A colleague and I were interviewing (over lunch, as this was Paris) what we hoped could be a potential business associate.
However, instead of impressing us favorably, this interviewee provided a few clues as to his true character and how difficult it would be to work with him. Thank you, Mr. X. for providing me with enough information to write this post!
Alarm 1. Appear thoughtful, even generous
Although my colleague had originally invited Mr. X for lunch, I was surprised when Mr. X. made no effort to reach for or split the check. Although we would not have accepted, it shows willingness to collaborate and share equally. It is considerate. This lack of manners certainly set off alarm signals.
Alarm 2 and 3. Illuminate your strengths and give concrete examples of your experience, with references (and make it strong).
Mr. X promised profusely, but when asked for concrete details of how to proceed, shed absolutely no light. (Had he actually thought about it?)
In the end, he was offering his services as project manager, if we were ever awarded projects in unknown verticals for us, yet where he was claiming expertise. He also vaunted his excellent relations, yet could give us no references. Nor could we use his name when contacting the companies on his resume.
Alarm 4. Be sure to think carefully about how a story you tell may be perceived.
Mr. X recounted an anecdote, clearly to show his professionalism and how he establishes authority. His story backfired by showing just how intolerant and difficult he would be on a daily basis. Alarm Signal 3
Alarm 5. Immediate follow-up and thanks
Send a thank-you email IMMEDIATELY, no later than the next day. We had no news from Mr. X, so five days after the lunch, we sent a query restating our demand for references. Only then did he bother to thank us for the meeting/lunch. But still, he did not respond to requests for references nor volunteer any help for contacting his list of former clients.
I might add that he is the one who contacted us.
Alarm 6. Keep resumes brief, concise, and current.
Be suspicious of a 17 page resume. Who does that? Especially a 17 page resume without specific reference names and numbers.
Alarm Signal 7. Vet thoroughly.
We learned a good lesson, too. Had we thoroughly checked Mr. X before going to the trouble of driving two hours to meet with him, we could have avoided the whole trip to begin with. However, a bad interview is an excellent lesson, I most certainly would not have written this post had he been a better candidate!
