Don't Be The Bad Hire

The point of an interview is to get a job, right.  Of course.  It’s a great feeling to go through a difficult hiring process, multiple interviews and come out with a job offer.  You know you’re a talented individual with lots of potential.  But it’s possible that you’re the wrong person for the job and it’s not your fault.  Beware of employers who hire you for the wrong reasons.  It can spell disaster for you, the employer and your career.

In an Inc.com article, John Caplan recounted his own story of a bad hire.  Lots of lessons for hiring managers on what not to do.  But what if you’re the person who was hired?  There are consequences.  It may be better to turn down an offer than to take a job under the wrong circumstances.

You may have been hired in desperation.  How long has the job been vacant?  Is it a key position?  You don’t want to be the one who was hired because you were the last one (or the only one) who came through the door.  If the hiring manager made an offer because he needed a warm body fast, you really weren’t hired for your talent.  You were hired because your greatest asset was a strong pulse.

The company may be on the Fortune 500 list or one of the fastest growing companies on the planet.  Everything is great, except for the tiny little fact that their manufacturing processes are polluting the water system.  And you’re a charter member of Greenpeace.  No matter how stellar your resume, you’re not a good hire.  Culture clashes are hard to overcome.  A big paycheck is nice, but not if you compromise your principles.

You didn’t meet the team. 

Beware of interviews with only HR and the hiring manager.  If you hear a lot about the great people you’ll be working with and how everyone works as a team, you should meet the team before you’re hired.  The manager and HR may love you, but if someone on the team doesn’t, or your gut tells you it’s not a good match, it’s not for you.  Synergy is tough to fake and, like smiling, it has to come from within and can’t be taught.  The team has been together for a while and you’ll be the outsider.  Be sure you’ll make it to the inner circle.

You faked it. 

You put on the charm, embellished a few accomplishments and didn’t mention your real weakness was getting along with other people.  And making deadlines.  You don’t have to wait for the “Imposter syndrome” to catch up to you on the job.  You knew it as soon as you left the interview.  You know you’re not really qualified for the job.  Your Oscar-winning performance fooled everyone but you.  It’s better to back out before everyone else finds out, too. 

Sooner or later, the employer will figure it out and see you’re not “the one.”  Nothing good can come about once they’ve had that revelation.  Not getting the job is better than being the bad hire that everyone regrets.  Saying “no thanks” can be the best hiring decision of all.

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