My Story
Early in my career I realized the importance of FIT. Fit was key to the success of a good candidate, a great team, and a strong leader.
Within the first year of working at my Company I boldly applied for a Senior role within my own department – but within a different area of the department (it was a huge department). The role was posted in an area that I desperately wanted to be a part of. AND most importantly I was more than qualified to throw my name in the hat for the job.
The area I was in was not perceived as ‘cool’ as most of other areas. The projects coming out this ‘other’ area were new products in the market, exciting, sexy, and their budgets were much much $$$ bigger.
Don’t get me wrong my current team rocked – – I was in my early twenties, and almost everyone else on my team was pushing over 20 years with the Company. Needless to say, I actually in the BEST learning team to be a part of. They were so much fun to work with, and treated me so well. But I still craved to try new things, hang with the younger crowd and climb the corporate ladder every chance I could!
The Bad
Senior roles like this one came up frequently – frequently having someone already ‘acting’ in the role. It was always easier to put someone in acting who was in the department and who knows the role and team (learning curve was nil).
In my area roles like this never came up, when people left the group/retired – the roles were removed and their jobs were given to me (budget cuts).
For this Senior posting I was 100% qualified for this job, but 100% knew going in I was NOT getting the job if I applied. I was missing one of the most crucial pieces – FIT. Now of course I can fit ANYWHERE – lol. BUT the role was already occupied by a a very good friend. She had been ‘acting’ in the role for the past six months. She really was perfect candidate – she was the perfect FIT. She already a part of their team, she was doing a GREAT job, well respected by her peers (and me) and it was a great promotion for her. The job was pretty much already hers if she wanted it – she just had to go through the process of locking it down….politics of the Company.
Lesson Learned: FIT Matters!
The Ugly
For me though I needed to show that I was interested and qualified for this role – regardless that I knew going in that the chances were beyond slim of winning the role from her. I would go down fighting per-se?
To prepare for the interview I researched, practiced, prepared and was confidence in my skills and abilities (and no I wasn’t super annoying confident).
I CRUSHED the interview!! The interview was a breeze – and it was fun! I knew when I left that room I had made an impression. I mentally had the job.
Why? Why such negative talk — The company I worked for required all positions to be posted, and all interviews to have set questions, and for the answers to be graded. This makes the selection process easier – highest score wins….but this system failed as it didn’t factor in FIT.
The Good
Normally I would have gotten an email indicating that I “was not the successful candidate” – also known as PFO email. However, in this situation the hiring director wanted to meet with me – so I was super confused. Maybe I did get the job?
Def PFO – Please Fuck Off. A term normally associated with emails or letters about not getting a job/role/position. They are the most coldest of cold letters.
I was Sh*%#g bricks when I entered the room for this meeting. I was nervous and excited. As soon as I sat down she made the ‘sigh’, gave me the pity look, and I knew I didn’t get the job. My heart was breaking of embarrassment as now I had to sit there and have the “conversation”. This is where most Leaders fail – I assumed I was going to get coached on how I could have done better. I assumed she was going to point out all my faults. Such a vulnerable moment – I wanted to cry…and so I did…which makes you feel so much worse and even more embarrassed.
She passed me a tissue and then told me I had actually won the position……on paper, but they were giving the job to the girl that was already in the position. She told me how proud of me she was, how professional I was in the interview. She didn’t serve any shit sandwiches – it was such positive feedback. She coached me to NEVER GIVE UP.
Def Shit Sandwich – Saying something positive, and then something really shitty, and closing with something positive. Worst form of coaching possible!
The reality was the girl was already in the position and she was doing a fabulous job! She fit in with the team – not that I couldn’t — but she momentum was already rolling with her and there was no reason to stop it. She was the perfect person for the role – and yes I was very happy for her.
SO YES OF COURSE I was OKAY with this. But not going to sugar coat it — the pity in me was bubbling over – in the form of ugly tears when I left her office. The loss hurt so bad not because I didn’t get the role – it was because I learned something huge. It was going to be sooooo hard for me to find a role outside of my current team as most (all) positions for advancement had someone already acting in the position. The chances of me finding a truly vacant position was going to be an uphill battle….a battle that I would have to fight (metaphorically) over and over again if I stayed with this Company.
Was I willing to fight?? Damn Right I was!!! I didn’t give up. I eventually won a position – and continued to climb the ladder….one PFO after another ;).
Lesson Learned:
FIT IS KEY. Don’t ever underestimate the value of fit!
– In all my interviews and team hiring I always look for FIT first in an interview – skills got them into the interview.
– Fit is a two way street – the leader is looking for a fit in their team, and the interviewee should also be looking to see if they want to fit in this team!
– In order for a work relationship to work FIT is the most important thing to ensure success.
Transparency is one of the highest form of respect
– Be honest – don’t sugar coat, don’t shit-sandwich anyone, tell it how it is….be professional and kind.
– Don’t be an asshole – if you can’t have these tough conversations, please don’t. You will cause more harm than good….trust me!
Don’t give up – duh!
– Just because you know you are not going to ‘get the role’ for what ever reason, if you are qualified go for it. Be prepared – study, research, practice and above all be present (confident).
– Be okay to not get it! Learn to lose – and to learn from it.
– Interviews like this are fabulous ways to learn more about other areas, as well as let the hiring leaders/HR know who you are and your abilities. These are your personal sales opportunities on you. If it is not this position – maybe there is another one that could work.
Are you looking to get ready for an Interview? Or
Are you a leader looking to improve your interviewing skills? Or
Do you suck at telling the hard messages?
If you need any assistance with any of the above I am your Coach or side-Kick! Let’s work together to make it better for you and/or for your team!
Stop procrastinating. Stop avoiding developing your skills and drop me an email. Let’s get to work and keep you moving forward.
Photo Credit to – crying/fake happy , interview