Czaro Strategic Communications

This month, thousands of college grads will enter the job market hoping to land the position of their dreams. Unfortunately, today’s reality might not match up to their dreams because of the economy.

In my career, I’ve interviewed dozens of candidates. There are many mistakes that people make, like not researching the company, showing up late, chewing gum, or forgetting my name.

By far, the biggest faux pas I’ve witnessed came from one new grad who was overly aggressive in the interview. She was arrogant, ignored the other two interviewers, and focused all her attention on me.

The interview started bad, got worse and ended poorly. I think she felt she was entitled to the job because of her overall “greatness.”

During interviews, I never ask the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” because today’s workers like to continually reinvent themselves, and may change jobs two or three times in a five-year period.

Because this candidate was so full of herself, I asked the question anyway – except I changed it to “Where do you see yourself in three years?” Her response:

“I expect to be sitting in your chair!”

What? Did I hear that right? Yes, I did. She wasn’t making a joke – she was dead serious.

At this point I was really uncomfortable. I liked my chair. I wasn’t planning to give it up. And I certainly wasn’t willing to share. Apparently she planned to leapfrog over the other three members of the team (two of whom were in the interview) and dethrone me within 36 months.

My follow-up question – which ended up closing the interview – was “If I asked a prior employer what type of worker you are, what would they tell me?” Her answer:

“He’d say that I’m Amazing!” (However, she pronounced it “A Maaaazing.”)

She probably thought that her career ladder would have only two rungs and come with a tiara and scepter.

Today’s grads should be realistic and see their careers as a step stool, but instead as an extension ladder.

You have to fully master the responsibilities at each step on the ladder or you’ll be promoted too soon into a role that you’re not ready for.

If you look in the mirror will you see this person? Or are they sitting in the corner office wondering what to do next?