You may have come across many writes on this subject. You might have attended few workshops on Successful Interview skills, etc.
What I am talking to you today, is bit different. This is not merely for succeeding in Interviews. It is more than that.
This is for success in your life, too.
- “What are your hobbies?”. Usually asked this question in between other technical and work related questions.
Usually there is a pause of surprise and confusion not only on the interviewee’s face but also on co-interviewer’s faces.
There are reactions to this question.
Some people fumble and do not know what to answer. This was not in their FAQ list.
Some give a blank look and rattle several things – music, dance, soccer…
There is a third type who after the initial pause of surprise, suddenly seem excited.
There is a spark in their eyes. Then they talk about their hobbies.
If someone says their hobby is reading, – the last book which she/he read and why liked it.
Or if their hobby is music, a related question is asked.
- Next question is “If you had the freedom to choose any role in the organization, what would you choose and why?”
After these questions, the rest of the interview is carried on.
To be frank, even before the final lap of the interview, it is almost decided to select the person or not.
Why so much importance to these two questions.
Well, look for one thing: Passion.
- Passion keeps you going: It is very important for everybody to be passionate about at least something in her/his life.
When a person’s eyes lights up while talking about the recent photography she/he has done, it is clear that the fire is inside her/him.
If this fire can be lit up in his work, she/he will be a great fit in the organization.
- Passion comes from within: When the third question is asked about the role which she/he will choose and why, you get a clear picture about her/his work passion.
Whether it is leading or technical problem solver, collaborating, or directing, the way the answer is articulated again guides about what they really want to be
.. what is it that will goad them to excel at work. Usually a lot of time is spent talking about this aspect.
- Passion helps in innovation: If you are passionate about something, you will find innovative ways to go around the problem.
Until the problem is solved, the passion inside you will goad you towards hsuccess. Insurmountable tasks being done by passionate people. She/e kept on going when everybody else had given up.
- Work is sheer joy: Though it is an ideal state, but when someone is lucky enough to work on something which she/he is passionate about, work is just not work. Long hours are not stressful.
The satisfaction of completing a well designed web page or composing a jingle or fixing a complex bug gives immense joy.
If you love what you do, you will never work a single day of your life.
Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, Marc Zuckerberg, have all talked about finding passion in what you do. They have said “Never underestimate the power of passion”
And for organizations – “One person with passion is better that forty people merely interested”
What do you think? Is this style of interviewing controversial?
Pathfinders need your thoughts! Please share with us.
Suresh Shah, M.D., Pathfinders Enterprise