Sell Me This Pencil
The one benefit of this interview strategy for the applicant is that the pencil serves as a focal point of discussion; it is a visual aid that actually allows some description to be acted upon by moving the pencil. It is a real example with which the candidate can dazzle the interviewer.The point is that preparation and real examples of an applicants skills serve to illustrate the qualifications and fit of that applicant. Human resource managers and personnel directors should expect applicants to come in prepared with information abut the company, its mission statement, and the available position. Candidates should prepare a portfolio or project review / summary in order to present a real example of proficiencies, skills, technical and computer knowledge. The potential employee can reference the portfolio while he or she answers the interviewers questions. This can be done during a webcam interview as well because the portfolio can be emailed, faxed, or snail-mailed to the human resources director or interviewer prior to t he act ual or electronic meeting.
It is very important that an applicants portfolio or visual presentation be professional and of the highest quality. The design of the portfolio must reflect an organization and demonstrate the culture of the profession. For example, an applicant hoping to fill a graphics position must present a graphics-heavy portfolio, etc. Further, the applicant should have his or her own copy of the portfolio to reference during the interview.
The use of the document or portfolio allows both the interviewer and the interviewee to maintain a solid focus on the skills necessary to successfully perform the job. Small talk is still essential to break the ice, but the majority of interview time will be spent in specialized discussion related specifically to effectively filling the available position. The candidate will demonstrate preparation for the interview and qualifications for the job. Applicants will utilize the pencil to sell the pencil and, thus, themselves.