Just walk away...

Recently I have found myself in several interview situations which left me really appalled at the lack of business acumen that was displayed. I am going to share one of these stories with the hope that it helps interviewers, as well as candidates, make the most of opportunities.

It started with a simple email inviting me to an interview. The company seemed to have a very professional approach and through the emails that were exchanged I was initially impressed. In these exchanges, they sent me in-depth information pertaining to the position, which I was able to use to create a presentation of what I could offer in this role. I spent many hours compiling this document and studying it so as to be fully prepared for my interview. My preparation even included a “drive-by” the location, which was in a city setting, so as to locate parking.

The day finally arrived and my preparation seemed to pay off. I arrived the customary 10-15 minutes early and was ready for action. I took a seat in the reception area and began my wait. And, I waited. And, I waited. Finally, 20 minutes after my appointment was scheduled to begin, two gentlemen came out. One was a candidate for the same position I was interviewing for and the other was the interviewer. Definitely awkward! What made it worse was the interviewer didn’t even offer an apology. Honestly, I was somewhat offended. Did they not value my time? If they couldn’t properly schedule interviews, what would it be like to work for them?

I didn’t say anything and the tour and interview proceeded. The general atmosphere of the company was strange. People were working in isolated offices with minimal interaction. For the first 45 minutes, the interviewer didn’t stop talking long enough to ask me a question! When another interviewer joined us, it was clear to me that they had not reviewed my resume or presentation. While I was prepared, they were not. Sure the job was a perfect fit for my abilities and skills, but I left with serious reservations about their culture and my experiences there. Since the actual job duties where very close to my capabilities, I proceed to send a follow-up thank you and I accepted the opportunity for a second interview.

When that day arrived, once again I arrived 10-15 minutes early. Can you see where this is going? I waited and I waited and I waited. 35 minutes passed. Not only was I waiting but the candidate who was to be interviewed after me arrived and was waiting with me! It was ridiculous. On top of these indiscretions, many of the people that I was supposed to meet with were walking around and never stopped to apologize and explain. This was the second time it happened and with such blatant acts of disrespect, I walked. Yes, I walked out. I don’t care how intriguing the position might have been; clearly the culture would not have been well suited to me. If they couldn’t display common courtesy and manners in an interview situation, what would it have been like to work for them?

A few days later I received an email. It included an apology, a note that they considered me a strong candidate and of course a very defensive explanation of their actions. They didn’t get it. I knew I was a strong candidate – they didn’t need to tell me that as a person knows when they have aced an interview. They completely missed the point that while I may have wowed them, they certainly did not wow me. Their lack of business acumen cost them a strong candidate. Companies need to remember that they are not only interviewing a candidate, they themselves are being interviewed. On the other side, candidates really need a critical eye when looking at a company. Sounds harsh? Think about it – is it better to take a job regardless of the warning signals and be miserable OR is it better to walk away and wait for the right opportunity.

To sum it up, here are your take-aways for this week:

1. On both sides, first impressions count as do seconds and thirds. Make the most of these opportunities.

2. Companies, please act with courtesy and respect. Act as if you were the candidate. Be prepared and be on time. If you are unavoidably late, make the candidate comfortable. Bring them to a conference room or office so they are not in an uncomfortable situation. Show respect to win the strong candidates. By doing so you are embracing business acumen and attracting the best people to move your business forward.

3. As for candidates, in preparing to present yourself don’t forget to look closely at the whole picture. Look carefully at interactions and culture. Admittedly, you might HAVE to take a job but if at all possible make sure it will be a good fit for you, not only in the sense of capabilities but also what you want in an atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to walk away. Something better awaits – I am sure of it.

The age old adage applies here: treat people as you want to be treated. To do so will only increase your business acumen.  Remember, business acumen is more than numbers - it includes the entire experience share by customers, employees and prospects alike.  Embrace it and you will prosper.  Ignore it and they will just walk away.

Finally, I hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season. I look forward to sharing more stories with you in the New Year and I truly hope we find our successes together.