The Power of Candor: A Lesson from a Job Interview

Greetings, dear reader. Today, I’d like to share a story from my past, a tale that taught me the importance of candor. It’s a simple story, but one that carries a profound lesson.

The Job Interview

Many moons ago, I found myself sitting across from a stern-faced man in a crisp suit. I was in the throes of a job interview, my palms sweaty, my heart pounding. The man, Mr. Thompson, was the CEO of a prestigious company I was desperate to join.

He asked me a series of questions, each one seemingly more difficult than the last. I answered as best I could, trying to portray myself in the best light.

The Unexpected Question

Then, he asked me a question that caught me off guard. “Kev,” he said, “tell me about a time you made a mistake at work and how you handled it.”

I hesitated. Should I tell him about the time I accidentally deleted an important file? Or the time I missed a crucial deadline? Would admitting to these mistakes cost me the job?

The Power of Candor

In that moment, I made a decision. I chose candor. I told him about the deleted file, the missed deadline, and most importantly, how I rectified those mistakes. I spoke about the lessons I learned and the measures I put in place to prevent such errors in the future.

Mr. Thompson listened, his stern expression softening. When I finished, he leaned back in his chair and said, “Kev, I appreciate your honesty. It’s rare to find someone who can admit their mistakes and learn from them.”

The Lesson

I got the job. But more importantly, I learned a valuable lesson that day. Candor, honesty, is not a weakness. It’s a strength. It shows character, integrity, and the ability to learn and grow.

So, dear reader, remember this: In life, as in job interviews, candor is key. It may be uncomfortable, it may be scary, but it is always, always worth it.

Until next time,

Kev