Black In Business

Colin Sullivan is a remarkable man. He is Irish, a former Jock, and a macho Wall Street manager. Colin has been kind enough to reach out and encourage my blog topics to include information about opportunities on Wall Street. Colin made a comment on one of my recent post. Colin was a heavy hitter on the street, Wall street that is until a life that now includes chronic pain. Often times this man is in too much pain to even visit on the phone yet he still exhibits the heart and soul of a champion. He loved the competition that drove him to Wall Street success. He believes more people need to have the opportunity to do great things in life. In that regard Colin provides some poignant suggestions regarding what to say in an interview. Keep in mind this is from a former hiring manager for potential 7 figure jobs. Check it out!

1. Colin M. Sullivan Says:
September 16th, 2007 at 6:05 pm e
Hi. I’ve stopped by to read Jim’s wonderful blog many times since we first met. Although I’ve never shaken the man’s hand, I feel that I know him well; his observations always seem to hit the bullseye of the subject on which he turns his attention. I’s like to offer a twist, however on this entry.
Start with this idea firmly anchored in your mind: I AM GREAT. I AM HERE FOR A REASON. THAT RESON IS TO (fill-in with your own words what the job’s outcome should be). I’VE CHOSEN (fill-in the company’s name ) TO BUILD MY CAREER ON THE FOUNDATION OF MY EXPERIENCE (fill-in with a personal story that specifically highlights the character of the corporation and skills required of the job. Tell him/her a true story about your life ) I’VE LIVED MY LIFE, AS BEST I COULD BASED ON THAT ONE SMALL STORY I’VE JUST TOLD YOU. [Look him/her in the eye; stare ] MANY PEOPLE MAY ASK YOU FOR A JOB. MANY PEOPLE HAVE A WEEK’S WORTH OF INTERVIEWS, AND YOUR FIRM FALLS INTO THAT SCHEDULE. NOT ME. THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE I WANT TO BE ( now you need 3 pieces of info, all easily got from the internet; 1. a recent quote from the CEO that you admire-use his name, the context, and the date on which he said it; 2. a quote from anyone who does the job your trying to get; 3. I like this product]…BECAUSE (points one, two and three from above.) PAY, BENEFITS, VACATIONDAYS DON’T MATTER TO ME–IT’S NOT WHERE I’D BE TOMORROW THAT CONCERNS ME. IT’S WHERE I’LL BE THAT I’M MOST INTERESTED IN. OH, I’M BLACK, DOES THAT MATTER?
Could you really get away with that? You bet! I hired people for years on Wall St.
The interview is about confidence demonstrated by your manner, which is polite and FIRM. It’s also about work ethic; you did your homework on the company and could spout it from memory. It’s about the boss looking at you and wishing(!!??) he/she had the guts to do what you just did. Most Exec’s care very deeply how you would represent the firm. The style I show gives them a first-hand testiment to that. Content, your homework, and style win jobs. Interviews are DISQUALIFIERS. Conversations about how a product made bt the firm are one of many simple ways to earn jobs. People overhearing this converasation at the company will talk about you when you’ve gone. More than once, my employees stuck their heads in my door to say, “I hope you hired that guy/gal.” BLUE CHIP hires are hard to find; Jim will tell you. Good luck! Colin Sullivan, http://jackbauerdeclassified.typepad.com/chronic_pain_lifestyle/ or colinsu@msn.com