Today’s Talent… Not Your Mom’s Job Seeker
During our last economic downturn, many professionals who had not been on a job interview in a very long time (or even considered a job change), found themselves “out there”. The rules had changed and they had A LOT of competition. Job seekers found that their education, experience, work history and “just being themselves” wasn’t enough to beat out competition for the limited available positions…
Nowadays the tide has shifted in the employment waters, with the improving economy and a low unemployment rate. This poses new challenges for employers who need to fill key positions within their organizations, as the rules have now changed for THEM. The term ‘job seeker’ no longer adequately describes the person sitting in the interview chair. In place of the ‘Job Seeker’, I’d like to introduce you to today’s coveted job seeker – ‘The Talent’.
Advice on how to “nail the interview” is now needed more by the hiring authorities/staff who need to “get the hire”. You see, ‘The Talent’ isn’t worried. He/she has multiple opportunities in addition to their current employer, who is doing whatever they can to keep them from leaving for a competitor. ‘The Talent’ is also more knowledgeable and much wiser about the interviewing process.
Not too long ago, I was representing a top notch Insurance Executive for a job at a Fortune 500 company. I did, as I have for the last eighteen years of my recruiting career, go over some interview tips. Some were basic: what to wear, where to go, and which information to research. I then shifted to more sophisticated tips, which are something akin to the profiling you see on a TV crime drama; from the specific hot buttons, to personality quirks of the interview panel, to wearing a red tie or accessory (a power color). Let’s revisit some of them, but apply them in reverse -to YOU, the employer:
1. Dress for success. If ‘The Talent’ takes the time to present a polished image that exudes professionalism and success, hiring managers, you should do the same. For example: It is not acceptable to wear your faded polo shirt, have chipped nail polish or go too casual. Even if it’s casual Friday or a laid back environment, you are making a first impression -possibly the only one your company may get to make.
2. Arrive at the interview early. Never miss an interview, and if you have to cancel (for an emergency) let someone know ASAP. ‘The Talent’ most likely has a job and they are using vacation time or sidelining projects to meet with you. Adequate time should be carved out to meet with ‘The Talent’; scheduled with the same priority you do as any business meeting with your boss or an important client.
3. Print copies of the candidate’s resume for each of the interview panel, and review their resume prior to the meeting. Nothing is more off-putting to ‘The Talent’ than being told that you haven’t had time to read their resume and reading it while the candidate watches you do so.
4. Turn off all cell phones/devices. Don’t look at your computer monitor, phone and make sure doors are closed for privacy. Multiple job candidates have told me how frustrating it is when an interviewer takes calls or answers an email during their interviews.
5. Provide feedback and timely response. When you interview someone, timely feedback is required, even if the person is not a fit. Doing otherwise is unprofessional and demonstrates the decision-making abilities of the company’s leadership, the importance of employees and overall organization of the company’s objectives.
6. Don’t speak negatively about The Talent’s former or current employer. It is good to promote the positive points about your company; however, speaking negatively about The Talent’s current or past employers is not acceptable. Keep in mind that ‘The Talent’ is not necessarily unhappy in their current role, and they may simply be exploring their options for career growth.
I urge you to get to know this new breed of job seekers. Prepare, do your research, “court” them, do whatever you can to impress them. I guarantee you that the better impression YOU try to make, the further you will get in the interview process with them.
-Robin