Why Interviews are Just Like Texas Hold 'Em Poker: Strategic Moves!

I've been teaching interview skills for a long time,
but I only recently learned how to play poker.
I was amazed at all the strategic similarities!

Texas Hold 'Em Poker and Interviews by Sharon B. Cohen

Check out my first blog post on this topic
Interviews are just like Texas Hold 'Em

Here's the much anticipated Blog Post Part II:
Strategic Moves!

• Learn how to work with the cards you've been dealt.
• Consider 'future cards' and future opportunities
• Placing bets: what are your odds?
• Survive multiple rounds and multiple interviews to get to the finish line and the job offer!

Let's begin from the "flop."

From the flop on, betting begins with the player to the dealer’s left, who can check or bet. When the employer has narrowed down the interview pool to the best applicants, he/she can “check” the candidates references, credit history etc… or just “bet” on who he/she thinks will be the “winner” for the job. Make sure that your references can describe you in glowing terms. This could make or break your ability to get the job. If the employer checks, & the reference are bad, then game over.

Future cards, are like trick questions which could be asked in the interview. There are always forks in the road. A fourth card is dealt face up onto the board. This is called fourth street or the turn card. Expect the unexpected

Another round of betting. The candidates place bets, & hope their luck holds. Be prepared to: answer interview questions Be prepared: To ask questions Be prepared: To research the company Be prepared: To look the part Be prepared: To turn up on time

The final card is dealt face up. This card is also called fifth street or the river. Sink or swim, your last chance. You give your final sales pitch of the interview. Look the employer in the eye, shake their hand, exchange business cards & say “I could love to work in your company, would be a great fit with your team & could begin right away.”

A final round of betting occurs. The remaining players show their cards and the person who can make the best five card hand by combining their pocket cards with the cards on the board wins. The final round of interviews occurs, the hiring committee each bets on or backs their favorite candidate. The Hiring Committee asks the players/candidates, “Do you have any questions? Do you have anything else you would like to tell us, about your candidacy?” Players/interviewees, stay calm, paste on a version of your poker face, but with a grin attached. Stay positive.

Additional Tips:

• Make sure you learn the best, starting-hands in Texas Hold-Em Poker & the worst starting-hands. Learn Job Search skills from a Career Expert, don’t enter the game, as an unprepared novice. Skills are as important as luck. 
• Once you've got the basics of how to play, make sure to understand your position at the table. Do a SWOT analysis. A SWOT analysis involves taking a personal survey about your strengths, weakness’, opportunities and the potential threats from other candidates
• It's always a good idea to follow good poker Etiquette. Be prepared, research the employer, dress professionally, arrive on time.
• Practice 'reading the board' and learn the top hands in Texas Hold ‘Em. Realize that on any given day, another player, may rise up and win. Know what the stakes are and what the employer really want in a candidate. Show in detail why you are the best match for the job. Know your “winning hand.”

And now you know how to interview and all the basic Texas Hold ‘Em rules!

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© 2015 - present. All Rights Reserved - Sharon Cohen, MA,CPRP. Business Career Coach & Social Media Strategist.  Virtual Career Coaching: helping business professionals, reach their career potential!



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