Mistakes

This week, while on an interview, I realised that I had made a decision that was unfortunately misguided.

When asked to interview, I was told that I would have to bring diagramming samples. While I have used Visio and Powerpoint constantly throughout my career, I had meager examples of my work at best. I always find requests for samples difficult, since my best work has consistently been done on confidential, proprietary documents. My portfolio is consequently a bit slimmer than I would like.

Yet the interviewer insisted that I bring samples, for "visual" purposes. That right there should have been the tip-off for me, but I failed to catch it. So there I was, faced with a real dilemma: do I bring the samples, as demanded, or do I simply stick to my "I have no recent samples" mantra? Given that the interviewer sent emails demanding samples, I decided ultimately to bring my outdated examples.

It wound up being the wrong move. The interviewer was unimpressed and grilled me as to why I had made the choices I had. I told her the truth: that I bound to company standards that were beyond my control, and if I had had my druthers, I would have used different schematics. I also made sure to demonstrate the type of choices I have made. However, despite my explanation (and demonstration), as well as the acknowledged caveat that my matured work was confidential and subsequently unavailable for viewing, her first impression remained.

So I learned the hard way that no matter what the client asks, sometimes you have to do what it takes to put your best foot forward. By trying to placate the interviewer by doing as she wished, I wound up painting myself at a level far below where I am today. Let me tell you- that's one lesson I plan to apply to my future interviews.

Happy job hunting!