Another Super Bowl came and left, bringing with it a flurry of junk food, big budget commercials, and Tom Brady touchdowns. But there’s more to this time-honored American tradition than meets the eye. There are some job interview tips to take away from the New England Patriots’ historic win that will help you get ahead in the job search!
It Ain’t Over Until It’s Over
If you were like millions of people watching the game Sunday night, you probably thought it was over at halftime. Trailing the Falcons at 28-3, things were not looking good for the Pats. It seemed like the game was finished after that first half- that it was only a matter of time before the Patriots peter out and the Falcons take home their very first Super Bowl championship. But Bill Belichick wasn’t ready to roll over and send in the B-Team. Tom Brady wasn’t ready to call it quits. They went out in the second half fired up, ready to fight until the very last second.
Just like the Patriots, you can’t give up when things aren’t looking good. Even if your interview doesn’t seem to be going your way, that’s no excuse to throw in the towel. You never know how things could go in the second half. Just because you didn’t get started on the right foot doesn’t mean you can’t impress the hiring manager as the interview continues.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Even when it seemed like the Falcons were guaranteed to win, Tom Brady kept snapping the ball and pushing his team toward the end zone. He didn’t give up and try to run down the clock. Brady and Belichick knew they were in a tight spot and kept putting their best effort forward even though they knew the chances of winning were slim. They knew that if they gave up, defeat would be certain.
Likewise, if you’re interviewing for a job and you think things aren’t going well, you need to keep giving your best until the very end. You don’t know for sure if you are going to succeed or fail until you get the call or email back from the hiring manager. If you decide the interview is a lost cause and pack it in early, all you are doing is sealing your fate. If you keep giving your all and showing your interviewer why you’re the best person for the job, you could potentially turn things around for yourself. Ask thoughtful questions and show the hiring manager that you’ve done your research and know the ins and outs of the job you’re applying for.
Go the Extra Mile
Do you think the Patriots were satisfied when they tied the Falcons at the end of the fourth quarter? Of course not! They wanted to bring home the trophy, so they went into overtime fired up and hungry for the win. If you’re in a difficult interview and things seem to be looking up, don’t just pat yourself on the back for making it to the end. You need to go into overtime. Make sure to end things on a good note and ask all of your interviewers for a business card. As soon as you get home, send every person you interviewed with a personalized thank you letter. Make sure to include specific details from your conversation in order to cement yourself in the hiring manager’s memory as a thoughtful, qualified candidate.
Whether or not you’re a fan of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, there’s a lot you can learn from their historic overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons. If you adopt their never-give-up spirit, you will experience more success in the job search.
