I hate to be the bearer of bad news (actually I don’t, I love being there bearer of this news), but they cannot, will not connect the dots. And at the risk of sounding like Dr. Seuss;
They cannot, will not, connect the dots!
They will not connect them, not one not two
They will not connect them in an interview
They will not connect them for you or me
They will not connect them alone on the sea.
They cannot connect the dots, no how,
because they just can’t see your magic, your WOW
They’re simply too focused on themselves and all the people they’ll see
to see the amazing, stupendous problem-solver you’ll be!
When you show up in a conversation (and I’m deliberately not using the word ‘interview’ here), realize it’s not their job to uncover your magic — it’s yours to demonstrate it. Show up in a way that’s insatiably curious, engaged, communicative. Instead of passively waiting to be asked questions, be INTERESTED in THEM. Talk about THEIR company, uncover THEIR challenges and explore THEIR dreams and visions and what’s possible — because it’s actually not about you. They’re not hiring you for you. They’re hiring you because they are hoping you’ll be able to help them fulfill their vision, and they won’t make those connections. So you do it. After you know exactly what they need, because you’ve approached this conversation with insatiable curiosity, you can tell them exactly how your skill set can meet their needs — how you can help them solve their problem, how you can help them see more, dream bigger, reach further than even they thought was possible. THAT’s when they suddenly realize they can’t live without you and they know: they REALLY want you!
Then, you can talk about the culture, the environment, and what you need in order to join. When this conversation is in service to THEM, you’re an active partner. You’re helping them to share and analyze their culture and future. At its core, this is servant leadership — and you’re leading them — because the focus is on whom you serve and not just yourself. Most people look at this conversation as an interview, a one-way exchange where they ask the questions and you answer them. That is weak, passive and subservient. However, when you realize the “interview” is really a dialogue, a two-way conversation of mutual discovery and exploration about dreams, and possibilities, it becomes powerful and confident, in service to the company you want to join. And simultaneously, not dismissive of you or your own needs.
Own your expertise and value. You will be hired because you are amazing and you can get them places others can’t. You can serve, and you are powerful and influential! You don’t need to be arrogant, mean, or dictatorial — just bring your wisdom to serve something besides just yourself.
Then, you’ll not only nail the conversation, you’ll nail the job. Because YOU connected the dots.
Photo by You X Ventures on Unsplash
