Comments on: A Very Creative Interview

By: Danielle Byron

Danielle Byron — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:58:17 +0000

Hi Allen –

Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment.

Looks like I was the close 2nd on this one. Another no to get me to YES!

- D

By: Danielle Byron

Danielle Byron — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:55:24 +0000

Hi Joe –

Thank You – Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

- D

By: Danielle Byron

Danielle Byron — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:49:41 +0000

Hi Jeff – Thanks for reading & the comment. Today I was asked for my “project manager kit in a box” – the hiring manager wants to see examples of past project plans. Danielle

By: Danielle Byron

Danielle Byron — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:46:11 +0000

Wow your story moves free consulting dilemma into the free business development and sales space. I’m glad that you are positve about the process of putting together excellent deliverables ~ good luck on getting the paying position (perhaps the client will be interested in bringing you on board)

By: Brenda Gaunt

Brenda Gaunt — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:11:15 +0000

I had an experience with the “free consulting” outcome, and I also was hired once after preparing a presentation showing my approach to a project. But, my very recent experience with this style of interviewing was somewhat of a roller coaster ride! It began as a one-hour verbal interview, but just when I thought the conversation would wind down and lead to a discussion of next steps, I was asked to join in a product demonstration for a prospective client, including the post-mortem discussion. Then, I was asked to prepare and deliver a presentation for the next meeting with the prospect. I agree with Allen’s statement, as I had to take a “time out” to develop a strategy for staying engaged and interested but resist giving away my “secrets” and too much of my time, while awaiting an actual offer for a position. It feels good and reaffirming to put together a well-received product in these uncertain times, though!

By: Jeff Shaffer

Jeff Shaffer — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:17:26 +0000

Hi Danielle,

Really interesting insights….I had not heard of this being done before exactly like this; but when I interviewed at Crowe I grabbed a whiteboard to share my thoughts on Y2K (hot stuff in 1998) with lots of graphics. Good advice for project manager candidates to be prepared to build a project charter live on the fly. I wonder if they will incorporate your ideas.

By: Joe Lavelle

Joe Lavelle — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:07:43 +0000

Hi Danielle – thanks for sharing this brilliant idea for interviewing! It is a great way to see how someone’s mind works, how creative they are and how they can think on their feet. I am definitely going to “borrow” this method for interviewing!

By: Allen Butler

Allen Butler — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:01:35 +0000

Hi Danielle:
We met briefly at a Techleaders.net meeting some months back. I read your blog with interest. What you described is indeed a unique and great way for employers to get an idea of how you work and your personality. However, I personally lean in the direction of your 7th paragraph (“Another aspect…”). I have had a number of interviews similar to this (in my case, develop an IT strategy on the spot), only to find the employer was just trying to get free advice/ideas on a challenge they have. I’ve seen at least 2 companies who never hired anyone and used this approach to acquire a scope of knowledge they did not have inhouse. After spending much time preparing for these kinds of efforts, I won’t do them anymore (at least not in much detail). I will read the Mastering the Case Interview article with interest to learn more about how to manage these situations in an interview.

A job seeker cannot simply say “No” when asked to do this kind of thing, but we do need a strategy on how to manage it and make sure we’re not giving away our “secrets” gained through years of experience.

Thanks again for posting this very interesting and relevant experience. Did you/will you get the job?

APB