Using A Cappella on a Job Interview
The world of collegiate a cappella is quirky, fun, and a little out there. In the celebration of these qualities, we take a look at ways of making a cappella even unique, outlandish, and—well—absurd. We claim no responsibility for the results of actually trying anything we suggest here.
This time we discuss using a cappella on a job interview.
Setting the Stage: So you just graduated from college and it’s time to enter the workforce. Feeling lost? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of young Americans have the disorienting experience of saying goodbye to their days of school and heading on out into that “real world.” It’s tough to leave behind familiar places, a familiar way of life. Most of all, it’s hard to leave behind your a cappella group.
Ah, your a cappella a source of fun, friendship, and identity for your six years of undergrad. They were your posse, your backup, the people you beat the world with. How are you supposed to thrive without them?
You don’t have to. When adult life starts getting you down, get on the phone and rally your old group mates. Worried about that job interview? Bring the whole crew along. The only thing more impressive than one charming young man in a suit is 12, so have them come on in and rock the sox off your potential employer. Best case scenario, it’s quirky, memorable, and well-coordinated to leave a great impression. Worst case scenario, said employer isn’t down with the a cappella scene and writes you off as a crazy person—did you really want to work for someone like that anyway?
Song Selection: Try to connect your song to the job for which you’re applying, so as to demonstrate you’ve been thinking about the job in at least a superficial way (whilst still devoting all your core attention to creative syllables and harmonies). Interviewing at a major record label? Try Reel Big Fish’s “Sell Out.” Trying to find work as a music teacher? Inspire visions of of Jack Black in the movie by the same name with “School of Rock.” Applying a job in road construction? Use Bruce Springsteen’s “Working on a Highway.” If you can’t find an obvious fit, just stick with something generic like “Taking Care of Business” which will inspire confidence that you’re a hard worker, willing to work overtime.
Setting: This is one case in which you probably won’t get to call the shots on your performance space. Try to inconspicuously case out the joint ahead to figure out where best to stand for acoustic purposes, and how much room you’ll have for your choreography. Speaking of which…
Choreography: Choreography is key here. Your goal should be for the movement to be so spectacular that it completely captivates your interviewer, causing him to forget just how odd it as that you’ve chosen to tackle your interview a cappella.
Other Notes: Don’t try this on a phone interview. It’s too easy for the interviewer to hang up in the first few seconds, and then you won’t even have a good story to tell.