I took an interview today.
It was for a junior position at my consultancy, and so I was looking for a certain basic skillset, presentability (since it is for a client-facing activity) and verbal abilities.
And I was amazed by the kind of confidence displayed by the candidate.
Not just her, but I have observed that most of the younger generation, the ones who are entering the job market, or have 3-4 years of experience, are very confident when it comes to interviews. 20 years back was a different story altogether.
I guess it is due to the social media/instant messaging connect that has brought a lot of people out of their shells, and in general, helped youngsters communicate more freely.
I feel today’s job seeker has gone beyond the “fast learner, team player” cliche, and is able to put forward a lot of their true personalities. A quick check on LinkedIn/social media also adds to the decision making, unlike before when one had to take their word for it.
Qualifications also take a backseat when it comes to most jobs nowadays. How well you mugged up your subjects does not count in the real world, unless the opening is for subject-matter expertise. Roles are also more fluid, and ever-changing. In this scenario, a person with confidence can handle whatever is thrown at them, and do it well in most cases.
Good to speak with such people!
On the other side, is persistence. Apparently, we are born with a hell lot of it, as I am discovering to my dismay. My son is persistence personified. Hide the remote ten times, he will stand up and find it the 11th time. Lift him and bring him back from under the table where he reached crawling gleefully, and he will, like an automated bunny rabbit, start from scratch yet again, and embark on his journey across the room.
Try blocking his way and he will not give up until you get a call and move out of the way yourself, or get tired and let him pass. In short, you meet your nemesis as far as “my way or the highway” goes.
I wonder what changes as we grow up. Why do we start to give up? Yes, I agree somethings are not worth pursuing, but why does our attitude change in such a way that we give up easily on what actually matters?
How do we go from small things making us delighted (not just happy) to the best things in the world not being able to bring a smile to our faces?
What happens between unconditional laughter when we are infants, to sly and cunning smiles when we grow up?
Wasn’t growing up intended to be, as the name suggested, an improvement in our capabilities and outlook? Then how did we lose these basics along the way?
They say it takes a village to bring up a child. I say it takes a child to bring up a child. And during the process, you too end up learning and growing. Sometimes, even more than the kid that learns from you.
See you tomorrow!