HirexFire: Handling Adversity and Transparency
H I R E ╳ F I R E
You can learn a lot by witnessing what NOT to do in interviews and throughout the recruiting process at large. We’ve pulled together a few cringe-worthy scenes with life advice to interview and be interviewed better than some of Hollywood’s best.
A Lesson from The Pursuit of Happyness on
Handling Adversity & Transparency
"I'm the type of person that if you ask me a question, and I don't know the answer, I’m gonna tell you that I don't know. but I bet you what, I know how to find the answer. and I will find the answer. is that fair enough?"
"Chris, what would you say, if a guy walked in for an interview without a shirt on? And I hired him? What would you say?"
“He must have had on some really nice pants.”
What a great scene (and movie)!
Chris Gardner illustrates exceptional persistence and diligence in landing an interview at the prestigious Dean Witter brokerage firm in Pursuit of Happyness. As the day of the interview nears, Chris is met with some unexpected challenges and shows up looking unprepared and disorganized.
Chris's circumstances as a candidate are extraordinary - but the fact that as job seekers and employers, we will deal with unexpected events and circumstances that will throw us off-plan and force us to adapt in real-time is not.
TO THE EMPLOYER:
For many interviewers and hiring managers who are used to being involved in the hiring process, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture and the humanity of the individual candidates during high volumes of recruiting activity. After dozens, maybe even hundreds of interviews, most interviews lose their rigor and enthusiasm for representing the company, and as a result, the experience for the candidate can suffer.
While Chris's entrance and appearance was highly unusual given the job he was applying to and their culture, many candidates actually do experience something unexpected before or during an interview - their cab was late, a kid was sick, they spilled coffee on their shirt, etc. Many times, you can see it right on their face. You know the look!
As an employer, this is an opportunity to deploy kindness and empathy to the candidate - an extra 5 to catch their breath, a glass of water, or a "hey, no worries - happens to all of us.” Maybe they don't end up getting the job if their mistake was in fact egregious - but the impact you will have on the candidate in that moment in providing an empathic, understanding response will have a significant, long term, and positive impact on the candidate experience and his/her perception of your employer brand.
TO THE CANDIDATES:
First, shirts are highly, highly encouraged for interviews - we do NOT recommend the Chris Gardner approach!
Secondly and a bit more seriously, we've all been there. A late train or cab, a rip in your clothes, a stain on your resume, something or anything that brings you panic, uneasiness, or frustration right before an interview. Almost always, it's out of your control.
Chris's initial response was typical of someone in his position – "I've got to think of a story.” But what happened next showed more about Chris' character than any scripted answer he could give – he was honest. It might not have been the best response to give him the best chance to get the job, but it demonstrated that Chris was willing to give up the job than compromise his character.
HXH BOTTOM LINE
We're All Human
That's it – that's the bottom line. Don't forget it!
