Doesn’t the whole process of getting a job sometimes feel like a competition you’re trying to win?  With that in mind today’s blog is a screenplay written as if you are watching a sports event.  The characters are a pair of Commentators (Jim & Nancy) who are giving the play-by-play to the audience (you) on a phone interview between a Recruiter and a Candidate.

COMMENTATOR/NANCY:  We have the potential to see an excellent display of sportsmanship here today Jim!  In this preliminary screening round we’ll be looking to see if our relatively rookie-ish Candidate can appropriately navigate the questions doled out by our seasoned Recruiter.

COMMENTATOR/JIM: You’ve got that right Nance!  Word on the street is that the Recruiter is actually impressed with the Candidate’s experience – he has a solid 2 years at a reputable firm, a university degree in Finance, and he’s put together a slick résumé and Linkedin profile for himself.

NANCY:  By the way Jim it’s ‘Nancy’ not ‘Nance’.  But back to the match at hand… there are high expectations for today’s call.  We’ll see if those high expectations actually come to pass.  Will this Candidate hurdle through to the next round??

JIM:  I know, Nance, I know!  I can feel the excitement in the air!!  The call is about to start – let’s zoom in on the action.

RECRUITER:  Good morning!  So glad we are able to connect today.  To dive right in – what motivated you to apply to the Associate role in the Private Capital Group here at CCB Corp?

CANDIDATE:  Well I’ve learned a lot in the past 2 years here at the Big Moo – sorry Big Moolah Inc.  You probably know we call it the Big Moo for short!  Anyway, I’m just not feeling challenged like I used to and while I’m doing super well here, there just isn’t going to be any opportunity to move up anytime soon.

JIM:  Wow Nance.  That seemed like a strong start.  Confident voice.  Ring of sincerity.

NANCY:  It’s Nancy, Jim.  But yes I agree there is some potential here.  Let’s see what our Recruiter comes up with next.  She’s sounding strong and professional herself.

RECRUITER:  Makes sense.  I’ve heard more senior roles tend not to open up at the Big Moo.  Tell me…  what do you know about CCB Corp?

CANDIDATE:  [small pause]  Well I know CCB is a very successful company….and does great things because of that success…..and its people do very well there….because of its successfulness….. [trails off]

RECRUITER:  Is there anything else more specific you can tell me about CCB?

CANDIDATE:  Well to be honest I haven’t read that much on CCB so far.  I was planning on doing my deeper research for the in-person interview with the Private Capital Group.  

NANCY:  It is not looking good for our candidate Jim.  Pretty rookie mistake.  He started out well, but has quickly shown he’s not brought his game face to this interview.

JIM:  So true, Nance, so true.  A surprising fumble!  I wonder if our Candidate realizes he’s pretty much disrespected the Recruiter??

NANCY:  [with gritted teeth]  You’re right Jim.  It’s hard to take that kind of disrespect.  And remember Jim, it’s Nan. See.  But let’s find out how our Recruiter responds…

RECRUITER:  [chuckling dryly]  Fair enough. Well moving on.  Client interaction is a big part of this role.  If you had to rate yourself between 1 – 10 with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest what would you give yourself on your client communication skills?

CANDIDATE:  Ten!

RECRUITER:  Why?

CANDIDATE:  Because clients love me!

RECRUITER:  [prompting voice]  they love you because….?

CANDIDATE:  I tell them what they want to hear.  What they need to know about their account.  I’m a bit jokey with them.  That kind of thing.

JIM:  He’s confident Nance!  I’ll give ‘em that.  But I’m not sure our Candidate has really provided enough detail in this answer to recover from the death blow of disrespect.

NANCY:  [in a pointed tone]  I would say not Jim.  It speaks volumes about character when someone doesn’t seem to register what has been said.  But our Recruiter is showing that she is a seasoned pro.  She’s definitely controlling this match.  Let’s see how she volleys next.

RECRUITER:  What happens if a client is unhappy?  How do you handle that?

CANDIDATE:  Oh those calls go right to the Fund Manager.  But I always make sure to give the Client the option of voicemail if the Fund Manager is unavailable to take the call immediately. 

JIM & NANCY:  [both Commentators wince]

RECRUITER:  It is good of you to offer voicemail.  Let’s switch gears for a moment and talk about money…..  what kind of compensation are you looking for in your next role?

CANDIDATE:  Ummmm…… I’m not sure we should be talking about money in this first call.  

RECRUITER:  I ask about compensation now because it’s important that I understand if your expectations can be met with our open Associate opportunity. So…..?

CANDIDATE:  I’ll be able to answer that once I come in for the in-person interview.  Then I’ll be more clear on role expectations and have a better sense of what range I think would be appropriate.

RECRUITER:  Well how about you tell me what your current base salary is so I understand what your starting point is likely to be?

CANDIDATE:  I’m not giving you that information.  Again, I think this conversation would be better later on in the process.

NANCY:  Ouch! I’m getting the feeling this Candidate isn’t going to last to later in the process.  What do you think Jim?

JIM:  You said it Nance!  While the money thing is a sensitive and personal topic this Candidate seems to have really boxed the Recruiter in.  And not in a good way!  He really hasn’t given her much in the way to champion him to the Hiring Manager. Let’s see what she does next.

RECRUITER:  [looks at clock]  Ok I’ll just make a note that you will have a lot more to say later in the process.  Maybe you have some questions for me?

CANDIDATE:  No I don’t think so.  I’ll have more questions for the Private Capital Group – so I guess not right now.

RECRUITER:  Well thank you so much for your time on the phone today.  I’ll be conferring with the Hiring Manager about candidates for this role and I’ll be getting back to you as to next steps later in the week.

JIM:  Well there you have it folks.  This round is over.  And from what I’ve seen there isn’t gonna be a next round!  Nance – what’s your take on this interview?

NANCY:  Yes it’s a permanent time out for this Candidate.  I don’t think he really understands how this game is played yet.  It seemed like he was so far ahead of himself in the process he couldn’t really hear what she was saying and respond more appropriately.  [meaningful look at Jim]  But I see a lot of that in this business.  A lot.  But in regards to the Candidate it definitely cost him this opportunity that’s for sure.  He needs good coaching to better understand his mistakes, otherwise I’m afraid we’ll see more of this lackluster play from him in the future.

JIM:  Right you are Nance!  Right you are…  And to you our viewing audience!  Until next time when Nance and I have the chance to comment on the next exciting match up!  [trails off…fade to black]