Lessons I Learned from Working and Hiring for Fortune 500 Companies

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Lessons I learned from Hiring and Working for Fortune 500 Companies

It is true that for "most" people "working" for a large corporation, their time with a large company will help them in their long term career goals. P&G has no comparison on a resume, as do IBM, GE and  Pepsi. I had the privilege of working for the world's largest telecommunications company from 1979 to 1981 and eventually provide staffing services for some of the worlds largest technology, pharmaceutical, personal care products and finance companies from 1995 to present. Certainly these companies can afford a longer term view that will provide you with significant training and growth opportunities. 

I had the privilege of being hired by and working for the largest telecommunications company in the world in 1979. During my 36 months with this company I spent 18 months in formal training classes ranging from technology to sales and administration. Again, many of those that aspire to work in any commercial enterprise will truly benefit from a brief stint with a large organization. Listed below are a few ways to get hired and "sustain" a career in a large organization or get a few years of invaluable experience and world class training.

• The hiring process for a large corporation is like being picked for a soccer team. The "captain" needs to make sure you will stay in your lane and not go after the ball in "another lane" no matter what! This is much different than interviewing for a "small" company where the interviewer and company what to make sure you are willing to pitch in area when required.

• You will most likely have to go through "at least" 3 different interviews...at 3 separate times. First with HR....Then the manager you will be working for....Then with the manager that has the authority to approve. Please don't think that if you're fortunate to have your "third" interview that this will be your most challenging. Many "hiring managers" depend heavily on the manager that will be working with you every day.

• Keep in mind that there is a very good chance that the position you are interviewing for will be filled by an "insider". A person that already works for this company and was laid off and allowed some time to find another position within the company. Don't be disappointed as this is a fact of corporate life and hiring.

• Please do no challenge the hiring manage by statements such as "My goal is to have your job" or "I hope to be your boss". The sentiment is appreciated but will work against you. You should state that "you want to contribute to the success of the department".

• When interviewing for a large organization DO NOT state that "I can learn a lot here". Even if their world class training is exceptional. The company pays you to "contribute". You pay a school/vocational institute to "learn".

• Be able to talk about "methodology" and "systems". If you're applying for a position in sales or marketing, be prepared to discuss "How you went about your job" and "How you measured your step by step progress" and "How you implemented systems to avoid obstacles". This will be much different in a small organization. Be able to talk about software systems that you have used in the past to help make you and your company more productive.

• The Interviewer wants you to interview him/her too. Don't hesitate to ask questions such as "Tell me about your experiences here!"..."How did you attain your position with this company".

• Large or small company, the interviewer will ask "Why are you looking for a new job?". While there are not right answers....There are a few wrong ones! Don't answer that you want more money...you don't like you manager....Your company is asking too much of you.....Your company misled you when you were originally hired...These are all wrong answers and lead the interviewer to think you will/may have the same issues. The best answers I ever got were...I've heard a lot about your company and it's exciting products and growth and I believe I can contribute to the future....I want to work at a company like yours that is committed to excellence and a leader in the industry...I work with wonderful people that have been our company for a long period of time and will be there for a longer time and I am looking for a company where I can not only be for a long time but can also grow professionally as the company grows. All interviewers know you are hoping to make more money. Interviewers are looking for passionate people that enjoy what they do!

• If you are interviewing for a sales position (within the same industry) you need to be extra careful regarding your response to the question of "Why are you looking for a new job?". If you are interviewing for a position in the same industry that you presently work you really do have 1 strike against you as most interviewers will assume you're looking for a new job due to the fact that you aren't selling enough with your present employer...If you go in armed with this in mind, you can win. The best answers to the question of "Why are you looking for a new job?" if you are in sales are..."I want to work at your company to be able to provide a wider array of products and services to my clients as this will make me much more effective and productive"....."I've heard great things about your company from my clients and I know I can contribute much to your future success". "I want to work at a company that shares the same client focused vision as mine". DO NOT talk about any changes in commission plans or compensation. All commission plans within the same industry are similar. 

• Large organizations, especially in Technology, are looking for "authenticity" in their candidates. You need to demonstrate your leadership skills, thinking skills and uniqueness. Much of this is addressed by your confidence during the interview process. Indeed, many large organizations will give your qualitative and quantitative tests. For the qualitative tests, there are looking for "consistency" in your replies and thought process. For the quantitative test, they are actually looking for your thought process more so than the correct answer.

StaffNet Consulting and Placement Group has placed many qualified candidate in large organizations. Both with and without experience. Large organizations offer great opportunity for growth and advancement. Let StaffNet-Searh for You. Please email me at sjwilk@staffnetconsulting.com or call me at (908) 963-9000. Please visit us at http://staffnetconsulting.com.

Steven J. Wilk is Executive Director of StaffNet Consulting and Placement Group, LLC and was President of TransNet Corporation for 28 years