Would You Hire Yourself?
If you were an employer, would you hire yourself? That question may be a little confusing, so let me
try to explain. If you were an employer interviewing a job seeker who is exactly like you in every detail
and respect, would you hire that person?
Let's say the interviewer knew everything about you that you know about yourself: how you work
when no one is around; your attitude toward your work; how you regard the company's customers;
how you get along with others in close, daily contact -- would you hire that person?
If you're a potential employer, you want some answers to basic questions, such as:
How long were you with your former employer? This gives insight into your stability, commitment and
reasons for leaving. It is very important to address this in the proper way. Why? Simply put, a large
component of many interview questions is the search for reassurance. Hiring is difficult and mistakes
are costly. So interviewers crave reassurance that you will fit in and stay with the organization to help
solve the problems you are being hired to address. In short, they want to have their confidence level
raised.
Have your earnings been steady, with a gradual upward climb?
Here again, contributions to the
organization and stability are indicated. If your situation is unusual, can you convincingly explain why?
For instance, this type of candid response could turn the tide in your favor: "I am a firm believer that
life is meant to be a never-ending education, and when this is fully appreciated, we are no longer
survivors, but adventurers. I now see that I am ready for a major career change and this type of
position is at the heart of it. All of my previous jobs were the transition period for arriving here."
Would you feel comfortable and conscience-free giving facts regarding your financial affairs, life
insurance and established credit? Again, the potential employer gets a picture of the kind of person
you are. If you have excellent credit, it tells the employer more in one minute than you could tell them
all afternoon, as far as your reliability and sense of responsibility are concerned.
Can you articulate a clear understanding of your own gifts, skills and unique talents/abilities? This
type of self-knowledge is far more important in selling yourself to employers than availability and pay.
If you were asked what makes you special and different from anyone else, could you answer
convincingly and with pride?
Do you have a history of finishing things? Or have you always stopped just short of going all the way?
Do you have a "life is what you make it" attitude or are you the "I never got the breaks" type of
person?
If you portray the latter, you may find it difficult to sell yourself to potential employers.
Do you have a sense of humor or do you take yourself too seriously? Laughter can relieve tension,
soothe the pain of disappointment and strengthen the spirit for the formidable tasks that always lie