February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329

cwinitiative chijobs actsofkindness watchthechris fixingchicago

The Christopher Watts Initiative is an amalgamated effort of leadership collaboration

innovation and performance to serve as a source self-sustaining motivation for people in the

eradication of unemployment skills deficiency poverty and crime in the Chicago area

Published By Christopher Watts MBA

The Christopher Watts Initiative has a Facebook Jobs Board page It lists up-to-

date information on job openings TO HAVE UNLIMITED ACCESS to the page

1 Log on to your Facebook page

2 Type ldquoChristopher Watts Presents The Chicagoland Jobs Boardrdquo in the search bar

3 Make sure you ldquoLikerdquo the page so that the information will automatically appear in your

news feed when new information is posted (I will post daily)

4 Or go to httpwwwfacebookcomChristopherWattsInitiative

The Christopher Watts Initiative has an Instagram page Follow me

cwinitiative to pictures of job opportunities and community resources

The Christopher Watts Initiative has a Twitter page Follow me

cwinitiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

Firestone Complete Auto Care ldquoAutomotive Technicianrdquo Hiring Event Tuesday March 7th

10am ndash 7pm at 5811 W Belmont Ave Chicago IL 60634 Filling entry-level and experienced

positions in Chicago Niles Lincolnwood Skokie Melrose Park Forest Park River Forest and

Park Ridge Must have a valid state issued driverrsquos license Must submit to a drug screen and

criminal records check Apply online in advance

httpsbsro-bridgestoneicimscomjobs104582chicago2c-il---automotive-technician---

mechanic-28all-levels29---hiring-event-03-07-2017jobmode=view

Mac Properties ldquoConstructionrdquo Job Fair Tuesday February 28th 400pm - 700pm at the

Shoreland (5454 S Shore Drive Chicago IL 60615) All roles require a valid drivers license

vehicle and all applicants must pass a background check Were hiring for + Apartment

Maintenance Repair Techs - plumbing electrical HVAC and carpentry + Painters +

Construction Techs + Bricklayers amp Tuckpointing + Roofers All roles are permanent with

benefits

Levy Restaurants (Wrigley Field) Job Fair Wednesday March 1st 1pm ndash 7pm at Cubby Bear

1059 W Addison Street Chicago IL (Enter Addison Street side entrance) Open positions Cash

Room Attendant Club Host Club Server Assistant Concession Cashier Concession Section

Supervisor Cook Dishwasher Culinary Supervisor Retail Sales Associate Suite Maintenance

Cleaning Staff Warehouse Staff and Warehouse Supervisor Apply online in advance at

wwwworkatlevycom

Specialty Cafeacute amp Bakery Job Fair Tuesday February 28th 10am ndash 2pm at 77 S Dearborn St

Chicago IL Openings Guest Services Sandwich Maker Salad Maker Operations Manager and

Catering Assistant Apply online at

httpschptbetaleonetchp04atscareersrequisitionjsporg=SPECIALTYSampcws=1amprid=2270

then Please RSVP evromanspecialtyscom to set up interview times

East Bank Club is looking to fill a Food Shop Clerk This position combines a number of

different skills including customer service cash handling and control of product quantity

quality and freshness Candidate must have previous customer service experience in a food

beverage environment strong communication skills and cash handling experience Looking for

an out going personal with a strong emphasis on customer service Schedule varies and requires

weekends Hourly rate is $1300 Job description and benefits may also be viewed via our

website wwweastbankclubcom under our career center Applications can be downloaded for

your convenience Please faxemail resumes to 312-644-3868 or hreastbankclubcom

Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities is looking to fill an Employer Representative

position The Employer Representative (ER) has primary responsibility for the service delivery

components of the Bridges From School to Work program Successful fulfillment of this

responsibility will require that they (1) Develop and sustain a commitment to employment and

vocational growth for youth with disabilities (2) Provide direct support and direction to each

participant to achieve program specific goals (3) Record and maintain data and records to

document program activity and impact To apply email cover letter and resume to

kennethupshawmarriottcom

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

Firestone Complete Auto Care ldquoAutomotive Technicianrdquo Hiring Event Tuesday March 7th

10am ndash 7pm at 5811 W Belmont Ave Chicago IL 60634 Filling entry-level and experienced

positions in Chicago Niles Lincolnwood Skokie Melrose Park Forest Park River Forest and

