With a rising unemployment rate and good jobs hard to come by, everyone is scrambling for a good, dependable position. Church musicians are no different. Our positions, however, are in a unique work environment and the "rules of engagement" are highly specialized. I've addressed this before, but the question remains: Are you ready for the interview that might land you the perfect church job?
Try out these questions to get prepared.
1. What are you really looking for if you get this job?
One would think the obvious answer is employment. There are other reasons, however, why people go after a particular job.
• They think it’s a move up
• They believe there is more future at this church over another
• They want more money
• They like the location better
• They are trying to escape another church
So, it’s not just a matter of wanting to serve the Lord in this new place because you feel called. I’m not dismissing call, but being honest with yourself about why you’re pursuing a job is an important thing to recognize before you begin what should be an honest process.
2. How are you going to present yourself?
You have to have a point of view in order to make people pay attention to you. You can’t be all over the map and expect people to know who you are. Find your POV and stick to it. I’m...
• an innovator
• a pastor
• a wounded healer
• a skilled musician
• a creative worship planner
• a highly motivated team person
• a tried and true leader
There are, of course, many more choices, but you should select one or two that really define who you are and truly enjoy being.
3. How will you be perceived?
This, of course, is a different question than the one above. How we want to be perceived and how we actually come across are often two very different things. Here are some quick suggestions to line these two things up.
• Video tape yourself while seated giving a brief history of your life and ministry—no more than 10 minutes.
• Review it by yourself and be very critical of how you present yourself.
• Have someone else review it with you and specifically ask them what kind of person, based on the video, do they think people will perceive you to be. You may surprised at their answers if they are inclined to be really honest with you.
• Try working your interactions toward people in the direction you wish to go. Do it for a solid week—stay alert to how you talk and act around friends and strangers.
• Then, video tape yourself again exactly as before and see if anything has changed in your demeanor and style.
My guess is that there will be some subtle differences, but not major ones. We can’t suddenly change our personalities, but we can adapt them and adaptation is a sign of maturity. Just as growing up was sometimes painful and awkward, these shifts will also require some intentional, if not painful, work.
BTW, most people think they appear to be wonderful, friendly, and lovable. It’s good to check...
4. When push comes to shove, will you be ready?
Huh? Well, everyone has buttons that, when pushed, cause reactions—sometimes very negative ones. In most interviews there will be leading questions that could trigger this response at some level. Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to be ready, even-tempered, and relaxed when the “trigger is pulled.”
An example might be...
Q: Have you ever had an encounter with an angry congregant who criticized your work in front of others?
A: Yes, but (huff, puff) she was a real trouble maker so I just blew it off. I’m generally a very happy person, but this was embarrassing and extremely inappropriate!
Better Answer: I’ve certainly come under attack from time to time, but generally people have just grabbed an opportunity to tell me what they think. They don’t see it as cruel or offensive, and, frankly, when I'm at my best, I welcome the opportunity to have the dialogue.
5. Is there anything in your past that might embarrass the church if discovered?
I happen to think this is a very important question and one which you must spend some time considering. I have only one rule for this question. Remember, this is a job interview, not a counseling session. Act accordingly. End of story.
6. What are the right materials to take to the interview?
Obviously, a copy of your resumé, even if you previously submitted it. I also like photos in clear sleeve binders that show you with previous happy parishioners, choirs, bands, and even your family (no more than 6 or 7 items). They say a picture is worth a thousand words. “They” are right! Too many, however, and it becomes an evening at the neighbors, looking at their recent trip to Disneyland! When you’re sitting in a room, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, these memories of good times elsewhere will relax both you and the person interviewing you—it’s like a human interest story on the nightly news.
If you have supportive DVDs or CDs, that’s great, but only if the quality is good. If it’s questionable, so are you. Trust me, that’s how it works.
7. The most important question we can ask is if we’re a good fit for the job?
Over the many years of ministry I’ve enjoyed (and occasionally struggled with), there have been many opportunities to interview or help others interview candidates for a wide variety of positions. Countless times I’ve had to sit through an interview that started with something like, “I’m not sure I’m right for this position, but I at least wanted to come and talk with you.”
Look, if you start the interview that way, chances are that this is not the right position for you. You should know that before you go. Here are some other comments and questions you should avoid like Brussels sprouts (yuck!)...
Preparation for an interview is almost as important as the interview itself. It’s like flossing—you don’t, but you should! :-)