An Unconventional Interview
Mike Kaeding
Real Estate CEO. Solving the US housing affordability crisis with @Norhart. We design, build, and rent apartments in MN. BSc. Computer Science. Workaholic, passionate. Husband & Dad. YPO member.
A recent job candidate had an unconventional approach that worked!
We recently had a job opening. A candidate applied for the job. He had no experience and no relevant education. But he was a phenomenal person looking to work for a company that was doing work he could believe in.
During the phone interview, I questioned him on his technical skills. They weren’t strong, but I liked his passion. So, I gave him a couple of books to read before the interview. I wanted to see how fast he could learn the material.
The day for the interview arrived. He put a great effort forth, but his skills were too weak for what we needed.
So, I stopped the interview. I said that I thought his skills were probably too weak for this position. But then I said I really liked him as a person. So, I asked, what is your passion? What would you really like to do?
He started sharing with us what his passion and strengths were. Then together we started to see how he might fit into our company in a different way.
This was exciting!
Then the candidate said something interesting. He said that he figured this was the way the interview was going to go. He liked the position he was applying for, but he knew his skills were too weak. But he wanted the chance to have the interview so that he could build a relationship with us. His hope was that we would like him enough to still find a place in our company for him.
I don’t know if this technique would work for everyone. It’s definitely an unconventional approach. But it worked this time!
I think it’s important to have faith in yourself as a job candidate because even if you aren’t a perfect fit, another opportunity might arise. And I think it’s important for employers to give each candidate full consideration. Even if the candidate doesn’t work out for one position, there could be something else that he or she would be perfect for.
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Risk and Compliance | Project Management | Operational Excellence | Financial Operations | Operations | Leadership and Strategy | Reporting and Analytics | People Management | Control Testing | GRC | Six Sigma Green Belt
6 年Well said
RCM Executive | AR & Denial Management | MBA in Insurance & Risk Management.
6 年Mike Kaeding your thoughts are right about hiring interviews should not be a trap rather it should be a analysis about a person can perform or not on a particular job description
Lowes MST O/N Travel Merchandising Service Manager
6 年So true Edward, with experience and understanding comes with age. A college degree won't give you that.
Chief Operating Officer, DASflect Corp: a leader in wireless for 25+ years I have designed, built and maintained wireless infrastructure for wireless operators and vendors! DAS, Macros and Small Cells
6 年While I agree to a point, I always try and ask things I know my interviewee does NOT know, to see how they handle the situation. It's very telling if someone is very honest and up-front about something they do not know.? I learned this when I landed my first job in Engineering at NEXTEL.?