talkmagic.co.uk

I am a medical student interviewing for professional programs and I was wondering if anyone had any input or suggestions of the appropriateness of doing magic tricks at interviews - to stand out from other applicants. I have quite a few tricks under my belt. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Employers could take it one of two ways:

1. A skilled and creative candidate to work with and think of new innovations

2. A clown who messes around with cards

Its a 50/50 risk

depending on the job in hand, you can sasy that you are good with people, and have spent many years studying in your free time the field of psychology, and subliminal/psychological persuasion without them even knowing.

"yeah...it's been a great hobby of mine for a great few years now - and it's come in handy a lot! actually, let's try something. i have actually been using subliminal suggestions throughout this interview. no - it's true! think of a playing card - any one you want."

*ID*

that shows that you have summit to offer that other people don't

I personally wouldn't risk it. When looking for a medical job, it usually isn't wise to show your interviewers some parlor tricks in hopes to get recognition. I think you may come off as a bit of a goof.

didn't realise it was medical...didnt read the whole post...

Steer well clear of performing at an interview and save your performance for an audition. It's professional suicide.

Time at interviews is pretty tight and you should use what time you have to to show off your merits in the field that you're seeking employment for.

I would advise not to introduce magic into any interview, save for one in the entertainment field, but would recommend mentioning your interest if only to demonstrate your ability to work with people, have the intellectual ability to learn and present your 'tricks', to show how you use your (verbal & non-verbal) communication skills etc. If you do take that route have something up your sleeve but don't volunteer anything. Wait until asked and then only do something very quick. In most instances I'd recommend leaving it as an aside on your CV.

"Voila! ...and here is the heart you thought had disappeared!" Does not work does it.

monker59 wrote:I personally wouldn't risk it. When looking for a medical job, it usually isn't wise to show your interviewers some parlor tricks in hopes to get recognition. I think you may come off as a bit of a goof.

Because at the ripe age of 16, you're well-versed in the ways of professional interviews...

As much as I love magic, I'd rather my Doc know the difference between my tonsils and my gonads, rather than being able to classic force a card!

However, Monker is actually right!

I've interviewed a couple of thousand people in my time and all that you're interested in is whether they can do the job that they are applying for.

Whether or not they can cross Niagra Falls on a tight rope playing the bagpipes is irrelevant. Interesting yes, but when you know that you have another 20 people to see then you have no interest in anything other than making up a short list for second interviews which is when you get to find out about the person sat in front of you.

I'd rather my Doc know the difference between my tonsils and my gonads

That's pushing it some these days - I'm not sure if most dentists would know the difference which is slightly worrying , given that they're looking into peoples mouths all day!

There is definitely nothing wrong with listing magic as a hobby/skill of yours in your CV/resume - as a matter of fact I'd even go as far as to say it's a good idea. It is usually bad, however, to perform any magic during an interview.

That said, however, you can always play it by ear..... if your interviewer is GENUINELY interested in the fact that you list magic as one of your hobbies, and INSISTS to see something, and looks like a genuinely cool, easygoing person, maybe an ID in your coat pocket would be appropriate. But it must be asked for, and then if the situation is right, go for it. It's a very delicate situation, if you feel you're too nervous or unsure as to if even the ID thing would be accepted, then simply refrain. Say you'll be more than happy to show some tricks next time you meet.

The point is that it's actually very subjective... you don't want to look like a goof. If you've already managed to portray an image of a sharp, intelligent, qualified, well-dressed and all-round good candidate for the job, then a mind-blowing quick trick like the ID can only ENHANCE your image in the mind of the interviewer (if this person is open to magic). If, however, you're walking the fine line and are not already being looked at in a positive light, the whole magic thing might very well make everything worse.

I've been to my fair share of professional interviews (I'm an accountant) and I've frequently spoken about my many hobbies in interviews, including music, and (yes!) yo-yo playing! It shows diversity... Although I repeat - play it by ear... judge your interviewer before you go into much detail. If they don't seem interested, they probably aren't and it will be detrimental.

There is nothing wrong with talking about your hobbies when asked at interview.

If asked to perform something I'd still avoid doing so and instead would say something like "I'll show you how magical I am when you've given me the job". If you mess up on a trick then you potentialy mess up on the interview, particulalry if you've spent the last 10 minutes telling them how proficient you are.

I was recently asked the same question at an interview and talked about magic for about 3 minutes out of a 90 minute interview - and the interviewer was interested as he told me that he was into threatre and amateur dramatics. I got the job on my professional merits which is what I expected to be judged on.

Everything has been mainly covered.

All I would say is definitely do not walk into the room a say "pick a card". You will almost certainly be asked about hobbies outside of work so mention it then. Emloyers like to hear about interests and hobbies rather than sitting and watching TV all day.

I did read a story once about a guy who mentioned magic and was asked to show a trick. He got the job but to be fair he would've got the job anyway, the emloyer was bored and wanted to see something.

RobLaughter wrote:

monker59 wrote:I personally wouldn't risk it. When looking for a medical job, it usually isn't wise to show your interviewers some parlor tricks in hopes to get recognition. I think you may come off as a bit of a goof.

Because at the ripe age of 16, you're well-versed in the ways of professional interviews...

Just because I'm not as experienced as you doesn't make me not right.