Show me your PASSION!

As we all know, industry experience is always preferred for almost every position.

There is a little-known fact however, and that is that if a company is to entertain looking at candidates from outside the industry, Fall is often the most likely time of the year for that to happen.

The reason for that starts with many companies having their fiscal year end tied with the calendar year end.  Companies are often running out of their budgets to attract the best talent from their industries and they also have to deal with equity limit issues and required signing bonuses for any strong performer that would be forgoing their December 31st

 bonus by leaving their current company.  Someone from outside of the industry will usually be less expensive and has less leverage against a hiring company.  Attaining 

top talent is still crucial, so companies will sometimes explore strong out of industry people as oppose to hiring recycled industry veterans who have more predictable ceilings.

What does this all mean?

It means that September and October may be an opportune time for someone who wants to change their industry!

So, if someone is looking to make an industry change, it is important to focus on the number one selling attribute in a job interview.

That is passion!

If someone can show their passion for an industry and/or an opportunity in an interview in a positive and energetic manner, it is very difficult for a company to say no to that candidate.

The caveat being, that that passion needs to be genuine!

Overselling yourself, your dreams or your knowledge will always come across as phoney and will not fool an interviewer.

I tell candidates to prepare for an interview, but if you truly want a job that is important to you,

Show Your Passion!

This includes being able to articulate the basis for your attraction to that space, your relevant experience, your relevant credentials, and most importantly, your understanding of that space moving forward.

Preparation is the key for interviews, but it is not just about preparing for behavioural questions or polishing your elevator pitch.

Be prepared to have a business conversation in your meeting!

Prepare as if the President of the company asked you what your perspective is on his/her industry.

You don’t need to be able to speak intelligently about the company, but anyone worth their weight, should be able to speak about their observations regarding the industry as well as be able to comment on any trends or changes.

This sort of insight is what companies are looking for, not how much you memorized from their website.

Good luck!

Farewell,

Mike