MaxiMeyer.com

I’ve had the opportunity to interview several strong candidates (and some weak one’s) over the past few months for various positions at our company- here are 10 qualities and actions that have stood out to me:

• Quality follow-up response: When someone takes notes during our discussions and follows the interview with a quality recap of what we talked about with a few value added nuggets for our company- it’s rare and refreshing. A follow-up “thank you note” is one thing, taking the extra time to address something we talked about… better.
• They’ve done their homework: A few people have stood out simply by answering the question, “So, what do you know about Pinnacle?” They studied our website, talked to a few clients, employees, or asked around about our reputation…
• Positively Persistent: The best ones have followed up on a regular, positive basis- many times continuing our discussion with value added articles, events of interest, attended our events, and seem to continue to learn about our company.
• A Moving Car: Mark Beeson has always said, “It’s easier to do something with a moving car than a parked car” meaning… if someone has energy, is self motivated, and action oriented- attractive. Philosophers and sages of wisdom that don’t do anything- not so much…
• Genuine Character: When I know someone has integrity, it matters. A few indicators that scare me off: “It’s all about me” attitude, bashing previous employer, a sense they’re working too hard to tell me what I want to hear, or overly complimentary.
• Demonstrated Leadership: If I feel like we can’t find the “perfect fit” of skills and/or experience, I’ll hire a leader. People that can make a decision, accept responsibility, will do the heavy lifting, and can drive initiatives. They may not have all the “technical” answers, but they’re confident and competent enough to navigate their way to effectiveness.
• Self-Assured: Those who are comfortable in their own shoes, can talk freely of who they are, who they’re not, without apology= you’re in the top half of all candidates. Don’t be desperate, directionless, or tentative.
• Lifetime Learners: The best are pressing in, reading, and have appetites for learning. While they’re seeking, it’s clear they’re filling their time with positive, building activities. It makes me think they’ll “dive in” when we hire them and will be able to learn what they don’t know…
• They Welcome Feedback: One person mentioned they have 2 or 3 strategic people in their lives to give them input on what their next steps should be, another thanked me for a few concerns addressed… we don’t have time for games, we need a team that’s real and can sharpen each other…. Defensiveness and excuses are normal. Superstars seek out editors in their life.
• They Admit What They Don’t Know: New team members are going to encounter too much “new” as it is… the last thing we need are people trying to “fake” their way through waters they’ve never navigated without asking questions. It’s OK to admit what you don’t know in an interview in my book.

We’ve got some great people and great days ahead as we build our team… What qualities would you add?

Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate on a panel discussion at GCC(thanks to Kathy Guy and Mark Waltz for their leadership) on finding a job, networking and more in partnership with Michiana Career Network. Seriously, the web is full of resources to get help with resumes, templates, how to interview, and more.

Do you want to be part of the first 20% of the people that will get hired?

• Do the basics well. Clean, attractive resume, practice interviewing, etc. Essentially, spend 6-8 hours on the web looking at the resources, take notes, and build a plan for your resume, interviewing, networking, and action plan. Normal? Wing it, hope something happens… there’s tons of resources for me to spend too much time on it… one I found on Twitter: thejobsguy
• Everyone needs an editor… who are you practicing an interview with, reviewing your appearance (your bushel of hair coming out of your ear is not helping you), tweaking your resume, etc? We all have blind spots, get help. Normal is going at it alone…
• Focus on building relationships, not finding a job. Networking is about proactively talking with people, understanding needs, and getting the opportunity to tell your 15-30 second story.
• Understand if A + B= Getting a Job You’re only in control of “A”, the things you can control. “B” is all the things you can’t control… timing, divine intervention, etc.. You being unemployed doesn’t define who you are… keep focused on what you can control and do that.
• Surround Yourself with Positive Influencers… the people around you should be encouraging, expanding your network, expanding your ideas on what industries you could be part of, and giving you helpful input. Turn off CNN and the unemployment reports if needed. You become who your surround yourself with. Normal is finding and reciting the list of excuses of why they won’t and can’t find a job.
• You’ve got 15-30 seconds to tell me a story about you that I could potentially repeat to prospective employers for you. If you confuse me, I won’t talk about you. If you inspire me and give me easy “handles” to talk about you, I may be the one to find you a job. Develop your 15-30 second story, make it crisp, and tell it to everyone you have an opportunity to meet.
• Have coffee twice a week with a new connectors/person to review your plan and ask their advice/input on your job search. Practice your 15 second story, have them interview you, review your resume, and build a new relationship. People love giving advice. Be willing to take it, connect, and sharpen your plan and story.
• Be real and authentic. Employers like to see a genuine person with integrity willing to show their hand and be real. It’s something/someone they can trust and will get straight information from…

Most people have a resume, look in the newspaper, Monster.com, and send out a smattering of inquiries hoping to get a phone call. That’s normal.

Those who take it to the next level will be noticed and will be at the top of the stack as the economy turns around and a new position needs to be filled. Will it be you? Are you doing the work now to be positioned for the turnaround?