What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “[tag]Yogi Berra[/tag].”
Admit it–it was most definitely NOT that he was perhaps the greatest catcher in baseball history, or that he held baseball records for almost thirty years, but you thought of all his famous quotes. They are even called by their own word: [tag]Yogisms[/tag].
After an amazing baseball career, it’s almost sad that we remember him not for catching almost 100 World Series games, or being a world champion ten times, or fielding 1,000% for an entire season, but for his mangling of the English language with quotes like: “This is like deja vu, all over again.” Or, “You can observe a lot just by watching.” Or, “baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical.” Or, maybe even “nobody goes there any more, it’s too crowded.”
Funny. And, the more he talked, the funnier he got.
I see the same thing happening with job seekers, especially during initial interviews. The more they talk, the funnier they get.
So, words to the wise, pay attention to what you are saying. This is not the time to “shoot the breeze” with the interviewer, I don’t care if they do seem all friendly and “cool.” Almost everything you say will be judged and re-played. I have heard interviews played back almost verbatim between interviewer and hiring manager, long after the applicant has left the building. “I asked this, and she said this,” sort of thing. Words do matter.
The winning interviews are natural, sure. Please realize it is permissible, even legal, for you to practice the interview, how and what you are going to say. Learn to tell a story about how you can bring value to the company, using your own background or experience. Tell it in an engaging way in two minutes…can you do that?
Give me an applicant who knows how to lead with this statement—”I have been doing some research into your company and here is how I can help…”—and if what comes next is engaging, interesting, on point and is delivered well, chances are pretty good they will be in our lineup.
Don’t find yourself saying later, as Yogi was quoted , “I really didn’t say everything I said.”
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When I was a kid, I wasn’t a catcher – but I always thought of Yogi as the greatest clutch hitter I’d ever seen. He ALWAYS came through when they needed it. It goes to show that if you are the greatest catcher in baseball, the interview doesn’t matter and they will still find a place in the lineup!
For the rest of us mortals, your advice above is spot on and invaluable. Where were you earlier in my career?
He was always my favorite, too. Plus he was so darned good looking too.
“Dad” as usual, makes a good point. It still amazes me the degree to which a lot of folks don’t really prepare for an interview. Maybe it’s because they are comfortable on one side of the desk and have forgotten that being on the other side is a very different experience.
If you buy the notion that 50% of getting any job is getting yourself across the desk from the decision maker, why would you not invest significant preparation time?
Great post and discussion. My question is … how would GL do at the same interview? Check him out at Brain Based Based businness!!!!
Dave…I think it was Dick Bolles who recommended that every HR manager go through the application once a year. Methinks it should be the CEO.
GL,
I grew up as a Dodger fan so I remember Yogi all too well. Once they left Brooklyn, I cashed in my fanatical interest in baseball. Now, I have adjusted to the point where I don’t talk about the game much, I just wear my tee shirt that says: “I root for only two teams, the Red Sox and anyone who beats the Yankees.”
And for sure your advice as usual is well taken. Sort of reminds me of the old adage for effective sales folks: they should do 20% of the talking and 80% of the listening.
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