Acting and Interviewing

With the Academy Awards upon us, I am thinking about the qualities of actors who will win the Oscar. The movie and the role are key elements. Perhaps acting in a movie and interviewing for a job are similar.

In an interview, the organization, the interviewer, and the interviewee are like the elements in a movie. I am told that a successful actor spends great deal of time researching the role he/she is to play.  Meryl Street says that her days at Dartmouth where she competed with the male students helped her prepare for the role of Margaret Thatcher.

Much like an actor approaches his/her role in a motion picture, I suggest that you prepare for your job interview.  You should research the organization’s products, finances, and culture.  Further, you should become very familiar with the duties and required qualifications of the job you are seeking. 

Now, I think that you should assume the role of the ideal candidate for the job.  I am not suggesting that you be deceptive or not truthful, but that you exhibit by your actions why you are the best qualified person for the job.

As William Shakespeare wrote in As You Like It, “All the world’s a stage.”  Perhaps your job opportunity will be the stage for you to win an Oscar or a job.

Future interview stars, please share your thoughts with readers of this blog by posting your comments here or emailing me at glynjordan@gmail.com.

          Thanks.   Glyn