I've interviewed 127 people in the last 6 months: here's what I've noticed.

Okay, hear me out before you pick up your sticks and torches… here are the 3 insanely easy things that 99% of the people I’ve interviewed in the last 6 months are missing.

I have hesitated to write this or share this opinion, because the macro job market in America is so tough right now.

I’ll start by saying that I know almost nobody who has been unaffected by the challenges of this macro economic climate since Covid. I have looked for a job three times in the last six years— and if it helps to remind you, I have fallen on my fucking face starting a business that ultimately didn’t have longterm potential! I am no stranger to the ups and downs of this post-Covid job climate, and virtually everyone I know has been unemployed for some chunk of the last five years as well.

(If you’re stuck and struggling here, I’ve written a guide to finding a job as a “failed” founder and my advice on job-seeking in this uncertain climate in general.)

I have also hired a lot in the last six years! I’ve hired for my own business, and lots for other people’s businesses. I’ve hired a lot of brilliant contractors and freelancers. I’ve hired and parted ways with multiple friends.

This last year in particular, I’ve been hiring for ~5-6-ish open roles at my current company, all at once— with wildly different role requirements and focuses. That’s brought me to 127 Zoom interviews since September. (!?!?!)

Before you ask, no, I’m not well. Please introduce me to any Sales Engineers, SDRs, Content & Marketing Managers, or Partnerships & Community Managers!

I have 3 really unpopular opinions about the way most people are seeking jobs and interviewing right now that I’m not really hearing from anyone else. Not about the part that gets you the interview— I can appreciate how hard that part is!— but about the easy, obvious things that take zero skill, knowledge or know-how that an astounding number of people get wrong… or don’t do at all… when they interview.

Okay, here goes, hear me out before you pick up your sticks and torches… here are the 3 insanely easy things that 99% of the people I’ve interviewed in the last 6 months are missing: