Interview help? A matter of paying dues.

October 7, 2015 7:54 PM

On Friday, a 5-person panel will interview me for an internal promotion. 2 of the 5 are self-described "grumpy." Tips for winning them over?

The way I'm framing this question might not be entirely accurate, but I'm trying to capture the boiled down essence by saying that 2 people on the 5 person panel might be leaning toward the other candidate on account of perceiving the other candidate having paid their dues more than I have.

Here goes:
I've been with this NPO for a week shy of one year. It's not my dream job. It's not anyone's dream job, I'd venture to say, but I've been quite pleased with it and I think I've been kicking ass! A position opened up that my boss's boss gave me the nod for, and the opportunity to interview for it came up very suddenly.

There's one other applicant, and I don't know much about them, except that they'd be my superior if we were in the same department (there's geographical distance between us). They have more experience than me in the role I currently fulfill, and in their own role, superior to mine, but these skills don't play into the new position all that much. In the past, candidates for the new position may have had zero experience with our roles or with our organization, but administrative and human services experiences elsewhere-- which I do have.

(Is this making any ffffing sense?)

Anyway... so, I haven't been suffering in my position for years. If I had mind-reading capabilities I might find that the 2 panelists would like me better if I had, in fact, been suffering in my position for years. As it is, it might look like I'm just breezing up the chain...

I am confident in my qualifications. I've been demonstrably working hard in my time with NPO, keeping a right attitude, taking initiative on things, etc., etc., but not being clique-y in any unhealthy ways, which I think is a Thing at play here.

I know: Be myself. Anyone who is "clique-y" or otherwise judgmental, unprofessional, or grumpy will out themselves as such. That being said, any tips to win these folks over? Winning tactics to express humility, gratitude, competence, and confidence? Got any magic phrases I can borrow?

I'm brimming with nervous energy tonight and would love any tips you might even think to offer. Much appreciated. Thanks!

posted by little_dog_laughing to Work & Money (2 answers total)

Best answer: These are good phrases, I think, that express humility:

1. Thanks so much for the opportunity to interview. I appreciate being considered.

2. I know that you have to make the best decision and "get this right." If it's not me, I understand, but if I'm selected, I would love to fill the position.

Or some variant of this in which you don't have a sense of entitlement and would defer to their wisdom on how to best fill the position.

One thing I noticed about perpetually grumpy people is that if this is their default mode, it's very possible not to be rattled by it or take it personally. If you can expect it, you can plan to roll with it and play it straight without internalizing it.

Another thing to keep in mind that may make you feel better is that time and experience do not always make the better candidate. Experience always counts, but sometimes a deal-making issue is if people genuinely enjoy your company and want to work with you. Go in and be the best person you can possibly be while having an attitude of wanting to see other succeed in their roles as well.

There's also the reality that people we think look like potentially better candidates sometimes have disqualifying issues that we never would have guessed. I once got a job that I didn't think I was most qualified for, and it was due to issues that I never would have guessed were on the table.

Good luck, and have fun if you can!
posted by SpacemanStix at 9:04 PM on October 7, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I might self describe as grumpy, but that wouldn't affect who I give a promotion to. I don't want humility and gratitude, I want to know whether you have the skills to do the job and some demonstration of having done your current job well. Quantification is good.

One factor to bear in mind is that the other person may have institutional knowledge that they're worried about losing if the person isn't given the promotion and leaves, even if you're a better fit for the position. It sucks but that's just the way the world is some times.

It obviously won't help for this interview, but if you've not read it, I'd suggest reading Linda Babcock's Women Don't Ask.
posted by Candleman at 11:14 PM on October 7, 2015 [1 favorite]