I have probably interviewed well over 2000 candidates over my 30 years in the recruiting/employment business. They have ranged from entry level to C level and from sales people to PhD level scientist. Basically there is no background or field I have not interviewed. Through all of this I have learned that everyone starts their search having gone through basically the same thought process to decide what they want.
Obviously everybody gives some level of thought to what they want to do but for the most part their analysis focuses on duties, responsibilities, tasks, title and money not in any particular order. I’m sure that most people reading this are thinking, OK, so what? What else is there? What are missing are the most important criteria. What will make the new employee happy, content, fulfilled and committed for the long haul? After reviewing what a candidate thinks he is looking for I ask the following question. Other then duties, title and compensation (base salary) list the criteria that must be present for you to enthusiastically accept an offer on the spot. List what will make you happy in order of importance.
Since I had taken away duties, title and money I am first answered with silence and a blank stare. With continued encouragement I start to get answers like “challenge”, “culture”, “work life balance” etc... He is starting to get the idea and is on the right track but everybody uses these words. What specifically do these words mean to this candidate? Exactly what will satisfactorily challenge him? How will he be challenged and most important how will he identify and evaluate the presence of the required challenge during the interview process.
I take the candidate through this analysis for each criterion he comes up with until he gives a resounding YES to the following question. If all of these criteria (I list them) are present and you are offered reasonable compensation you will without hesitation accept the offer on the spot, correct?
You should put yourself through this same exercise. Figure out what is truly important for you and your families happiness and well being. Come up with 5-6 critical factors that must be present, understand exactly what they mean to you and how you will evaluate/identify each during the interview. If you do, the interview will go smoother and your decision to say yes or no to an offer will be painless. You will also see that the importance of money diminishes. Try it. Happy hunting.
This is absolutely correct! I did this exercise for my transition plan and was amazed about the results. It also helped me to develop a “job rating” system to focus my search.
Posted by: Andreas Rueter | May 30, 2011 at 11:05 AM