A FEW DAYS BACK I released an article entitled Human Resources + Talent Evaluation=Oxymoron. In that article I delved into the difficulty a typical HR Department faces when they are saddled with the daunting task of trying to locate and evaluate so-called talent for an open position. Having been enlightened to the above it is time to realize you can be your own talent developer.
Talent is one of those terms that in its vague definition leads to a subjective opinion of what talent really is. The truth of the matter is that this word is used so frequently by some many people in various circumstances that it is even more difficult to get a clear handle on. Hence the necessity for an article that is centered around this topic.
You can be your own talent developer as long as you are willing to undertake the steps to do so. One of the key components is learning to develop positive characteristics. Part of that must come from your own natural endowments and aptitudes. The afore mentioned is step one of a few steps to convince the frazzled HR person that you are the talent they need.
Be prepared to be prepared. Being unprepared is not only unprofessional it is also the fastest way to gain the label of untalented. When you are prepared you can overcome the obstacle of unexpected questions or those that seem to have no relevancy to them. While the question may be “out of leftfield” it is asked for specific reasons which is to see how you think on your feet especially under pressure.
Know the ins and outs of the company you are visiting. Carefully scrutinize their website to get a feel for their culture and how you might fit in. Measure your metrics vs their needs to ensure you at least on the surface look like you are a good “fit” for each other. Learn who is who and who does what in the company. Use of various Social Media outlets to uncover facts about what these people are about if they are indeed findable.
Failing that observe how they function and react to different stimuli while you are sitting there. If you witness fluster become a calming influence. Show understanding of the situation by showing understanding and empathy. Talented people use any opportunity like this or similar to build a personal connection with this person. The climate in an interview can change at any moment so you must be adept at adapting.
Engage in back and forth dialogue with your interviewer. Let him hear how you talk and think things through before making a statement. When you do respond do so in a clear concise direct manner without being too verbose. Don’t just talk for the sake of talking but at the same time don’t just give a yes or no answer.
The preceding paragraphs focus mainly on the interview as opposed to developing yourself as a talent for the reason being this is the forum that you putting all of your personal components on display. The uniqueness of the total you. You have done that, you can do this, and you will do this while backing your words up with a live demonstration will be the eye opener they are in need of.
Your references will speak volumes about you. Get as many personal and professional references as you can. Endeavor to get a least one reference from a well-known and highly respected name who does not recommend just anybody. That “name” is your winning lottery ticket as it legitimizes you as a talent.
In words some of these suggestions may seem easy to implement while others may not come as naturally. You cannot recreate yourself but by using this guide along with other resources (recruiters, coaches, etc.) if you truly are a talent making HR see you as such will become second nature.
