You might never need to discuss pool on a job interview (I have) or with a major media conglomerate (being an About.com Guide to Pool & Billiards). Having said that, you can help me help our sport by always being a super representative of our sport and its rich history. The future is limitless if we add to the mix when we serve as billiards ambassadors to the public.
What To Do and Not To Do, This Is The Interview Skills Question
1. When a reporter (or pool hustler or room owner or friend, etc.) asks you a billiards question, answer the question you wanted them to ask if not the actual question. Take it from someone who has appeared on TV and in print around the globe, be smooth and apolitical and give the best answers you can when you are pinned in a question.
Having done some journalist and reporting work for fun and profit, I can tell you it remains a source of grief that the reporting profession is still in the “Does it bleed? It leads [the headlines]!” mode of “journalism”. In other words, reporters always want to hear about pool hustlers, poolroom brawls and social deviants, even the press release you broadcast to hook the story was regarding the new pool hall in town that is family-friendly and prohibits gambling, smoking and drinking.
The old standby of politicians, giving the answer as the sound byte you want still works effectively. When a friend asks why you hang out with all the bums at the local pool hangout, tell them something like, “I’m glad you asked. Pool has changed so much in recent years with lots of sparkling new rooms that are marvelous social clubs also. I shoot pool with some of the best and brightest in the City.”
Frankly, interview skills are life skills, and will stand you in good stead no matter your career or avocation. Practice with pool and grow in rich communication with others.
