Wednesday, August 02, 2006
One Candidate's Limbo - Part 1
Last week my daughter had her final interview to become a Product Representative with a major pharmaceutical company. At age 24, her pedigree includes a Bachelor's in Journalism and nearly 2 years as a leading producer in the mortgage lending industry.
I have been with her every step of the way. So treasured are opportunities in pharmaceutical sales that she found herself much like the American Idol finalists, steeped in heavy competition. As a parent I have been a wreck but as her Coach I have had a far better opportunity to witness hours of mandatory preparation toward a winning performance than anytime in my practice.
Considering the staggering competition, it's been repeatedly proven that one's performance in presentation and persistence in pursuing a job offer is as important as what qualifications one brings to the job. The contest begins with the resume, continues through additional appearances and culminates by winning the offer during or after the final interview. Job offers are not a matter of mere credentials or luck, and candidates have far more power than they realize.
This company initially called in 30 candidates and then invited eight back for a second interview. Some returning candidates had direct pharmaceutical sales experience and some were 15 years her senior. With nothing to lose she wrote one last "hire me" thank you note based on the manager's repeated statement that he needed to final the missing piece to his hiring puzzle. With customized stationary left over from the 1990's featuring an embossed puzzle piece, her presentation began with, "I am the missing piece to your puzzle."
This candidate, complete with the talent, image, personality and temperament did all the right things by going after what she wanted. Every step was perfectly-executed and yet she may never be selected to work for this organization. Disappointment will loom large but when a candidate performs this well it's only a matter of time until another sales manager will ask, "When can you start?"
I have been with her every step of the way. So treasured are opportunities in pharmaceutical sales that she found herself much like the American Idol finalists, steeped in heavy competition. As a parent I have been a wreck but as her Coach I have had a far better opportunity to witness hours of mandatory preparation toward a winning performance than anytime in my practice.
Considering the staggering competition, it's been repeatedly proven that one's performance in presentation and persistence in pursuing a job offer is as important as what qualifications one brings to the job. The contest begins with the resume, continues through additional appearances and culminates by winning the offer during or after the final interview. Job offers are not a matter of mere credentials or luck, and candidates have far more power than they realize.
This company initially called in 30 candidates and then invited eight back for a second interview. Some returning candidates had direct pharmaceutical sales experience and some were 15 years her senior. With nothing to lose she wrote one last "hire me" thank you note based on the manager's repeated statement that he needed to final the missing piece to his hiring puzzle. With customized stationary left over from the 1990's featuring an embossed puzzle piece, her presentation began with, "I am the missing piece to your puzzle."
This candidate, complete with the talent, image, personality and temperament did all the right things by going after what she wanted. Every step was perfectly-executed and yet she may never be selected to work for this organization. Disappointment will loom large but when a candidate performs this well it's only a matter of time until another sales manager will ask, "When can you start?"
