A few weeks ago, my interview team conducted a second interview with a gentleman who totally knocked the ball out of the park. He was prepared, asked great questions, and he had the demeanor and skill set that we were looking for.
My client wanted to hire him right then and there. I said no, because we had a third interview to go through to completely finish the interview process. He wasn’t very happy with me, but he conceded.
Then, we set up the third interview with this candidate, who showed up late. His demeanor was condescending, and it was very clear that this wasn’t the job that he ultimately wanted.
My client was stunned.
Later, over tacos, my client said “I think I got it now. You can’t Fan Boy over a candidate.”
Nailed it.
The third interview is such a make-it-or-break-it event. Why? Because the candidate has relaxed. They realize that they are close to getting a job offer, so they let down and show you their true selves, warts and all. It can be truly mind-boggling to watch, especially when the candidate turns out to be the wrong fit. As one of my clients so eloquently stated, “Thank GOD for the third interview!”
The lesson here, as it often is in business, is to finish the process and don’t Fan Boy. You can’t be obsessed with a candidate; you have to be obsessed with the process. Ultimately, this leads to hiring the right fit.
Power Thought: Fan Boy the process, not the candidate. You can Fan Boy over the candidate after they become a Rockstar employee.