversation -- not on the phone, and not in person.
"Guide" is more like it. It takes a little finesse, and a little diplomacy. If
you're unsure how to bring it up, ask the interviewer, "Would you like me to give you
an idea of how I'd tackle this job?" Then take the interviewer's lead, especially if
you're on the phone.
If you don't know anything about the interviewer, let them take the lead in the
discussion, then at a comfortable point ask what brought him or her to this company, and
what it is about their current project that they find challenging. This is a good way to
steer the discussion toward the work.
Not all managers feel comfortable with candidates who are ready to show their stuff. You
have to make them feel it's their choice to let you do this. So be gentle. If you're
talking with a good manager, they'll give you some room.
Remember: never come off like a know-it-all, or like someone who thinks s/he's going to
step in and "take over". Take it slow. Show what you can do "with
permission", and then ask the manager for their feedback. For example, once you've
done your demo, ask "How would you approach this work if you were the new
employee?"
I wish you the best.
The Headhunter
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