| Pornography is "hard to to define," but "I know it | | | | Interviews with executive-level candidates tend to be |
| when I see it," wrote former Supreme Court Justice | | | | more conversational in nature as opposed to |
| Potter Stewart in 1964. | | | | rapid-fire Q & A sessions. The participants |
| Chemistry between two individuals is another gray | | | | generally view themselves as business-equals and |
| area that can be equally difficult to explain. In the | | | | most employers recognize that candidates at this |
| context of a job interview, how is it you can have | | | | level, particularly those recommended by a search |
| two candidates with comparable backgrounds, | | | | firm, are highly qualified and in-demand. It was during |
| experience and skill sets: one the client loves while | | | | this 90 minute meeting that I watched the chemistry |
| the other they could care less if they ever see again. | | | | between these two parties begin to develop, then |
| You may be thinking, "That's obvious: it's a | | | | take a dramatic turn downward, only to slowly |
| personality issue"--and I would agree, to an extent. | | | | reignite and begin to build the foundation for a |
| But you don't have to dislike someone's personality | | | | business relationship. |
| to not have chemistry with them. I've interviewed a | | | | Good conversation should unfold like a tennis match |
| number of very likable (and capable) people that for | | | | with the two players volleying equally back and forth, |
| whatever reason did not make a favorable | | | | not like being shot at on the other side of the net by |
| impression on the client. I'm always trying to uncover | | | | a ball machine. When one side either dominates the |
| the criteria (experience and skill sets notwithstanding) | | | | conversation or doesn't equally contribute with their |
| that the hiring manager is going to use to determine | | | | own thoughts and observations, chemistry rarely |
| the candidate's suitability for their job. | | | | develops. No one likes to be interrogated. An |
| Psychologist Albert Mehrabian said that 93% of | | | | acquaintance of mine is a reporter with a local |
| communication is non-verbal--the spoken word only | | | | television station and talking with him is like being on |
| accounts for a mere 7% when delivering a message. | | | | trial for aggravated homicide: one intensive question |
| I agree that body language and tone of voice are | | | | after another with him rarely giving any commentary |
| significant factors when it comes to effective | | | | or opinion of his own. Almost as bad is sitting on the |
| communication (and developing chemistry), but I | | | | receiving side of an "information dump", where the |
| believe the spoken word plays an equally important | | | | other person goes into mind-numbing detail about |
| part. Not just the quality of the message, but the | | | | topics and issues that are hardly relevant to the |
| quantity of words used. Let me explain: I recently | | | | discussion. |
| had the opportunity to participate in a group | | | | An interview is but a snapshot of both parties |
| interview with a client who is hiring for a VP-level | | | | involved: it's a first impression to determine whether |
| position. Since the majority of the companies I work | | | | or not a potential relationship can develop and flourish. |
| with are outside of South Florida, I don't often get | | | | Whether you're a hiring manager or job seeker, keep |
| the chance to sit-in on the candidate/client meeting. | | | | the "volleying" analogy in the back of your mind |
| But after this particular one I think I'm going to start | | | | during your meeting. Give chemistry every |
| insisting on it because the insight I gained was | | | | opportunity to develop and you'll find yourself making |
| invaluable. | | | | better employment decisions. |