Source:http://setuaggi-chiavat.blogspot.com/2011/01/northface-at-woodbury-commons.html

I’ve been doing a lot of interviews lately as my company prepares to add another member to our growing team. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking for all, but most certainly for the applicants.

Each one I’ve met has demonstrated their own unique skill sets and experience as well as their strengths. I ask several of the standard questions and listen to their response. What I’m looking for may surprise some, for I’m not only seeking to determine if they possess the necessary technical competency, but also if they are creative, self-starting and – most important – fearless about not succeeding.

Heart and self-confidence cannot be taught, but they are by far and away the most valuable resource an individual can bring to a firm like mine. Here’s why – I can’t predict all the issues and circumstances we as a Pay-on-Performance Marketing and PR agency will face. Sure I can plan for known events and even prepare to encounter things we’ve been forced to address in the past. But that does not make me a fortune teller. Truth is, I don’t know what’s going to happen as much as anyone else. So the people that I want on the bus need to not be afraid of the unknown. We’ll most certainly have our ups and downs along the way, but with the right attitude, and commitment, we’ll learn from them all and be much better for it in the long run.

Those who are too hard on themselves or, similarly, too boastful about past achievements are ones that are typically too fearful of not “knocking one out of the park” every time. That near impossible task means they will be come up short more often than not, and be unsure as to how to get back up and try it again. Rather, I find those who possess a little humility combine with equal parts of self-reflection and self-assuredness will go a long way. I’m not expecting that the next Stalwart Communications rock star will have seen and done everything that is asked of them. Far from it – I’m looking for someone who’s got the general understanding of the basic principles involved and who’s got a passion for learning as well as a team-oriented attitude. If you hold these qualities, regardless of your past success or defeats, I will more than likely put you on the list of potential candidates.

It all comes down to this – there are a TON of people ready and waiting to tell you that you can’t do something. Don’t let yourself be counted amongst them.