Given that I am Thought Leadership for you people, time to lead with some thoughts. The recent Miss USA pageant was wrought with controversy and I think we can learn something hear to revolutionize the hiring process. More on the controversy surrounding later. Let's highlight a few lessons.
I like the fixed time frame of a pageant. When you tune in everyone knows, by the end of the evening we will know who the next Miss USA will be. It is a closed-ended process. At the end of the night, Donald Trump is not getting out of his seat and saying, "I am sorry folks we are still looking for Miss USA." What way do you approach your hiring process? Hiring Manager - do you show up for the interview anticipating hiring someone? ready to crown your new CFO - Miss CFO of the company? Do you expect to like someone? Are you in the mood to establish chemistry? Are you ready to sell the opportunity on why people want to work at your place, on your team?
Candidates - do you have Vaseline on your teeth and other pageant tricks - ok - maybe a breath check? the right tie? How is your presence you as you walk across the stage of questioning? Are you serious or are you just really hoping to get Miss Congeniality or as some would call this - interview practice. I cringe when I hear this. C'mon. If so, stay home and you won't have to be all nervous and anxious if you get to the talent competition.
Some of you on both sides of the interview equation are coming to the party far too concerned about the process, concerned with getting practice. Let's enjoy the pageant and refocus on the prize - a new gig and someone who complements the team. Congratulations.
