Quite the conundrum - Part 2
Peter Kelly
Co-Founder at imployable, improving the prospects for youth through world beating technology | NatWest Entrepreneur of the Year Winner | Featured Forbes, BBC, Telegraph #futureofwork
So in my last post I identified my problems, especially being over qualified and under experienced.
Today I am going to talk about 'dumbing down my CV', and it’s a tricky one.
In order to gain the experience I need I have to go for the lower level positions, my last post received some really great feedback and help from people in all kinds of positions over the UK and recruiters, one piece of advice I was given was to minimise my CV in order to not seem so over qualified.
This is great advice and I’m certain it would work, however on the flip side I have a few issues with this, I have an example below.
Later this week I have an interview, in fact I have 2 but I will give an example of 1 (Please forgive me for not disclosing who with), I have done my research over the course of today, I now know everything about the company, incorporation dates, key players, sister companies, partners, specialities, analysed the website you name it, I even know the person who was last in the job I have applied for. I am a tactitioner, I analyse every piece of (open source) information I can get my hands on and build a picture of the company and ultimately decide if it is a company I want to work for, if they share the same values as me and If I can succeed or be allowed to (Learned from a very painful mistake I made in the not so distant past which nearly see me getting back in to the Marines as quickly as I could). After a whole day of research I have decided that I really really would like to work for this company.
The tricky part, I have already sent them my all singing all dancing CV, so dumbing myself down in an interview will make me seem incompetent or look like I lied on my CV. So this leads me to this, they know what I am capable of and what I have done in the past, yet they invited me to an interview anyway. There is obviously a chance that my CV doesn't quite reflect my skills as I see them but let’s assume the CV is a true reflection and well written. Do they see potential that adds serious value to the company across many business functions and are they hoping to use me in this capacity, should I hope for this and use it to my advantage in the interview. Now I know what you’re thinking...don’t do any more work than you are paid to do...I believe this to some extent as its quite easy to be taken advantage of but on the other hand, who wouldn't want to go the extra mile and add value and become valuable to the company, who knows where that will lead?
Alternatively, do I go in and pitch myself at a level that says I’m good for the job and over time I will develop, then once I am in start shining and pulling out the big guns. The main problem I foresee with this tactic is relationships, business is dog eat dog, and anyone who says they don’t want their superiors job is either a liar, lacks ambition, EXTREMELY happy where they are or is a Corporal in the Royal Marines (I joke). This can be a career wrecker, if a manager is instrumental in a decision that gets you employed and then suddenly you are in the job and pull out the ace card, it can be seen as a severe underhand tactic, making you very unpopular and people above you may gun for you, mainly if you are accelerating faster than them.
It’s a tricky one but here is the twist... I know for a fact that said company is recruiting for another position, now say I believed I would be comfortable fulfilling both roles under the umbrella of a single 'title', and I know you are now thinking... slow down fella (F-Bomb with a 4 finger point), don’t bite off more than you can chew, and I would agree with you however in this instance I really believe I can because I have done it before.
As well as analysing this company I have also analysed the competition, keywords, opportunities, weaknesses, USP's, rankings and all sorts, I really think I can bring some real value to the company in many areas, I am not blowing my own trumpet, I know my capabilities and limits.
It’s an interesting one, the company director and manager interviewing me will be experts in the sector, far more knowledgeable than me, I don’t want to look a fool but I do want to be appreciated for my efforts and strengths. I am tempted to go all guns blazing on this one, especially as I can't dumb down my CV as they already have it, It may just be a case of feeling it when I get in there.
Head of Emergency Management and Crime Network Rail, Visiting Lecturer and MD of Squared Apples.
8 年Pete, a good post and I know your pain, one company invited me back 4 times for an interview before deciding that I wasn't right for the role. I think they were trying to obtain my research into resilience, something said company needed a lot of. When interviewed I sought to find out about the company so I asked two simple questions; what was its leadership model and how were its values ingrained into its operations. For the military this is fundamental, this company the senior reps behind the table on my third interview struggled to give a clear answer. So my honest feedback to you is this; be yourself in the interview. If they don't pick you then they don't value what you have to offer which means you may not enjoy working there. Also, make sure they fit you, they may have different values, confused leadership or just not your cup of tea. Accept a role you feel is right in a company you feel at home with, after all, you will spend a lot of time together.
HR Bus Ptnr @The Royal Marines Charity, formerly The C Group
8 年If they've seen the ' full monty' CV, and have invited you for interview, there is much they are interested in, they like what they see and they want to know more. They will no doubt be assessing you for the job you applied to, but also might see your potential for a different or combination role, depending on what they need. Be yourself, ask questions that show you are seeing yourself in that role ( what achievements they expect from you in the first six months, etc.,) show your knowledge of the company without going overboard, and ability to add value, and assess your suitability for that position as you discover what kind of person they need. Absolutely 'feel it' as you are in the process. It's a a two way process, you need to be checking them out too!
Sales & Sales Management Trainer and Coach. Improving sales performance, culture and outcomes.
8 年Pete your previous post got some great feedback, Im sure it wont take you long my friend
Director - Leadership Capital. Creating the Conditions for Execution.
8 年Peter, we should talk before this interview. Get in touch if you'd like to run your strategy/concerns past someone.