Here’s a sure-fire way to find a candidate who’s willing to fight for a job at your company.
Tejune Kang, founder of Six Dimensions, an IT service firm, recently shared with Jeff Haden of Inc.com his secret to finding superstar candidates in a sea of mediocrity.
Once he assesses candidates’ education, experience and skill sets, Kang sits back in his chair and says:
The problem is, I just don’t see that extra something in you that all of our people have.
Then comes the phrase he claims uncovers true diamonds in the rough:
I’m sorry, but I just don’t think this is the right fit for you.
Turn up the heat
When was the last time you stared a job candidate in the face, during a first interview, and told him or her they weren’t getting the job? If it’s been a while, it may be time to rethink that stance.
Here’s why:
Kang says it makes nine out of 10 people who hear it fold like a deck of cards, which is great, because those aren’t the people you want anyway. Those are the folks who’ve said to themselves, “Maybe this isn’t the right job for me.” And you want someone who’s 100% sure they’re the right fit and willing to fight for the job.
That’s precisely the kind of person that statement weeds out. Kang says every once in a while a candidate rises to the challenge and tries to overcome the rejection, which is what you want in an employee — someone who is unfazed when the odds are against them.
Haden quotes Kang:
It’s one thing to have a pleasant conversation during interviews. And I definitely do that. But at some point, you also need to turn up the heat and see how people respond. Anyone can do well when things go perfectly. Superstars rise to the challenge when things don’t go their way.
Bottom line: A candidate who’s not willing to sit back and kiss a good opportunity goodbye at the first sign of rejection show’s that extra “something” all employers are looking for, and this test (of sorts) can help uncover it.