Table Stakes

I was recently talking with a colleague about first interviews. Typically a first interview is a "get to know you" interview that allows you a look at the potential candidate for a job and test their skills and ability.

Even in the more important positions like an executive role the first interview has basically stayed the same. The expectation of the recruiter is the candidate show up to the live or phone interview and answer questions about their background and skills.

Welcome to the NEW WORLD. A plugged in world where information is king and you have access to a ton of data about any company that is worth interviewing with.

You must be informed to be a prepared candidate for an interview for a management role. Walking into an interview without company information is like walking into the interview without pants on!

Here's Why:
1. Shows you have an interest in the job and company
2. Will allow you to formulate some solid questions about the business
3. Allows you to measure "job fit" for yourself
4. Reviewing data online helps you see what condition the company is in

Here's where you look:
1. Company website
2. Blogs on the business
3. Consumer reports
4. Chambers of commerce
5. Financial sites (if publicly traded)
6. Listen to company reports on pod cast

In the end I believe that knowing core knowledge of a business is “Table Stakes” to get into the game at the management level in the world of web 2.0. Showing up without the currency to get in the game should get you shown to the door. Now if recruiters would raise their expectations the whole talent pool would raise the level of the game.