drive the next part of the conversation—and where it goes from there. Why only professional stuff? If you use your three minutes talking about your children or your outside activities, you can come across as a less than serious professional. That may be fair or unfair, but that’s just the way some people will see it.
I had a colleague once who asked this question with a very clear intent. He wanted to know what, given a few minutes of unstructured “air time,” you would choose to talk about. He found the answers to be quite insightful. I would agree. You may be thinking, “How can I get all of my professional life down to three minutes?” It’s a great question. Maybe now you can see how important it is to spend some time figuring out your answer to this one before you start picking up the phone or meeting with people.
Ms. Unprepared’s answer: “I’m a really hard worker with a lot of experience. I’ve done a lot of things. I’ve prepared marketing plans, run trade shows, and created brochures. I did a lot of that for my church too. A few years ago, we had a big conference and I did all of the marketing, I like to do big projects, but I can do small ones too. Like the time I organized an event for my boss. That was fun but a lot of hard work. I think I’m best when I have a good team around me. But I can work well alone too. Oh yeah, I am also a Sunday School teacher. I just love people.”
Ms. Prepared’s answer: “I am an events planner. I have experience in developing, planning, and executing events that range in size from 100 to 10,000 attendees. I am at my best when I am involved from concept development all the way up to, and through, the day of the event. I am a creative, strategic thinker who is able to assemble a team of skilled professionals that deliver.
In my most recent position with the ACA, we decided at a very late date to hold a regional conference. It was a very challenging event to pull off, especially with our very limited budget. By rallying our team and our outside resources, (and with a few very late nights), we held an event for 3,000 that was our most successful event to date. Members are still asking when we can do it again. I have worked across industries, and enjoy working with member focused organizations. Their events are highly complex, and they require the full range of my skills.”
Now ask yourself—after reading these, which one gives you the “visual?” Which one gives you an idea about how to be helpful? Which one inspires confidence that this is a professional that you want to either hire or introduce into your network?
Here’s the really important question: which one do you want to be? Do you really think that you can be that person an hour after losing your job? I didn’t think so.
True Story! Really!
Pete landed an interview at his dream company, and had been advised several times to prepare thoroughly. (You can’t anticipate what will be asked, but you can reasonably expect that you will be asked the TMAY question at least once in your search.) He showed up ready for action. The first question? You guessed it. TMAY. Pete froze, and yes, there was pee landing all over his wingtips. He fumbled his way through something resembling an answer. He knew he had not started well, was now at a disadvantage and he never recovered. You can bet he was prepared the next time, but what a costly lesson!
What kind of job are you looking for? aka What’s next?
That’s why you’re calling, right? You are looking for help. Even if you are just calling to share the news about what happened, you will surely be asked this question. I believe that people truly want to help, but you have to help them to know how to help you. Answering this question clearly and concisely is absolutely essential, if you want to enlist their help.
Helpful Hint: “As little as possible” is not an acceptable answer to the question, “What kind of work are you looking for?” My response when I hear someone say this? “I’ll let you know when I hear of someone looking for someone to do as little as possible.” Same goes for answers like, “Sell snow cones on the beach in Hawaii.” Even if that is your fondest desire, think of what message that is sending. If you are joking, you still might leave a little doubt in the minds of the people you are talking to.
Let’s look at two possible ways you could answer the question:
Mr. Not Ready’s answer: “I’m really not picky. I am looking for a job in which I can do a lot of different things. I’m really flexible. I’ve managed teams and like to improve processes. Really, anything. You guys hiring?”
Mr. Ready’s answer: “I’m looking for a position in an organization that is experiencing rapid growth or change and that is looking for someone to drive the process changes and improvements necessary. I am a Six Sigma Black Belt who has a lot of experience in both the manufacturing and logistics industries. In both of my last two jobs, I was in a role where I was responsible for improving a system of processes that were not working well, but were core to the company’s success.
I find that I really excel in high pressure, fast moving environments where process change is needed quickly. For instance, I read that the XYZ Company in Nobletown has just acquired the ABC Company and is in consolidation mode. They are working to integrate their two distribution systems as quickly as possible. That would be an example of an ideal opportunity for me.”
Who do you believe could help you most effectively? If you were an interviewer, which person would you be more likely to hire? Which one do you want to be?
True Story! Really!
Kristyn was a partner in a law firm, and wanted out desperately. When we first met, she said that she was done with the law. She wanted to make a complete career change, but had no idea what to do next. Knowing that she couldn’t begin her search without some idea of what she was looking for, she spent time in the evenings and on the weekends identifying what kinds of jobs appealed to her AND would be a good use of her skills AND would make her happy to show up on Monday morning.
At the end of her soul searching and exploration process, guess what her “new” career was? Attorney. What she discovered along the way was it wasn’t what she was doing that she disliked, it was where she was doing it. She is now working in the legal department at a children’s hospital, and Monday mornings make her very happy.
Until you are ready to answer those three questions, resist the temptation to act. It is almost guaranteed that you will be asked all three. And if you pick up the phone, or get a face to face meeting with someone, and are unprepared, you will most assuredly come across as unprofessional, impulsive and possibly emotional. After all, you jumped before you were truly ready. It’s not a leap to assume that you will approach a new job the same way, is it?
Setting realistic expectations before you start
True Story! Really!
Brad was a Chief Financial Officer in the energy business. He had spent his entire career at one company. On a lark, he applied
