When I was managing the Progress Software web development team, I traveled to India and spent two weeks interviewing and hiring a team of web developers in Hyderabad, India. It was one of the best trips of my life but I’ll leave that for another post.
Many of the candidates brought family with them. Not one family member, but many family members. And they didn’t sit in the lobby and patiently wait for the interview to be over. They were active participants in the interview process. Sitting in the room with their son, daughter, brother, sister or cousin. Listening to the questions and responses. Nodding their head in agreement or subtly shaking it from side to side if something was said that they didn’t like. At first this threw me for a loop, but as the days progressed I got used to it. It was just how the interview process was handled in India at the time. Companies were chosen by families, as much as companies chose candidates.
I have been job hunting for 4 weeks now. One of the many things I’ve learned during this process, is that I am awful at verbalizing my worth and how I can help a prospective employer. It has reminded me of my trip to India. I know what I’m capable of, I know I can help, I know my background and I know my skills are excellent. But I stink at verbalizing it. I hear other people talk about me. About the work I’ve done. About what I’m capable of — and people seem crystal clear as to how I can contribute after listening to them.
So – for the prospective employers I’m speaking with…I want to work for you. Please talk to my Mom and she’ll tell you why I’m worth hiring.
Hi Naomi,
I could relate to what you said in two ways. First I am job hunting myself. and I’ve been facing the same problem. Second, I was one amongst those whom you interviewed while in India
I think over there parents are a little over protective so they seem to be a part of everything that their children do including attending the interviews
.
Good luck with your job hunt and I am sure you will get the best job on offer.
Neelima
Thanks, Neelima. My interview process has brought back good memories from my trip to India! I wish I could bring someone of my best supporters with me on my interviews. They do a much better job of pitching me than I do!
Naomi. Perhaps you should bring Annalise on interviews. Who could reject that adorable face? Seriously, here is why any company should hire Naomi:
1) She is a talented web marketer that is a pioneer in social strategy for the B2B market.
2) Naomi is very analytical as well. Driven to make sure she is making the right decisions for her employer.
3) Get things done on time, under budget, and with a flair. You know those people that no matter what you give them they seem to juggle everything. Somehow Naomi is one of these people. Maybe you should teach work/life balance classes?
4) Admired by her team. Don’t believe me? Look at her recommendations on LinkedIn. I have seen people that she reports to and report to her. It was clear the respect, admiration, and genuine support she had from both groups.
Now go get them tiger!
I think you should bring a plate of cookies with you to your interviews. As the interviewer is chewing on that oatmeal-raisin-y chunk of pure delight, he or she is sure to have their eyes closed and nodding. Pick that exact moment to say, “So the job is mine, right?”
All kidding aside, I am one of those team member Pauline mentions above, and she couldn’t have said it better. Naomi’s web marketing talents are unmatched…and she brings cookies.
Think I can print out your list, Pauline, and just take that on interviews with me?
Thanks for your kind words.
Ha! Cory – you just reminded me that I need to get my “Just Because” mail-order cookie delivery service off the ground. We’ve spoken of it before — and it think now is the time. Stay tuned…
Hey you should do the cookie thing and market to college kid families. You have no idea how I would kill to have rockin homemade cookies in the dorms! People would eat that up! hehe!