“Often the difference between a successful person and a failure is not one has better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on one’s ideas, to take a calculated risk – and to act.“ Andre Malraux
It was the third interview for a medical sales position that I desperately wanted. The interview started off well enough, but soon took a dramatic turn for the worse. I wasn’t sure what changed, but it wasn’t looking good.
Having nothing to lose, I asked the interviewer what the problem was. He told me that I did not have the experience that they needed for the position. At that moment, I realized I could play nice or I could go for it. After all, if I was going to burn a bridge, I might as well throw some gasoline on it.
With a head bob and a finger point, I let him know in no uncertain terms that I had EXACTLY the expertise that he needed for this position, and I gave him examples of each key point where he felt my credential were lacking. The interview ended a few minutes later, and I walked out without the offer. However, on the way to the airport my new boss contacted me and offered me my dream position, which I accepted it on the spot. Risking it all led to a job I held for the next seven years.
When you know something is right, sometimes you’ve got to take a risk and ACT upon your instincts. What will you go for today?
Have fun,
Lisa
Maybe a head bob and finger point is NOT the most endearing gesture you can make to a potential employer, but standing your ground with absolute certainty is.
