One recommendation that a lot of people make when they give career advice is to conduct informational interviews with people who do things that you are interested in. Here at Real World Basic we agree that this is a fantastic idea. However, we have a short attention span and we like slightly offbeat questions, thus the addition of the Six Basic Questions feature to the site.
What we'll do from here on out is conduct interviews with people working in cool jobs and leading interesting lives. The questions will stay the same so that the interviews can be easily compared. If you want to see us vary the questions, try sending a convincing email and we'll see what we can work out. For now, sit back and enjoy the series.
For starters here's the short interview format as it played out with Keith Schacht of JobCoin.com:
Keith Schacht is Founder and CEO of JobCoin, which provides a user-friendly job board application that gives websites a new way to monetize their content. He also currently co-edits Freshwater Venture and previously co-founded Inventables, Lever Works, Inc., and Chicago Beta. As someone experienced with living the start-up life and succeeding, here’s how Keith tackled the Six Simple Questions:
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Back then I would of told you “Someone who can just make stuff all day.” Give me some space parts and a little duct tape, and I was entertained for days.
Whether it is in a big way or a small way, how do you change the world?
I’m changing the way people connect with one another around job opportunities. I’m constantly amazed at how inefficient the process is.
What’s one invention or innovation that would change the way you do your work?
I want a tool that knows what I’m working on, or what I’m looking for, and automatically connects me to people who are in the same boat as me or who can help. It has to be instantaneous and it has to be smart. Yahoo Answers and other sites are almost there, but not instantaneous enough. People have an inherent desire to help each other and answer questions.
What problem do you encounter most frequently in your everyday life?
I don’t feel like there are a lot of problems, I’m amazed how many tools exist to help you day-to-day. It would be nice to eliminate batteries, no more charging laptops, cell phones, etc.
If you could go back to when you were just starting out, what are two things you’d do differently?
I don’t think I’d change anything. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s a learning process and you have to experience the good and the bad to learn the lessons.
What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Cinnamon!
If you’re interested in learning more or getting a job board for your site, check out www.jobcoin.com. Also, be sure to keep up to date with new developments at the JobCoin Blog.
