Today, Gary Unger, author of “How to Be a Creative Genius“, recounts for us a rather unique interview experience he had when looking to hire an Art Director a few years back:
I interviewed a guy one time for an Art Director position at an Advertising Agency where I was the Creative Director. I had received about 200 resumes. This guy had some outstanding history of work, so I called him in. It started off rather rough when I called him. He seemed reluctant to come in and I finally coaxed him into telling me why. He “lied” that he was in Atlanta and that he was trying to move to town with a relative but had not done so. He was living three hours away. That didn’t bother me, so I made an appointment with him in the afternoon.
When he arrived, he looked a bit frazzled and I asked how his drive was. If I recall right, he had slept in too late and had to rush out the door to get to the interview on time. I like honesty, even when it hurts. So I let that go. I figured at least the guy won’t lie to me as to why he might miss work or will be late. As I looked over his portfolio I was very impressed with his art, style, and concepts. But, while I’m looking over his last few pieces, I realize he has his head down on the table. I asked if everything is alright. He didn’t even look up, but spoke to the table and said he’s fine, he’s “just a little nervous.”
I tell him I’m done looking at the portfolio and start asking him questions. He sits up and stares straight down at his shoes and answers the questions. I again tried to set him at ease. This time he says he has some nervous habits in interviews and apologizes. He can handle about two questions before he politely asks if I mind if he turns around. I said “Yes,” thinking he’d need a small break from the interview. Instead, after about a minute with his back to me (in a high back swivel chair), he waves his hand and says “you can continue with questions.”
I told him I’m on his side, I like his work and to not be so nervous. For the most part he has the job, but we just have to go through some formalities. He stayed facing the other way and says “Thank you.” I couldn’t resist and started asking him questions about his portfolio so he’d have to turn around and look at me. Instead he reaches his hand around behind him and asks me to hand him the piece in question. I did.
After about two pieces I couldn’t take it, I had to share this experience with someone else. I told him that the General Manager would likely want to talk to him before signing any paperwork. I went into the GM’s office and said “You won’t believe this.” The GM and I returned to the room where the interview was taking place and the guy had his head down on the desk. The GM introduced himself and he looks up slouched over the table and shakes the GM’s hand. Then promptly puts his head in his hands with his elbows on the table. The GM looked at me and had the biggest grin on his face. The GM then proceeded to ask him if he’s nervous and tries to get the guy to relax. The guy excuses himself to go to the bathroom. While he was out the GM and I had a good ‘ol laugh.
Upon his return the guy asks if there’d be more to the interview. I said yes. He sits down and turns around with his back to both me and the GM. Again, smiles between me and the GM. The GM asks a few questions that the guy answers. The GM while having fun decides he’s had his laugh for the day, stands up and walks in front of the guy and says, “well, you and Gary can work out the details but I thought you might like to see my face before I go.”
The guy confesses to me that he has some sort of fear of people. I told him his job is to interact with people. He asked if there is a way around that. I said I can try, but I’m busy too and he’ll have to interact with the Account Execs pretty much on a daily basis. He politely tells me he may not be the guy for the job.
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“What the? – Strange Tales from the Job Search Front” is a weekly posting with the sole purpose of trying to infuse a little levity into your job search. For practical, tested and proven job search advice, please subscribe to my weekly ezine – Build the Career You Deserve – read by over 21,000 professionals.
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