I’m not so sure it applies within organizations, at least not large ones. Most that I’ve been involved with crush anomalies ruthlessly. I know there are a few smart organizations that don’t, but they sadly seem to be in the minority.

More fresh graduates should read this and look at interviews from a different perspective. Great post Chris!

I grant you its nothing but a lie — but hey — work is work. People always like others that remind themselves of . . . themselves and when I happen to be that person — I simply show them how I can make them look good — r-e-a-l good to their boss.

Yep – a sucker born every minute.

> Really good, really smart people actively seek out those with whom they share an intrinsic kinship.

And this explains why.

I think in the old days our parents just said “birds of a feather flock together”.

Great site and insight.

It’s true that people look at your character to see if they can deal with you if u are given he job.

You may have better grades than someone else and appear in the sam interview, but the other person can impress the smart guy interwiewing both of you, than you colud.

So, your character matters alot. Remember First Impression is key!

Rafa.

Since the topic here is about the only thing the smart person looks on your resume, I would say is the last part of your resume– your length of service with your previous employers. Length of service does really matter since it will reflect your character. They want to know how serious or patient were you with your previous job regardless if it was related to your new desired position or not. At least 1 year should be good enough. If you had been 2 or more companies within the entire year you better ask yourself if something is wrong with you, maybe you do not have patience that is why you left the companies!

And then… next line – head on you said it there.

I’ve been to so many of these in the past and many times I am unable to complete the requirements needed because I was immediately placed in the interview seat. And when I was already ” taken in” most times HR did not bother to ask other the requirements.

In other instances there were no formal interview at all. That is if you are talking to the decision maker and big boss. I will admit thought that word of mouth also played a big factor at times.

In fact, most of my transfers to a new job, though related to my field (IT – non technical), in many cases I had no actual experience of the job at hand. I was paid while being trained the case 99%.

I am not saying this is a general thing, but in my case – it was always like this before.

I’ve had in the past my fair share more than enough of interviews or meet ups (if you can call it that way) and what you said is very true.

The corollary to “smart people actively seek out those with whom they share an intrinsic kinship” is, sadly, that many people (including some who are smart but lack confidence) will do everything they can to ensure that smart people are soundly punished for “showing them up.”