Job Etiquette: Can We TALK?

I am remembering Joan on the second anniversary of her death. May she rest in perfect peace. This blog post was originally written in September 2014.

Over the past year, I have written three homages to people whom I loved and admired: an homage to my mother (Ode to Mom 5/11/2013), my father (Homage to Dad 6/16/2013) and an homage to Sam Berns, tireless Progeria champion (Dropping the Puck 1/14/2014). All of them inspired me and today I add a fourth, the incomparable Joan Rivers. Joan was always a favorite of mine. I admired her intelligence, quick wit and humor above all. She was spectacular at re-inventing herself, something I have talked about with all of my job seekers. She was bold but honest and so funny! In writing this blog I have always tried to instruct, explain and help, using the true facts with humor since I believe it is something most of us share in common. So in homage to Joan, “Can we talk”?

Boldness prior or during a first interview:
– Did you really have to say you wanted to discuss an offer in your cover letter?
– When asked for your interview availability, did you really suggest one time at your convenience only?
– Are you serious about requesting a month before you start a job (which you haven’t been offered)?
– Do you think being unpleasant on the phone is endearing?
– Why would we want to know what your friend thinks you should be paid?
– Unprepared… seriously?
– Negotiating anything during a first conversation, what?
– You said “let’s get down to business” on a phone interview? Please!
– The reason you left your last position was because your office was like a prison? Who are you?

I think Joan and I would agree that boldness can be great when performing at a club or applying for a job at Comedy Central. However, on a job interview or phone screen or even cover letter, you just might have to refine the boldness. What can we learn from Joan that we can connect to Job Etiquette? Plenty!

– Just like some of you, Joan was a single working mother.
– Joan had a part time job that did not turn permanent.
– Joan was fired from a job.
– Joan had to support her family after a tragic event in her personal life.
– Joan always came back even better.
– Joan had an incredible work ethic.
– Joan re-invented herself and remained relevant even at age 81.
– She accepted many jobs to yes, make connects, network and move forward in her career.
– Joan was a professional and a hard worker.

These are things that many job seekers who are not celebrities also face. Using humor always helps and trying to remember that things can turn around can help you move forward. It worked for Joan! My condolences to her family, friends and fans. Learn from her story and for your interviews also remember, don’t get a ticket Fashion Police, look professional! Talk soon!

Job Etiquette: Home Sweet Home

Over the past year, there is one question that has been dominant in almost every interview whether in person or by telephone: “Can I work from home?” Or, perhaps they will say, “I am used to telecommuting and have a home office.” Some suggest, “I can come in a few days a week and work at home for the rest of the week.” These questions often happen on first interviews or first phone screens.

The second most popular question is about company culture. What is it like to work at the company? What types of people succeed in your company? Is it casual, fast paced, what’s a typical work day?

These questions made me think more about what it means to work at home and more about company culture. If you work at home the space could be varied just like different companies or organizations:

– Close to lunch spots: My kitchen
– Casual: My family room
– Easy commute: Car in my driveway/garage/parking spot
– Dress code casual: My pajamas
– Formal Dress code: Jeans and t-shirt
– Fast paced: I have a large family
– Slow paced: I live alone
– Pet friendly: My dog is happy to have me around
– Micro-manager supervisor: I talk to myself

What about employees who regularly work overtime or stay late more often, then not to catch up? Some people might say they “live” at work. Does that mean they are working from HOME?

The point is, both ways can work depending on your job, your job description, the company and the situation. Flexibility is great and there are many options to help you be productive. Many companies have the ability to be more accommodating and others would like their employees to be on site to maintain a corporate culture. Some allow employees to do a combination of both. Whether your home is work or your work is home, what is important is to make sure you can separate both spaces. Maintain a good balance of both because honestly, do you really want to live in the work space or change your home into a company?

P.S. On an interview, don’t make it your first question.

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: On the Edge

The recent disappointing employment numbers along with continued staff reductions, acquisitions and mergers resulting in layoffs or site closings, continue to leave thousands of people looking for jobs.  Whether you are a new grad, a seasoned professional or high school student, the opportunities remain few and some are temporary contracts. What surprises me in this current market are job candidates who interview with an edgy manner. They come in and dictate their expectations and don’t always listen as well as they should when an offer may be imminent.

Let me explain to you what I have heard recently during interviews (face to face or by telephone) Most are in response to the question “Do you have any questions”?

• The amount of vacation time and when it starts.
• In my last job (whenever it was) I worked from home and that is my preference.
• I don’t want to commute.
• I think the job title should be different.
• The responsibilities of the job do not seem to be in line with your salary range.
• I would like a week or two before I start this job (from those who are currently unemployed)
• Money isn’t important to me.
• At my former company, I had more paid holidays/sick time/vacation days; I want this company to match that amount.

Why do people want to set limitations for themselves? Why do they challenge the employer?  Usually on an interview, you are trying to present your best self. When employers are challenged early in the game, they will most likely predict issues could arise if this person is an employee. What can we expect?  Why don’t applicants think before they speak?

HINT: During an interview, don’t refer to what you had at your former company, because you are not there anymore. Focus on the job offer, title and understand the opportunities it will provide for you professionally, financially and on your resume as a current position.

Have you as an employer ever heard these comments before or similar ones?  Have you as a job seeker made these comments and lost an opportunity. Please comment below or ask me questions.   I would be glad to help you.