I’ve been thinking a lot about the job market lately. It’s been a while since I was out there, so I wonder how I would approach it.
The acceptance rate is abysmal, about 1-2%. So, you have to make a great impression fast to have the best chance.
I would flip the script and use a Design Thinking workshop in an interview. Show them you care about their company and ask them to talk about a problem they are working on.
There’s nothing better than jumping in and showing what you can do by being proactive and positive. Dream big!
Of course, the timing needs to be right. You might have to wait for the “Do you have any questions for us?” part of the interview, so pick your spot.
Another opportunity might be before the portfolio question, “Show us your stuff.”
In desperation, you might turn to applying to every job, no matter how qualified you are or if you even want it.
Don’t do that.
Having been on the other side, your enthusiasm is clear in the interview, as is your style and personality (not just the portfolio).
Why not kick it up a notch and short-circuit the take-home work (yuck!) by making the interview two-sided and collaborative using a Design Thinking workshop, guerrilla style?
The best interviews I’ve ever had are the ones where you start collaborating and dreaming about the future, making the question of hiring you a foregone conclusion.