Horstman's Wager

This cast is about interview preparation, and the need for ethics and candor during the process.

One of the tenets that distinguishes our interviewing guidance from others is our emphasis on preparation. Our suggestions require time to implement (we believe it can take months to do it right). But there are those who disagree. There are interviewees who believe that the key to interviewing is to "play the game." Many of these folks will tell you that the way to prepare is learn about the company, so that one can "be what the company wants."

In this cast, we'll discuss Horstman's Wager: why "playing the game" is the kiss of death in interviewing.

Many people want to know "the secret," the "Magic Move," the "Silver Bullet," the key to riches. There isn't something like that. Basically, these people are just trying to avoid the hard work of preparation. And thus Horstman's Wager was born.

Playing the game is not only lazy, but also ineffective in the short and long run.