Page 8 - James Caan - Get the Job you Really Want

‘No, forget it.’ Nevertheless I did ask one of my team to pop
downstairs and explain that we never do random appoint-
ments, and to say sorry, but there were no free slots available.
While he went o≠ to convey the message, I got on with the work
I was doing.

Unknown to me, even after having been given the bad
news, the guy in reception had simply asked what time the
o≤ce closed, and carried on sitting there, waiting patiently. It

happened that I had a meeting in the City later that afternoon,
and at four o’clock I came out through reception and left the
building.
Suddenly I sensed somebody behind me. I turned round
to hear, ‘Hi, James. My name’s Greg. I saw your advert for an

investment manager, and although I don’t have any of the
qualifications you’re asking for, I know I can do the job.’
I looked at this guy and couldn’t help smiling, because even

while I was thinking to myself, ‘What a cheek!’ I had to admire
the fact he had worked out that, since he didn’t have either the
right degree or the relevant experience, this was the only way he
was ever going to get hold of me.
So I said, ‘My car’s parked round the corner. You have exactly

one minute until I get to my car to tell me why you think I should
give you an interview. Sixty seconds, starting from now.’
Greg gave me the pitch of his life – essentially telling me

that although he lacked the specific academic qualifications,
and hadn’t worked for a top accounting firm, in practical terms
he had done the job. ‘I’m determined,’ he insisted. ‘I’m hard-
working. I’ve read your website. I know the business you’re in.

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