Hello, and welcome back to my series of blogs about my hopes for one day getting a job after graduation! While I’m mostly kidding, this piece of writing does happen to take that tone (much like my last two blogs).
I have recently been reviewing my interview tactics and preparations in order to succeed in future interviews. Something of which I have become aware is that my confidence can often come across as arrogance.
I came to this realization after a conversation with Evan Addams, our guest speaker this past week. Evan and I were discussing a recent interview in which the interviewer was caught off guard by the intricacy of my questions. He would have preferred I asked about compensation and day-to-day tasks, but I was focused on organizational culture, turnover and retention, and about a dozen other “business major” buzz words.
My business savvy, which I thought would translate as impressive, may have come across as stuck-up or pompous. Not what I had intended, but understandable that my tone could have been read as such.
Thinking over this interview, my conversation with Evan, and going through notes in preparation for the midterm reminded me of Pink’s first principles of attunement: “those with less power are better perspective takers.”
I came into the interview oozing confidence and eagerness to impress, but did not take a position of humility and willingness to learn. While asking questions is great in sales, the motivation behind the question should also be assessed. Though I was genuinely curious, I asked my questions as a means to show off my intelligence. My interviewer could see right through this.
If I had come into the situation assuming a position of lower power, I would have been more attentive to listen to the exact needs of the hiring company. After understanding their pain, I could have better sold my skills as a solution to their problem — filling a position involving sales.
Since I have not yet begun selling products, I am finding Pink’s principles and our discussions in class easily translatable to my current situation of the job search. Eventually, these same tactics I am employing to score a job in sales will be crucial aspects of my everyday employment. Fingers crossed.
testacr22 
Trinity Blank 
Ethan David
I really liked when you said that the motivation behind the question should also be assessed. I know when Coach came in to talk he talked about the importance of trust, which could also be translated into one’s motivation behind intention. Good post!
Maddy, thanks for being so honest and upfront in this post! It’s so easy to tell people after an interview “oh yeah it went great!” even if it may not have. Being humble and showing your willingness to learn, while still asking good questions and being interested is such an important sales concept that can be applied to us as seniors while we’re looking for jobs. I’ll have to keep this in mind too during my next interview! Thanks!
The fact that you have these reflective sensors that go off when you know maybe that wasn’t the right play is awesome. I’m sure the whole interview process has been a learning experience, but the fact that you can learn from your own mistakes, seek help and guidance along the way, will only continue to help you in everything you do. Good job Maddy and I wish you the best of luck with your future interviews!