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No Experience Necessary: Proving You Are Qualified Even Though…

by Gina on June 16th, 2008

Ever come across a job that you just knew you’d be perfect for but had no previous direct experience on your resume?  Well, Vinny Del Negro (pictured above) did and he got the job, anyway.  Even if you are not a basketball fan, you can still appreciate the important interview lesson here.

Vinny Del Negro, the new head coach of the Chicago Bulls, has never had a coaching job in his life.  I mean not even a college or high school.  As a Chicago Bulls season ticket holder, I gotta tell you I was really shocked (and a little scared) that the Bulls organization would hire a coach with no coaching experience.  As I listened to Vinny’s press conference trying to figure out how he pulled this off, it hit me that the only way to get a job absent any experience is through the interview process. 

I’m not trying to say that Vinny was not qualified.  Far from it.  He’s been in professional basketball most of his adult life, just never as a coach.  The important thing here is that he was able to convince John Paxon through the interview process that he was the most qualified for the job, even though he wasn’t the most experienced.

Here’s a link where you can find the press conference.  You’ll notice that Vinny mentions the rigorous interview process several times which, as a fan, made me feel better.  I was won over just listening to him.  That’s what you want to do in your interview.

If you are heading to an interview and have held no previous jobs like you are applying for, you’ll need to focus on how the experience that you do have has prepared you for the job.  Here’s how Vinny did it.

1. He focused on his time as a basketball player (in the same field just not the same post) and emphasized that when he was a player, he always saw the game from the coaches perspective.  For your interview, focus on how your previous experience has prepared you for the job, even if the experience you bring is from a different kind of job. 
2. He focused on his leadership philosophy which was a good fit for the organization.  For your interview, find similarities in your style that you feel would fit into the organization’s culture.
3. He acknowledged that he did not have direct experience and that he was aware they’d be taking a chance on him if they hired him.   There is no need to pretend that your lack of direct experience doesn’t exist.  Acknowledge it while you emphasize that you’re still the best person for the job. 

Have you been on an interview for a job for which you had no direct experience?  We’d love to hear about it.   And, Vinny, if you are reading this, call me.  I want you to do a guest post for us.

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POSTED IN: Preparation & Planning, The Interview