Painting Your Interview: Preparation for "Reading the Walls"

 

To prepare for your exercise of "Reading the Walls," I would suggest the following exercise. I know at first blush this may seem strange, but it is indeed part of detective of police training nationally.

 

Either find a local art museum, or library with a good selection of portrait painting books, or go on line http://www.nga.gov/cgi-bin/pinfo?Object=42179+0+none or 

http://www.nga.gov/cgi-bin/pimage?45815+0+0 or http://vangoghgallery.com/painting/potato.html. or

http://www.darrahphoto.com/Porzio.htm 

 

The above grouping is by no means exhaustive. Find some scenes that really interest you. Part of this exercise is to have at least 5 pictures that you will enable you to practice your observation techniques. A large picture or portrait is far superior, as it is closer to life size, but a photo or computer image is permissible.

 

The exercise is to look at the first picture you choose for 30 seconds, then turn away, or minimize the image if on the computer. Your next task is to write down everything you can remember about the scene, without looking at it again. Inventory the clothing, hairstyle, facial expressions, furniture, writing implements, etc. Chronicle everything that you can remember, in as much detail as possible.  Now turn back to the painting and study it, locate what you have written down, and then chronicle things that you failed to notice. Study it again, and see what else you can discover. Now look for mood, expression, and intent that the artist attempted to communicate.

 

Now pick another picture, and this time allow only 20 seconds for the exercise. Repeat the above info. When completed, try to recreate in writing what you can remember from the first scene with as much detail as possible.

 

Now pick a third painting, this time only allow 10 seconds. Now recreate and chronicle the second and first scenes.

 

Finally, you are ready for the real test. With the fourth scene you only have 5-7 seconds.

This exercise, although somewhat contrived, does work. Your ability to really communicate with the interviewer is significantly enhanced when you practice observation techniques. Your emotions can now be used to enhance the chemistry of the interview instead of being in the way in the interview. This instantaneous feedback will allow you to read those special cues in every interview setting. As we have said in Reading the Walls, Audition and Why People are Rude. The interview is not a conversation but a mini performance based on skill, intuition and impressions. If you have not read Reading, Audition and Rude, it might be advisable.

 

Your ability to interpret the setting of the interview goes a long way to enabling you to “get THAT NEXT job!”

 

 

By the way, enjoy the art work as well.  Welcome to the world of interpretation.