Always Bring Your A-Game to Every Interview

What would you do if you knew, for certain, that you had a shot at a job that would pay you seven figures?  That you were a shoe-in for an opportunity that would make you an instant millionaire?

All you had to do was get through the final interview without screwing up.  Basically, the job was yours to lose.

Most of us, I assume, would do everything in our power to bring our A-game.  We would prepare like never before. We would know our thirty-second “Tell me about yourself,” elevator speech. We would practice our answers to interview questions.  We might even hire a coach to review basics like eye-contact, body language, conversation and dressing for success.

Personally, I would purchase a new outfit, get my hair cut and have a manicure. This would definitely be a legitimate reason to shop.

Yes, most of us would go “all-out” for such an opportunity, knowing that getting hired would be the ultimate achievement and would cover any expenses we incurred to put our best foot forward.

I recently read an article written by Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News about a young man who did the opposite. He had an opportunity to be an instant millionaire and let it go up in smoke. Literally.

The article had to do with the NFL draft, something that I don’t usually watch.  Hubby brought the article to my attention about the story of Randy Gregory, apparently one of the nation’s top players and at one time expected to be a first round draft pick; probably top ten.

It’s my understanding that “first round” means millions of dollars, much more than if you languish until a later round.

But Mr. Gregory blew the biggest job interview of his life at the NFL combine.  He tested positive for marijuana.  I like how Mr. Gosselin put it best:

“By testing positive for marijuana, Gregory failed that simple intelligence test. How can you be that stupid as to risk a  lifetime of financial security for a few tokes off a joint?”

Seriously, did this young man really think his talent was so special that he was immune from the rules that all other draft hopefuls had to follow?  That coaches were going to ignore bad interview performance and pay him millions anyway?

The Cowboys had him as a first round pick, yet passed him up.  So did the other teams.  Mr. Gregory sat waiting for an offer.  I hope he was nervous; he should have been.

Something similar could happen to anyone during a job interview.  Inappropriate remarks, unable to answer interview questions, appearing unprepared in general, appearing cocky, inappropriate interview attire, etc. – any number of things.  We could just be so nervous that we lose our ability to think clearly.

Every time we interview, whether it’s the first phone-screen or the final-round in-person interview, we simply must bring our A-game. Always be on your toes.  Always show the company the best you have to offer. Your goal is to get the offer, not to leave a lucrative deal on the table because of a mistake.

As for Mr. Gregory, eventually he was selected, yet his value had diminished.  Trust had been lost, the team was wary of what he could do on the field as well as if hiring him could damage their brand.

I hope it works out for him.  And I hope we can all remember the lesson he inadvertently shared: Always bring your A-game to every interview. It could mean big bucks.