Responding
I am amazed at the way people respond to requests.
I just placed an ad on a website looking for a webmaster. The ad was short, to the point, and listed 4 specific needs I have.
I have gotten 10 responses, only one of which addressed my needs. Guess who I’m going to call?
The content of the other 9 was strikingly similar. They all told me about their qualifications, who they worked for and links to examples of their work. They were so busy telling me how qualified they are that they forgot to address my needs.
This isn’t an isolated example. Back when I was in the broadcasting business, I interviewed hundreds of people for positions. The number of people who answered my questions specifically can be counted on less than one hand. They were so wrapped up in their rehearsed response that they responded poorly.
It was like interviewing politicians. Sometimes I had to be rude to get a specific answer.
Here’s a tip: If you’re going for a job interview, answer the question that’s asked. It will give you a leg up on 90% of the other applicants. People are so tangential with their responses that they miss the point and miss the opportunity.
Also, ask questions. Do some research on the place that’s going to provide your paycheck. Reminds me of a story . . .
Many years ago I interviewed for a radio job in Kansas City. I did a little research on the market and found out that a big name radio talent in Kansas City was off the air and was unavailable for 6 months due to his contract with his former employer.
During my interview, the general manager and the program director asked me many questions and I responded to the best of my ability. Then I asked them a question. I said, “Are you interested in hiring the big name talent who’s going to be available in 6 months?”
They were both taken aback by my question because no one else had asked it. If he was on their radar, this was going to be short term employment for me. I wasn’t going to commit to anything less than two years because it was a major move across country for me and my family.
There was only one job available there. When they called me back after the interview, they told me they had offered that job to someone else, but liked me so much that they were going to offer me a job in another time slot. I would have liked to believe that it was solely my on-air abilities that impressed them so much to create a job for me, but it was the question that made me stand out. They both mentioned it again the day they hired me.
When people ask you questions, respond to all that they ask. And then ask your questions. By doing so, you show interest and, who knows, you may open a door or two for yourself along the way.
All the best,
John
http://cdbaby.com/cd/johnmorgan
http://www.cafepress.com/grasshoppernote/3580301
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