T.A.P. Q#237 – My Dad Got Me the Interview…Do I Even Have a Shot?

August 6, 2009 by sparktalk

Dear Experts,

I’m going on an interview tomorrow for a job that I know I’m not qualified for. My father knows the owner of the company and agreed to meet with me. Do I have a shot at this job, or is he just being nice? What should I do to convince him I could do the job?

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Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:

Q#237 Wdn’t waste his time if u didn’t have skills; do ur homework, show how u’ll help them achieve goals. (@juliaerickson)

Q#237 Anytime you have an interview, you have a shot. Research both the company & industry. Ask many (intelligent) questions. (@gradversity)

Q#237 Treat it like any other interview. Prepare. Be enthusiastic. Demonstrate fit/skills. (@beneubanks)

Q#237 Ultra-prepare (research co) b4 interview 2 show u care abt needs, want 2 help; ask meaningful ?s. (@ValueIntoWords)

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Filed Under: C-Twips (Career Tips on Twitter!), T.A.P. Questions
Tagged: advice, CAREEREALISM, interview, job, opportunity, qualified, Realism, work

Comments

jackyoung

Karianne – There are so many old adages that apply here… not the least of which is “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” I like to tell stories, particularly to my candidates. All the stories are true. The names are changed to protect the innocent.

My oldest friend, Harry (we met in 4th. Grade) has a niece Barbara who’s now 28 yrs old. Seven years ago Barbara had just graduated from college and was struggling to find a job. She’s real glad not to be looking for a job now.

Harry and I have an acquaintance, Kevin who had just gotten a fairly senior job with “The Food Network”. Harry called Kevin to ask if he could use any entry level “kids” to do whatever basic “schlepping” tasks the network need for production.

Kevin said he’d talk to Harry’s niece and see if maybe they had something for her. Well, they hired Barbara back in ’01 as a Junior Production Assistant (see schlepper). Barbara work crazy hours, and performed every menial task they presented. Gradually she received a few promotions, and was able to direct her career towards the sales side of the business.

In ’07 Barbara received a bonus for her sales achievement in ’06. The bonus was for in excess of 200k. This year Barbara took that money and a little extra savings, and bought a 1 bedroom coop in one of the most desirable Manhattan neighborhoods for over 600k.

Barbara is still with “The Food Network”, and Kevin, the acquaintance that Harry and I know has since moved up the ladder with the network as well. Kevin has been sort of a mentor for Barbara’s career progression. This all stemmed from an innocent phone call made to an acquaintance seven years ago.

“My parents are setting me up on a job interview” is certainly one of the best referrals a job seeker can ever have. Do all the preparation steps you would normally take before going on any interview. The truth of the matter is; if you are equally prepared, and equally qualified as many of the other candidates being considered, the introduction from your parent, as an acquaintance or friend can oftentimes be the clinching point in you receiving an offer.
J.T. O'Donnell

Jack, thank you for sharing that story!

We can tell young professionals to not worry about it and use the connection, but a story like that PROVES why you should prepare and give it your all.

Thank you for pointing out how Barbara was the one that created her own success - she just needed to step through the door that was opened for her.

Which just gave me the idea for a wonderful post on the subject!