How to prove I am the better (wo)man for the job?

March 3, 2009 7:52 PM

I began an internship at a very small commercial arts organization about a month ago. A week or so into the job, one of the 5 person staff left on good terms for another opportunity. Following her departure, the possibility of a full time position opening up (as replacement) was presented to myself and the other intern, mostly in a friendly manner to make sure we were both interested. Obviously, both of us were very enthusiastic about the opportunity. So here is my question...

Given that the other intern and myself were hired the same week and have obviously both been deemed capable candidates, how do I appropriately assert myself as the better fit? I have volunteered to do extra projects and have done an impeccable job on the work given to me thus far, but I feel as though a small proactive step on my behalf is needed.

Also, I do have a M.A. as well as marketing/consultative sales experience, which is highly applicable to the position. The other intern (a very nice and intelligent guy) is straight out of school (ivy league), but doesn't have these extra credentials. I want to stress these qualifications, as well as my genuine interest in the position, to the director without seeming overly anxious or bothersome. Any ideas as to the best next proactive step???

posted by shrimpsmalls to work & money (7 comments total)

You could (should?) request a meeting with the director to discuss the role and how interested you are in it. You can then talk about your awesome MA, experience, and work ethic while tactfully pretending you're not competing with anyone specific (i.e., "I am awesome" rather than "I am more awesome than Joe").
posted by Meg_Murry at 8:00 PM on March 3

(At the risk of being a cliche, since you're a woman and since you sound hesitant to appear especially aggressive, you might look into how many women approach job interviews compared to many men--(wo)man up and start bragging!)
posted by Meg_Murry at 8:02 PM on March 3 [1 favorite]

Be assumptive by acting--logically, intellectually, but not in an arrogant way--as if you already have the job. Make it easy for the decision-maker to envision you in the position. One of my favorite techniques to get noticed is to think as strategically as possible about the goals of my company and make suggestions as to how a project/client can be improved--beyond even what the position requires. Push your boundaries so that you appearactively engaged in your work and not afraid to learn. Continue to ask a lot of questions--of course, people love to talk about themselves. The key to getting the job is in their answers. Perhaps most importantly, figure out the hiring individuals pain points and address those directly while inserting yourself in a natural manner into the solutions. I'm not a big fan of kissing ass but unfortunately in some cases it has to be done.

Just my three cents . . . good luck!!
posted by eggman at 8:06 PM on March 3 [1 favorite]

. . . and (obviously) never slam your competition, no matter how tempting it may seem!
posted by eggman at 8:07 PM on March 3

One possible tactic:

Provide the management/hr/whoever-is-appropriate with a new cover letter and CV (resume). Do a good job of stressing the assets that you mentioned here.

It might seem odd to provide this, since they'll have what ought to be current versions of the material from when you applied for the internship. However, you could reasonably argue that a new position calls for a new set of materials designed to highlight your qualifications for that position. (This, of course, assumes that position has at least some duties that the internship does not.)
posted by oddman at 8:25 PM on March 3

I run a community arts nonprofit. This may not be your situation, but these organizations are typically high on ideas and low on resources. I always like people who are very organized, willing to take a lot of responsibility and show that they'll follow through on their word. It may sound basic, but I think it's important.

1. I would try to get coffee with the ED and ask about what his needs are, especially for this job.

2. If possible, try to talk to the old person on the phone to get a sense of what she thought of the job, particularly the skills sets needed for the job.

3. You can submit a new coverletter, but I think the important thing is to pitch the ED with your take on the position--for example, if you can propose an organizational system that will improve on how things were before.

Basically, you want to start working in a way where you're already assuming the responsibilities of the other job.
posted by johnasdf at 8:29 PM on March 3

I realize I reread "commercial arts" for "community arts," but I suppose the same advice would still apply.
posted by johnasdf at 8:02 AM on March 4