Park Ridge Must have a valid state issued driverrsquos license Must submit to a drug screen and

criminal records check Apply online in advance

httpsbsro-bridgestoneicimscomjobs104582chicago2c-il---automotive-technician---

mechanic-28all-levels29---hiring-event-03-07-2017jobmode=view

Mac Properties ldquoConstructionrdquo Job Fair Tuesday February 28th 400pm - 700pm at the

Shoreland (5454 S Shore Drive Chicago IL 60615) All roles require a valid drivers license

vehicle and all applicants must pass a background check Were hiring for + Apartment

Maintenance Repair Techs - plumbing electrical HVAC and carpentry + Painters +

Construction Techs + Bricklayers amp Tuckpointing + Roofers All roles are permanent with

benefits

Levy Restaurants (Wrigley Field) Job Fair Wednesday March 1st 1pm ndash 7pm at Cubby Bear

1059 W Addison Street Chicago IL (Enter Addison Street side entrance) Open positions Cash

Room Attendant Club Host Club Server Assistant Concession Cashier Concession Section

Supervisor Cook Dishwasher Culinary Supervisor Retail Sales Associate Suite Maintenance

Cleaning Staff Warehouse Staff and Warehouse Supervisor Apply online in advance at

wwwworkatlevycom

Specialty Cafeacute amp Bakery Job Fair Tuesday February 28th 10am ndash 2pm at 77 S Dearborn St

Chicago IL Openings Guest Services Sandwich Maker Salad Maker Operations Manager and

Catering Assistant Apply online at

httpschptbetaleonetchp04atscareersrequisitionjsporg=SPECIALTYSampcws=1amprid=2270

then Please RSVP evromanspecialtyscom to set up interview times

East Bank Club is looking to fill a Food Shop Clerk This position combines a number of

different skills including customer service cash handling and control of product quantity

quality and freshness Candidate must have previous customer service experience in a food

beverage environment strong communication skills and cash handling experience Looking for

an out going personal with a strong emphasis on customer service Schedule varies and requires

weekends Hourly rate is $1300 Job description and benefits may also be viewed via our

website wwweastbankclubcom under our career center Applications can be downloaded for

your convenience Please faxemail resumes to 312-644-3868 or hreastbankclubcom

Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities is looking to fill an Employer Representative

position The Employer Representative (ER) has primary responsibility for the service delivery

components of the Bridges From School to Work program Successful fulfillment of this

responsibility will require that they (1) Develop and sustain a commitment to employment and

vocational growth for youth with disabilities (2) Provide direct support and direction to each

participant to achieve program specific goals (3) Record and maintain data and records to

document program activity and impact To apply email cover letter and resume to

kennethupshawmarriottcom

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

Masuda Funai Eifert amp Mitchell Ltd is seeking a Office Services Clerk in the firms

downtown Chicago location As a vital member of the firms Office Services department this

position is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations of the firms central file system

libraries and messenger service The candidate will need to work with minimal supervision

independently and under tight deadlines Excellent customer service skills flexibility and

versatility are a necessity in this role To apply email cover letter resume and salary

requirements to careersmasudafunaicom

Aspire is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our People Team as an HR

Specialist If you are determined to make a difference and provide support to a dedicated and

passionate team we want to talk to you The HR Specialist participates in the day-to-day

operations of the People Department and is a key member of the People Team Under the general

direction of the Vice President of People the HR Specialist serves as a resource to team

members and management regarding human resources practices Must have a valid Illinois

driverrsquos license with a good driving record personal vehicle and state minimum insurance

coverage Must have a Bachelor degree in in Human Resources or related field or 3+ years of

experience in a professional-level HR position If you are this candidate and ready for an exciting

challenge take the next step in your career and apply today Email your Resume and Cover

Letter with the subject line HR Specialist 2017 to Selena LeSure Vice President of People at

slesureaspirechicagocom

Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC) seeks an Administrative Associate

to provide support across the agency The position will include program work such as meeting

and event coordination data tracking partnership outreach and board and other meetings

logistics and administrative work such as maintaining and supporting communications with

stakeholders monitoring databases and managing supplies Additionally this position will

support PHIMCrsquos finance team to receive and route reimbursement vouchers from

subcontractors The Administrative Associate will report to the Executive Director This position

is designed for an individual beginning a career in non-profit public health who wants to join a

team working to successfully complete projects and grow the organization The ideal candidate is

willing to learn asks questions pays close attention to details solves problems is self-directed

manages multiple projects and is comfortable working in a team The successful candidate will

likely grow their work over time Please email a cover letter and resume outlining your unique

qualifications addressed to ldquoHiring Committeerdquo to jobsphimcorg with ldquoAdministrative

