Dad’s lesson: Do your homework.
I was thinking about my work as a recruiter and remembered a lesson my father taught me many years ago. I was a senior in college and asked him if he had any advice before going to a couple important job interviews.
“Do your homework before you meet them, know something positive about the company that the interviewer may not know.” My father wanted me make a good impression, stand-out in a good way, to do more.
Today the contents of a library are available on your smart phone. My best clients know I am interested in their businesses. I researched one client and learned the CEO holds several patents in his industry. I incorporated that into a conversation with him and prospective candidates. With another I pointed out career path similarities with two candidates and the company president. They were both hired. I learned the CEO’s five-year plan from a client’s annual report and pointed out how a particular candidate can help achieve his vision. Believe me, it can help!
It doesn’t matter if you are going for an interview, making an important presentation, or preparing for a conversation with an old client. Let them know you do a little more, that you work a little harder, know more about them, their company and their goals then the other guy.
It can make the difference between average and exceptional.
Thanks Dad, I heard you.
Recently, our company and community experienced historic levels of rainfall from Hurricane Harvey. My office building was flooded and the community got lots of media attention. As the storm approached the decision was made to close our offices and relocate operations.