Season 6 - The Apprentice - Week 1
This week while I was working I had a thought drop in me like a dime! The thought, review, analyze and discuss the current season of The Apprentice on my blog. Why? Because according to Donald Trump, "This is the world’s toughest interview"! I agree! To be in "the press", the pressure cooker of an interview for 14 weeks on television has to be tough. So for my readers, for my future readers, I want to talk about it and give my two cents on what I see and how you and I or anyone can learn from the "toughest interview" and apply the lessons learned the next time you are in the board room competing for your next job! Today is the first in a series of post that I will include on my blog. I would love your thoughts and comments!
Week One: Getting to Know You!
As I reviewed the show a couple of weeks ago, Mr. Trump is pretty clear about what he is looking for in the next Apprentice. He is looking for a talented individual, who is a problem-solver, and sharp negotiator! He has 18 candidates to choose from and based on my observation of the first week, it will be a tough decision. In the end, only one person will remain and the person will be the next Apprentice! Mr. Trump asked each person to introduce themselves. The introductions were interesting because it gave you, the observer, the audience an opportunity to assess the candidates. It was quick, but it was effective. Two people stood out among the crowd. Angela, the Olympic champion and Martin.
Recap:
Martin was the first to make a negative impression and in the end it killed him. I could not believe it. When he was suppose to give a 30 second commercial about himself, in the midst of the introduction he asks "can I go the bathroom?" That was insane. It also did not help Martin when he admitted he was tired on the first task. That’s a negative, and negatives erode your opportunity to be hired. Martin was not going to survive no matter what he did. He gave his competition ammunition, he gave Ivanca ammunition which gave Mr. Trump ammunition, and in the end it was truly what killed him in the board room. Not to mention that his competition in the board room was/is a pit bull. Frank, owner of a development company.
Frank is gritty and energetic and most of all, Frank is HUNGRY! And in the game of hiring, of finding the best candidate, the Ideal Candidate; hungry for the opportunity is big and Frank knows it and he defines it! Frank is aggressive and passionate. There is a fire in his belly for this opportunity. How long will it keep him in the game? I’m not sure. He is definitely missing some business savvy, in my opinion. He is missing some polish, but in the end will it matter? I will jump out on a limb and say that Frank will not make it to the end. I think there are others in the candidate pool that are equally hungry for the opportunity and who will better represent Mr. Trump and his organization.
Lessons You Can Use:
- First Impressions matter - That is what Martin missed. Everything that comes out of your mouth in the interview will be used for or against you. You will either score big points or you will live to regret what you said. It made a difference for Martin and it will make a difference for you in your interviews. Think before you speak!
- How much passion can you demonstrate during the interview process? Are you hungry? I mean really hungry for the opportunity? If you are, you will prepare yourself appropriately and differentiate yourself from the competition.
- One of the things hiring managers are looking for when they interview potential candidates is whether the person will fit the culture, climate, pace of the organization. Ivanca made it clear that Martin does not come close. Mr. Trump agreed and ultimately, that is what turned Mr. Trump’s decision.
- Lastly, the team with the most points wins. It is true no matter what culture, country or game you are playing. The interview game is as interesting as any board game, card game or life game you can play. This year, The Apprentice is highlighting the importance of winning by introducing tent city to the losing team. It is brilliant! It is raw! It is a phenomenal way to drive home the point that winning matters. Winners win! Losers lose! Which side of the hedge do you want to live on? I can tell you that I want the mansion.
More to come! Week Two will be posted in the next couple of days!
Photo Credit: Google Image
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POSTED IN: Coach's Cornor, For Managers, Preparation & Planning, The Apprentice 6, The Interview
1 opinion for Season 6 - The Apprentice - Week 1
Tough Questions? Great Answers! » Blog Archive » Season 6 - The Apprentice - Week 3
Feb 3, 2007 at 5:14 pm
[…] 1. Quitting - Did Michelle quit because she chose out of the hiring process? According to Donald Trump, Michelle quit. Here’s what I think: By definition, "this is the world’s toughest interview." An interview by my definition is about two entities, two parties, discussing whether or not they want to work together on a long-term or short-term basis. At any time during the process, either party has the right to choose out and end the process. If it is not working - I believe you can say I have had enough and I choose not to continue in this process. That is what I believe Michelle did. Did she quit? YES. Should she have gone into the board room and be fired? I believe she gets to make that decision. […]
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