Interview with new CEO - advice?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I work in the 2-person web/marketing dept of a small software company. We got a new CEO this month, and he’s having a 1-on-1 ‘chat’ with each staff member today.

I’m a bit paranoid about this, for the following reasons: I’ve been laid off 5 times before (through company bankruptcies - so far I’ve always survived downsizings); I’m naturally paranoid; I’m working in the marketing department, which is expendible, rather than, say, engineering.

He seems like a fairly straight-up guy, but I wonder how honest I should be about my views on company direction, and my job insecurity. Should I be straight-up, or should I play my cards close to my chest?

Anyone got any advice to offer?

2

I suggest you be sure and temper your “straightforwardness” with a positive/constructive gloss. Make sure you are acknowledgeing existing strengths and suggesting improvements, instead of identifying and criticizing weaknesses.

Moreover, instead of expressing your insecurity, try to indicate how integral you are to the company.

Realize he is not going to bare his soul to you. You should be similarly circumspect. This is NOT the opportunity to be completely honest and air your grievances.

3

You’re so right. I guess I knew this already, but it’s good to get validation. Actually, I don’t have any grievances (short of my fear of unemployment).

4

Project a “can do” and “will do” attitude.

That doesn’t mean you are a yes man. It means that when the time to make suggestions, criticize and improve is there, you give constructive ideas. And if your idea isn’t implemented, you help implement the idea the company (your peers/boss) has decided is the right direction. By the way, the one on one isn’t the time to do this, just the time to project this is the kind of employee you are.

Some of the most valuable employees are the ones willing to fight for an idea - but willingly and enthusiastically switch sides when the writing is on the wall. Some of the biggest pain in the butt employees are the ones willing to fight for an idea, who are still fighting two years after a different solution was implemented.

5

Also, cover all bases. Not only are you productive and valuable in objectifiable ways, but you also are creative and spontaneous when the need arises.

6

Thanks for your advice, people. I had the interview, it went on for an hour and a half, and was OK (he blathered on about his home wireless network for most of it).

Anyway, I hear on the grapevine that rather than a pink slip, I’m getting a raise.

Of course they could be fattening me up before slaughter, but not even my paranoia can stretch that far…