A Tip for Job Interviews

The New Yorker Website has been hiring a lot of people lately. That means that I've been interviewing lots of job candidates, and I've realized something I hadn't thought when I was on the other side of the table: sometimes you should present yourself as a specialist and sometimes as a generalist.

The difference depends on whether the place you're applying is growing quickly. If it's not, be specific. Explain exactly why you should fill that particular position. Research the job, and make the best case that you deserve it. If applying for a job at a place that's growing fast, though, be more general. They're considering you for that position—and they may also be considering you for other positions. If they aren't, you may still pop into mind when they have their next opening. We had a big search a few months ago for what started as one job. So far, we've already hired three people from that pool and a fourth has become a regular contributor. Everyone we've hired made a great first impression, even if they weren't exactly the right fit for the initial spot.

And here's one more bit of advice, this time for the people doing the interviewing: don't ask any brainteasers.

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