Associaterdquo in the subject line

Chicago Youth Centers has the following openings Health Aide Custodian Youth Worker

Associate Outreach Worker Paraprofessional and many more To view full job descriptions

requirements and to apply go to httpchicagoyouthcentersorgcareers

Burma Task Force USA is looking to fill an Executive Assistant position To apply for this

position please send your resume or CV to minhajsoundvisioncom with Application for

Executive Associate in the subject line

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

Masuda Funai Eifert amp Mitchell Ltd is seeking a Office Services Clerk in the firms

downtown Chicago location As a vital member of the firms Office Services department this

position is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations of the firms central file system

libraries and messenger service The candidate will need to work with minimal supervision

independently and under tight deadlines Excellent customer service skills flexibility and

versatility are a necessity in this role To apply email cover letter resume and salary

requirements to careersmasudafunaicom

Aspire is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our People Team as an HR

Specialist If you are determined to make a difference and provide support to a dedicated and

passionate team we want to talk to you The HR Specialist participates in the day-to-day

operations of the People Department and is a key member of the People Team Under the general

direction of the Vice President of People the HR Specialist serves as a resource to team

members and management regarding human resources practices Must have a valid Illinois

driverrsquos license with a good driving record personal vehicle and state minimum insurance

coverage Must have a Bachelor degree in in Human Resources or related field or 3+ years of

experience in a professional-level HR position If you are this candidate and ready for an exciting

challenge take the next step in your career and apply today Email your Resume and Cover

Letter with the subject line HR Specialist 2017 to Selena LeSure Vice President of People at

slesureaspirechicagocom

Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC) seeks an Administrative Associate

to provide support across the agency The position will include program work such as meeting

and event coordination data tracking partnership outreach and board and other meetings

logistics and administrative work such as maintaining and supporting communications with

stakeholders monitoring databases and managing supplies Additionally this position will

support PHIMCrsquos finance team to receive and route reimbursement vouchers from

subcontractors The Administrative Associate will report to the Executive Director This position

is designed for an individual beginning a career in non-profit public health who wants to join a

team working to successfully complete projects and grow the organization The ideal candidate is

willing to learn asks questions pays close attention to details solves problems is self-directed

manages multiple projects and is comfortable working in a team The successful candidate will

likely grow their work over time Please email a cover letter and resume outlining your unique

qualifications addressed to ldquoHiring Committeerdquo to jobsphimcorg with ldquoAdministrative

Associaterdquo in the subject line

Chicago Youth Centers has the following openings Health Aide Custodian Youth Worker

Associate Outreach Worker Paraprofessional and many more To view full job descriptions

requirements and to apply go to httpchicagoyouthcentersorgcareers

Burma Task Force USA is looking to fill an Executive Assistant position To apply for this

position please send your resume or CV to minhajsoundvisioncom with Application for

Executive Associate in the subject line

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

New Life Centers of Chicagoland is looking to fill an Accounting Clerk position The

Accounting Clerk for New Life Centers of Chicagoland is responsible for handling accounts

receivable and payable tasks in support of the New Life Centers accounting office This

individual will also provide customer service support to staff and vendors of New Life Centers

Please submit the following materials to Irene Vasquez at irenevnewlifechicagoorg 1113088 Cover

letter indicating your experience and interest in the position1113088 Resume1113088 List of two to three

references with contact information (email and phone included) Please submit your application

materials as MS Word or PDF attachments Include all attachments in a single email Please

include NL Centers Accounting Clerk in the subject line of your email

Crate and Barrel at North Ave amp Clybourn Ave has the following openings Sales Associate

MerchandisingStock Associate and Floor ReplenisherMerchandising Team Please visit our

website at httpwwwcrateandbarrelcomcareers for more information

Hertz ldquoCar Cleanerrdquo Interview Day Thursday March 9th 9am ndash 1pm at Hertz - OHare 10000

Bessie Coleman Blvd Chicago IL 60666 Responsible for vehicle preparation to ensure vehicle

is ready for customer pick-up Ensure interior of vehicle is clean (windows door jams trunk

vacuum etc) Fill gasoline tank and check levels of all fluids Clean exterior of vehicle Meet

processing and standardization quotas Must be able to work days nights weekends and

holidays Must be able to work outside year-round Candidates MUST be able to work ANY

shift (including overnights AND overtime as required) Candidates MUST have a valid drivers

license Candidates MUST be at least 20 years of age Non-negotiable hourly pay rate is $1050

