Q. Over the past year I have been on 754 job interviews, but I still don’t have a job. In fact, I’ve never once been called back for a second interview. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I’m polite and articulate, and I know I don’t seem nervous because I’ve spent hours in front of the mirror practicing how not to be. Plus, I always make sure to mention that I can name all the US Presidents in order, including the years they served. I don’t just mention this in passing – I spend quite a bit of time talking about it, as it is a skillset that I am proud of. So what am I doing wrong?
A. What you may be doing wrong is not demonstrating your skill. You say you mention you can name all the presidents, but have you tried actually naming them? Granted, your interviewer may not be presenting a natural opportunity for you to do so – but that shouldn’t stop a determined job seeker. It is an impressive skill, indeed, and research shows that only 00.45 percent of the US population possesses it. So own it! Be proud of it! And of yourself! And from now on, as soon as there’s any sort of lull in the interview, start naming those presidents!
Dr. Miles Miller, holds a PhD in managerial logistics from Fordham University, where he has served on the faculty since 1978, specializing in pre-conceptual trending.
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