Question

Assume you are interviewing for a job with a firm that you are really interested in. You have just spent 25 minutes with the HR recruiter talking about your needs, skills and attributes. Only a few minutes remain before the recruiter will begin interviewing the next candidate. You know that the next step for all “good” job candidates is a visit to the regional office and an interview with the regional manager.

You now need to obtain commitment. What is your goal (i.e. what exactly will you attempt to get the HR recruiter to agree to do?)

Given your answer to above, outline exactly what you would say using (i) the Balance Sheet method and (ii) the Alternative Choice method.

Answer 1

My goal at this stage of time is to convince the HR recruiter that I am a suitable candidate for the job and that I can be shortlisted for the job by highlighting my skills and talents. The recruiter should feel that I am capable and a good candidate so that I will be sent to the regional office for the final interview.

Under the balance sheet method:

I would highlight my strengths and how these can be used to carry out my job responsibilities.

I would list out the strengths which enable me to do my job properly like educational qualifications, unique skills, teamwork abilities.

I would list some weaknesses and how I would overcome them in order to complete my tasks.

Under the alternative choice method:

I would tell the recruiter that- I would love to take up the job and would utilize this opportunity to help the company achieve it's goals. Can you send me to the regional office now or should I go to the regional office tomorrow. Hence I am giving the recruiter two alternative choices which both result in going to the regional office.