(BONUSES AVAILABLE - up to $6K)

LARC is hiring PT Direct Support Staff Part-time positions available in Lansing Illinois for

individuals to provide training and supervision to individuals with developmental disabilities in

workshop classroom or home settings Schedules will vary from 4 - 5 hour shifts Monday

through Friday between 830 am to 400 pm in a classroom setting or 8 12 - 12 hour shifts

during evening and nighttime hours in a home setting Applicants must have a high school

diploma valid drivers license able to be on your feet for a full day and lift up to 50 pounds

Applicant must be a team player Interested parties should apply by sending resume to

lhurlinglarclansingcom

CIBO EXPRESS GOURMET MARKETS is hiring Cashiers at Chicago OHare International

airport in Terminal 2 and 3 focus on selling high quality grab and go sandwiches salads snacks

Magazines accessories books and gifts Shifts Available starting at 4am and 12pm Pay rate is

$11hr Must be at least 18 years of age Apply at

https850dayforcehcmcomCandidatePortalen-USotgPostingView114

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

What Everyone Gets Wrong About Interviewing

By Andrew Cerrone

Published on February 22 2017

httpswwwlinkedincompulsewhat-everyone-gets-wrong-interviewing-andrew-

cerronetrk=hp-feed-article-title-comment

Interviewing is a tricky process you find your best suit break out the fancy resume paper and

make sure your shoes are spotless (theyre not then you freak out and then realize no one but

you will notice the small scuff on the side Its covered up by your pants anyway) Its like going

to your best friends ex-roommates wedding you dont know anyone there but have to smile and

nod and act friendly and youre wondering in the back of your mind if you say anything stupid

and theyre wondering if they should know you from somewhere

At the end of it you agreed with almost everything they said shake hands smile and follow up

with a thankful e-mail stating how great the company seems even if youre on the fence about

whether or not people may have been writing on the windows send help and run as you walked

out the door Interviewing is hard mostly because its not a real measurable skill Theres no

objective grade to assign to your interview and there are a thousand things that can influence

their hiring process the interviewer may have had a bad day a bad stomach from lunch or

maybe just got yelled at for having not hired someone yet Further they may have friends

applying for the job or they receive good news before meeting with another candidate Maybe

the interviewer is super conservative or super liberal and kept bringing up Trump during the

interview and you didnt know what to say Things happen

However all of this the games of the interview process the focus on smiling and making eye

contact having the perfect authentic answers having the right questions and have the perfect

experience- its all important but its not the whole story nor is it the primary reason youll get

the job I know it seems like youve been lied to for far too long

Well heres the thing Ive worked with a lot of recruiters HR managers and Ive done my own

recruiting for talent While all of those things matter they key for the companies you want to

work for the ones that pay well and understand that we are human that our lives arent just about

working and maximizing profitability- those ones they have plenty of people who interview who

does all of those things In fact they have so many it seems impossible to stand out But in

reality its not And its so obviously simple Be yourself

What I mean by this is literally that The best clients- the ones I send my best candidates to- they

tell me almost too often that its good to get a candidate that can do all the right things but that

theyre not looking to hire a robot They know that if you have the right credentials and youve

been successful already in your field or in school that you probably know how to play that

game No surprise there They have you come in to interview for two reasons only

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

What Everyone Gets Wrong About Interviewing

By Andrew Cerrone

Published on February 22 2017

httpswwwlinkedincompulsewhat-everyone-gets-wrong-interviewing-andrew-

cerronetrk=hp-feed-article-title-comment

Interviewing is a tricky process you find your best suit break out the fancy resume paper and

make sure your shoes are spotless (theyre not then you freak out and then realize no one but

you will notice the small scuff on the side Its covered up by your pants anyway) Its like going

to your best friends ex-roommates wedding you dont know anyone there but have to smile and

nod and act friendly and youre wondering in the back of your mind if you say anything stupid

and theyre wondering if they should know you from somewhere

At the end of it you agreed with almost everything they said shake hands smile and follow up

with a thankful e-mail stating how great the company seems even if youre on the fence about

whether or not people may have been writing on the windows send help and run as you walked

out the door Interviewing is hard mostly because its not a real measurable skill Theres no

objective grade to assign to your interview and there are a thousand things that can influence

their hiring process the interviewer may have had a bad day a bad stomach from lunch or

maybe just got yelled at for having not hired someone yet Further they may have friends

applying for the job or they receive good news before meeting with another candidate Maybe

