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Recent TIYs

The TIY (they're . . .into you) section is devoted to anecdotes about the things candidates say or do that result in their being hired and to advice for candidates on how to get hired.

Good Old-Fashioned Manners

I saw a posting for a great position and promptly called the organization for more information. I had all the qualifications, but a very non-traditional background - one that "normally" wouldn't get considered for this kind of position. About a week after I sent in my resume and cover letter I sent a hand-written thank you note to the woman I spoke with. I got a call a few days later from her, she said "I hadn't put you on the interview list, but when I got your great note I figured we should give you a shot and I penciled you in." I endured the grueling panel interview and eventually got the job! Don't count out good manners and give good "customer service" to anyone and everyone.

Just Tell the Interviewer She´s Being an Idiot

My wife was once being considered for a job as a financial analyst. She went to the interview and waited eagerly for an answer, which did not seem to come ever. When she finally had given up all hopes the interviewer calls her again and basically demands her to be on such place and time for another interview or she wouldn´t get the job. My wife told her "You never called even to at least not leave me in the dark, and now you want me to be at your disposal? If you actually think you can push people around like that keep your job to yourself!" The lady actually swallowed her breath, confessed she had no one else to send to the job, and gave my wife the position. TIY.

Doing the Right Thing

A Fortune 100 CEO once told me that by the time he sees candidates, he know they are qualified and successful. If they weren't, they wouldn't have made it that far in the interview process. So what he interviews for is cultural and ethical fit. Will the candidate fit in with the corporate culture and will he or she do the right thing. Always. TIY.