CAREERS NOW 03-19-08

Sketching Out a Winning Interview

DEAR JOYCE: After being hit with a no-fault job loss in January, I finally had my first serious job interview yesterday. It was okay, not great. Other than the usual suspects of research and rehearsal, do you have suggestions on how to stand out from the competition? - T.Y.

Yes. Here's a fresh recommendation you can use: Draw a winning conclusion to your interview by using a sketch. Literally. That is, use a "visual thinking" approach to make interviewers remember you, to drive a decision that you're The One.

This novel tip comes from Dan Roam, author of a smashing new book with communication ideas that make a lot of sense, "The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures" (Portfolio).

But what if you have two left brains (analytical) and no right brain (artistic talent)? Not to worry. From diagrams to stick figures, Roam, a San Francisco-based consultant, illustrates how you don't have to be a Rembrandt to use powerful visual thinking on paper, online, on whiteboards and on lunch-meeting napkins to summarize complicated concepts with simple pictures.

I asked Roam how his visual-thinking approach can be used in job interviews. His answer:

"An almost magical way to show a clear grasp of the needs of a potential employer is to pull out a piece of paper in the interview and say, "Let me show you how I think I could help your business" and then draw a simple sketch summarizing your understanding of the business and your potential role. You accomplish several things:

-- You show that you're prepared and knowledgeable about the employer and your role.

-- You show that you're a good problem solver and can think on your feet.

-- You provide a visual springboard to discuss your beneficial role in the job.

-- You create a memorable "electric air" in the room; everyone loves to see a simple picture come together live. You turn the interview into a problem-solving discussion, making everyone in the room feel great.

"Because you'll need to practice your sketch before the interview, this time investment will make you more comfortable and confident in your point of view that your ideas will solve problems for the employer."

Here's my add-on thought to Roam's concept: After you finish your sketch at the interview, suggest that you come around to the other side of the desk so that "we can more easily look at this together." The let-me-join-you tactic is a bonding subtlety (we like people who are like us).

Skeptical at first glance, the more I think about Roam's original on-the-spot visuals substituted for, or added to, the charts and PowerPoint bullets that are known to work well for important interviews, the more I think he's suggesting a terrific new tool. You may need a few days to get the hang of visual thinking. That's no big deal.

In a jobs-down, oil-up economy, isn't it worth going the extra mile to become the one who is remembered and hired?

DEAR JOYCE: I am going to post my resume online but should I use my real name? - C.C.

As Indeed.com, a comprehensive job search engine, says on the topic, "Anyone may be able to see it, including your current employer. Most job sites give you the option of posting anonymously, although companies may then be less likely to contact you."

I'm not a fan of hanging your real-name resume out for the world to see in online databases. My reasons range from privacy concerns to becoming so overexposed that fee-seeking recruiters won't touch you. I'd take my chances on generic camouflage, including neutering resume details that are likely to identify you to people you'd rather keep in the dark.

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