the interviewer is super conservative or super liberal and kept bringing up Trump during the

interview and you didnt know what to say Things happen

However all of this the games of the interview process the focus on smiling and making eye

contact having the perfect authentic answers having the right questions and have the perfect

experience- its all important but its not the whole story nor is it the primary reason youll get

the job I know it seems like youve been lied to for far too long

Well heres the thing Ive worked with a lot of recruiters HR managers and Ive done my own

recruiting for talent While all of those things matter they key for the companies you want to

work for the ones that pay well and understand that we are human that our lives arent just about

working and maximizing profitability- those ones they have plenty of people who interview who

does all of those things In fact they have so many it seems impossible to stand out But in

reality its not And its so obviously simple Be yourself

What I mean by this is literally that The best clients- the ones I send my best candidates to- they

tell me almost too often that its good to get a candidate that can do all the right things but that

theyre not looking to hire a robot They know that if you have the right credentials and youve

been successful already in your field or in school that you probably know how to play that

game No surprise there They have you come in to interview for two reasons only

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

What Everyone Gets Wrong About Interviewing

By Andrew Cerrone

Published on February 22 2017

httpswwwlinkedincompulsewhat-everyone-gets-wrong-interviewing-andrew-

cerronetrk=hp-feed-article-title-comment

Interviewing is a tricky process you find your best suit break out the fancy resume paper and

make sure your shoes are spotless (theyre not then you freak out and then realize no one but

you will notice the small scuff on the side Its covered up by your pants anyway) Its like going

to your best friends ex-roommates wedding you dont know anyone there but have to smile and

nod and act friendly and youre wondering in the back of your mind if you say anything stupid

and theyre wondering if they should know you from somewhere

At the end of it you agreed with almost everything they said shake hands smile and follow up

with a thankful e-mail stating how great the company seems even if youre on the fence about

whether or not people may have been writing on the windows send help and run as you walked

out the door Interviewing is hard mostly because its not a real measurable skill Theres no

objective grade to assign to your interview and there are a thousand things that can influence

their hiring process the interviewer may have had a bad day a bad stomach from lunch or

maybe just got yelled at for having not hired someone yet Further they may have friends

applying for the job or they receive good news before meeting with another candidate Maybe

the interviewer is super conservative or super liberal and kept bringing up Trump during the

interview and you didnt know what to say Things happen

However all of this the games of the interview process the focus on smiling and making eye

contact having the perfect authentic answers having the right questions and have the perfect

experience- its all important but its not the whole story nor is it the primary reason youll get

the job I know it seems like youve been lied to for far too long

Well heres the thing Ive worked with a lot of recruiters HR managers and Ive done my own

recruiting for talent While all of those things matter they key for the companies you want to

work for the ones that pay well and understand that we are human that our lives arent just about

working and maximizing profitability- those ones they have plenty of people who interview who

does all of those things In fact they have so many it seems impossible to stand out But in

reality its not And its so obviously simple Be yourself

What I mean by this is literally that The best clients- the ones I send my best candidates to- they

tell me almost too often that its good to get a candidate that can do all the right things but that

theyre not looking to hire a robot They know that if you have the right credentials and youve

been successful already in your field or in school that you probably know how to play that

game No surprise there They have you come in to interview for two reasons only

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

What Everyone Gets Wrong About Interviewing

By Andrew Cerrone

Published on February 22 2017

httpswwwlinkedincompulsewhat-everyone-gets-wrong-interviewing-andrew-

cerronetrk=hp-feed-article-title-comment

Interviewing is a tricky process you find your best suit break out the fancy resume paper and

make sure your shoes are spotless (theyre not then you freak out and then realize no one but

you will notice the small scuff on the side Its covered up by your pants anyway) Its like going

to your best friends ex-roommates wedding you dont know anyone there but have to smile and

nod and act friendly and youre wondering in the back of your mind if you say anything stupid

and theyre wondering if they should know you from somewhere

At the end of it you agreed with almost everything they said shake hands smile and follow up

with a thankful e-mail stating how great the company seems even if youre on the fence about

whether or not people may have been writing on the windows send help and run as you walked

out the door Interviewing is hard mostly because its not a real measurable skill Theres no

objective grade to assign to your interview and there are a thousand things that can influence

their hiring process the interviewer may have had a bad day a bad stomach from lunch or

maybe just got yelled at for having not hired someone yet Further they may have friends

applying for the job or they receive good news before meeting with another candidate Maybe

the interviewer is super conservative or super liberal and kept bringing up Trump during the

