Interviews from Heaven, Hell, and Comedy Central -- 3rd in series: Best

Here is the third in my series on memorable interviews -- in hopes that one of these experiences might improve yours. So far, I've written about my strangest (funniest) interview and my worst interview, so why not move on to the Best?

I'm not going to bury the lede here. The best interview was the one I didn't know I was on. A close second would be the one that pretty much assured I had the job before I went in. Both examples remind us to "pick up the phone when it rings," as a mentor once told me. Be open to opportunities, even if they may not seem perfect. Have a positive attitude. Aim to be helpful.

The interview I didn't know I was on:

Five years into a great job, I was caught in a layoff along with 40 other people, mostly middle managers. The rationale: our out-of-market parent company needed revenue, and our division was a cash cow. This move came as a huge shock and was a big eye-opener. (After that, I bought my own life insurance and started freelancing as back-up, which eventually allowed me to buy small business health insurance when needed.)

Still fairly young, I had been foolish in thinking that strong performance and good rapport equated with job security. Not the case. Apparently, those things pale in comparison to internal politics and the bottom line. (So, a word to those in similar predicaments -- chances are, it's not about you.) Still, it stings.

But support is helpful. Our laid-off group would meet regularly for a burger and a beer. We'd share resources, leads, and learnings. We'd laugh a little, cry a little, get to know each other better. Years later, it would pay off.

Once I could think clearly, I accelerated my freelance outreach, while looking for full time work. It just so happened that I lucked into something atypical -- helping a doctor market a corporate health newsletter from his home, while he was at work at a medical facility. That turned into a wonderful part-time arrangement because I could reduce our daycare costs.

Since my layoff was not hostile (the HR person had tears in her eyes when she handed me the paperwork), I stayed in touch with former colleagues. When my old boss called and asked if I could "help his friend with something," I said sure, figuring the guy needed a brochure. I didn’t over-prepare. I took a few samples, a resume, and a direct mailer with testimonials. The fellow's office was located in an impressive Boston high rise, far grander than many places I've worked. (I think I ogled the room as I sat there.) We talked about business, people we knew, and his vision for the industry. I was very relaxed, almost flippant, waiting to him to convey his needs. I never presented a hard sell nor touted my successes. Just had a lovely conversation.

I was confused, though, when he offered to show me around their new space. I remember asking myself, “Why on earth is he doing this?” but I figured he was proud of the accommodations. When we returned to his office, he asked, “So when do you want to start?” I was dumbfounded. All I could sputter out was, “But I’m going on vacation next week.” He thought that was funny and ribbed me about it for a long time afterward. Fact is, I started promptly upon my return and spent a good five-plus years there, learning a lot. He even let me pick my title.

Obviously, my former supervisor had put in more than a few good words, for which I am eternally grateful. Fact is, this was not a path I would have known about, were it not for him. So, getting an inside scoop is a huge advantage. Keep your ear to the ground and mingle with those-in-the-know.

***

Some years later, after detouring to a nonprofit writing position, I got a call from someone who had been caught in that very same layoff. He, too, had risen above it and was now Publisher of an educational magazine. "So, do you want to come work with me? We need 20,000 more circulation." I was taken by surprise, but also excited, because I do love a challenge and needed to restore my salary. Within days, I was meeting with their team, and hours later, had an offer in hand. I gave the appropriate notice (still in touch with many of those good people at my writing post) and embarked on a new adventure.

Takeaways:

• As with falling in love, the best things happen when you least expect it.
• Stay in touch with people. Follow their successes. Know where they land.
• Continue to hone your core skills, even if you're working on something else.
• Sometimes an advertised job may not be right for you, but an unadvertised one could be a match. Show up -- and you may get in at the ground level.