In popular culture, Frankenstein is the creation of the mad scientist. If you’ve ever read Mary Shelley’s classic, the novel is very different. Dr. Frankenstein is the scientist who creates the “fiend” who hunts and haunts him for the rest of his days.
If I were Dr. Frankenstein, I would create the perfect candidate, who could look and act something like this:
1. My perfect candidate-creature would research the company and understand the products s/he would potentially be selling, even before the first phone interview.
2. This creature would greet me with evident but not over the top enthusiasm and stay engaged throughout the phone interview.
3. I would receive a concise but thoughtful thank you note the same day, in which the creature reiterated their qualifications and interest in the position I am recruiting for.
4. The creature would promptly complete and supply all requested materials within a business day.
5. I would receive pleasant and periodic updates throughout the interview process from the candidate about his/her progress.
6. The candidate would ask smart questions, and for help and guidance when needed.
7. The candidate would show up for interviews well-prepared and well-groomed (very much unlike Shelly’s fiend.)
8. Like Shelly’s fiend, the candidate would be focused, almost single-minded, in their pursuit of the position. They would not give up, not stop closing, until s/he had an offer in hand.
I have had the pleasure of working with some candidates like this, who are not of my own making, but nearly perfect in their own right. It is always an absolute pleasure.