interview and you didnt know what to say Things happen

However all of this the games of the interview process the focus on smiling and making eye

contact having the perfect authentic answers having the right questions and have the perfect

experience- its all important but its not the whole story nor is it the primary reason youll get

the job I know it seems like youve been lied to for far too long

Well heres the thing Ive worked with a lot of recruiters HR managers and Ive done my own

recruiting for talent While all of those things matter they key for the companies you want to

work for the ones that pay well and understand that we are human that our lives arent just about

working and maximizing profitability- those ones they have plenty of people who interview who

does all of those things In fact they have so many it seems impossible to stand out But in

reality its not And its so obviously simple Be yourself

What I mean by this is literally that The best clients- the ones I send my best candidates to- they

tell me almost too often that its good to get a candidate that can do all the right things but that

theyre not looking to hire a robot They know that if you have the right credentials and youve

been successful already in your field or in school that you probably know how to play that

game No surprise there They have you come in to interview for two reasons only

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

What Everyone Gets Wrong About Interviewing

By Andrew Cerrone

Published on February 22 2017

httpswwwlinkedincompulsewhat-everyone-gets-wrong-interviewing-andrew-

cerronetrk=hp-feed-article-title-comment

Interviewing is a tricky process you find your best suit break out the fancy resume paper and

make sure your shoes are spotless (theyre not then you freak out and then realize no one but

you will notice the small scuff on the side Its covered up by your pants anyway) Its like going

to your best friends ex-roommates wedding you dont know anyone there but have to smile and

nod and act friendly and youre wondering in the back of your mind if you say anything stupid

and theyre wondering if they should know you from somewhere

At the end of it you agreed with almost everything they said shake hands smile and follow up

with a thankful e-mail stating how great the company seems even if youre on the fence about

whether or not people may have been writing on the windows send help and run as you walked

out the door Interviewing is hard mostly because its not a real measurable skill Theres no

objective grade to assign to your interview and there are a thousand things that can influence

their hiring process the interviewer may have had a bad day a bad stomach from lunch or

maybe just got yelled at for having not hired someone yet Further they may have friends

applying for the job or they receive good news before meeting with another candidate Maybe

the interviewer is super conservative or super liberal and kept bringing up Trump during the

interview and you didnt know what to say Things happen

However all of this the games of the interview process the focus on smiling and making eye

contact having the perfect authentic answers having the right questions and have the perfect

experience- its all important but its not the whole story nor is it the primary reason youll get

the job I know it seems like youve been lied to for far too long

Well heres the thing Ive worked with a lot of recruiters HR managers and Ive done my own

recruiting for talent While all of those things matter they key for the companies you want to

work for the ones that pay well and understand that we are human that our lives arent just about

working and maximizing profitability- those ones they have plenty of people who interview who

does all of those things In fact they have so many it seems impossible to stand out But in

reality its not And its so obviously simple Be yourself

What I mean by this is literally that The best clients- the ones I send my best candidates to- they

tell me almost too often that its good to get a candidate that can do all the right things but that

theyre not looking to hire a robot They know that if you have the right credentials and youve

been successful already in your field or in school that you probably know how to play that

game No surprise there They have you come in to interview for two reasons only

February 26 2017

CHI Issue 329 The Christopher Watts Initiative

First they want to make sure whats on your resume is true So you say you have extensive

knowledge about xyz Well tell us about it Lets make sure youre as good as your resume says

you are If youre not lying youre halfway there already Not bad right

Second they want to see if youre a personality fit Thats it They want to know what kind of

person you are Your resume is your economic story but it doesnt say much about the quality of

person you are nor the type of personality you have only a conversation will reflect that For

example maybe you have on your resume that you sit on the board of directors for a small non-

profit Youd think that would reflect that youre a good person who cares about the community

But it might just be because you love to have power or that you thought that being on a board of

directors would look good on a resume and people would think youre a nicer person than you

are

Is it that simple Yes Be yourself Its hard Its overwhelmingly hard especially when its for a

company that has your dream job in the dream location with the ideal salary At the end of the

day companies want to hire someone who will be a cultural fit for their company in terms of

personality motivation and skill set What does this mean for you how do you prepare for this

Honestly at the end of the day it takes practice Practice being yourself is the hardest thing you

can do because were all trained to be the best robots on interviews but thats not what

companies want Your personality sells you when your qualifications are the same as every other

candidate

I have never heard one HR manager state they were hiring a candidate because of the best

handshake and I doubt I ever will