Page 127 - James Caan - Get the Job you Really Want

waiting for you to pick up on. ‘I notice you won Best Newcomer
in Pharmaceuticals last year; that was an interesting achieve-
ment. Who were you up against?’ And the minute you ask
that question about a time when they had some glory, they of
course sit up with a big smile. You’re talking about their success,

which is di≤cult to do with a glum face, and the conversation is
under way in a very positive vein. You are engaged in a dialogue
already.

Even if the interview is taking place in a rather sterile
meeting room – as it often does these days – you can pick up on
something you spotted while you were sitting in the reception
area, where the same kind of certificates and awards might be
on display. ‘While I was waiting in reception, I saw you guys

have picked up a Product of the Year award: which product was
that for?’

Minimizing the surprise factor

Unlike your C V – the creation of which is completely under your
control – each interview is something of an unknown quantity.

But you can do plenty to minimize being thrown o≠ your
stride. The best interview is going to be the one which contains
the fewest surprises – no hidden traps – because you have

thought through the process in advance. And you have taken
the trouble to get to know the job you are applying for. Nine
out of ten people have a very superficial idea of the job itself.
They might know the basic details from the job ad – Marketing

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