Job Etiquette: How’s The Fit?

I don’t know about you, but I recall growing up and buying clothes with my Mom. I remember her always asking, “does it fit?” Are you comfortable? I was more interested in how it looked!  I am also sure that all of us at some time talk about candidates for a job with the same question. Will he/she fit?  Do you think they will fit with our company culture?  I would imagine when sports teams are looking for players their scouts will ask that same question about the athlete they are watching.  It’s tough to be 100% sure about “fit” in many situations.  If you are a scout or in the corporate world a recruiter (internal or external), your goal is to achieve the best person for the team.  If you are asked to help with the interview process, your feedback will assist with trying to make the best decision.  We all do the best we can.

What do we consider:

• Do my instincts say this person is ok?
• Is it easy for me to talk to this person?
• Is this person like me in temperament and we will get along or not?
• Will this person’s skill help our team be more productive?
• Does this person really know what the job is?
• Can this person survive in our company culture based on past employment and based on my “gut” feeling?
• Did the person say something that does not sit well with me.
• Should I tell someone even if they all like the person, or keep it to myself?
• How can I assess this person in a short time period?
• Do I like this person?

For the new interviewer or an experienced interviewer these questions and more of them, remain the same. It is important to be honest and genuine in your feedback. An unpopular view may stand out or perhaps connects with another person who is fearful of talking about it.  Your “gut” feeling should also be trusted to an extent.  Some people are more in tune with these feeling, others not as much. I always trust my “gut feelings” and first impressions. I also listen very carefully to what people say in response to my questions or the questions that they ask.  When you have a short time to meet the person, make sure you already know what is on the resume. To walk through it is time consuming and retells what you can read. Use the time to ask questions about the information, relate your own feeling about the culture and ask unexpected questions that may reveal something interesting about the person. Make sure to check with your HR professional if you are new to this so you understand things you cannot ask for legal reasons.

Statements that make me think twice and generate questions ( especially first interview):

• Money and Title don’t really matter to me, it’s the job I am interested in.
• Can I work from home?
• How much time off is available for me?
• Do you have a sign on bonus?
• In my last position or at my last company I had……. (and anything that follows).
• I did not get along with my former supervisor.
• My former position was not what the company told me I would do.
• Unfortunately I can not be flexible.
• I will need to give at least a month notice.

Let’s face it, at offer time, salary and title do have significance. When someone tells me money doesn’t matter, my follow up question is, would they do this job on a volunteer basis? Admittedly tongue in cheek but it usually opens the conversation.  Flexibility in the work place is more common with telecommuting, but the question bothers me on the first interview. It depends on the policy of your company and the position.  Some companies have a sign on bonus, others not, but on the first interview? This person may never get to the offer stage, let’s consider what is happening at this interview first.

When the applicant says, at my last company I had more vacation or similar comments the person has to understand that is past history .  They need to realize this interview is about the current opportunity. Flexibility is great, if the person has limitations (depending on your culture/ policies) it is good to know. Two weeks is a typical professional notice. if someone needs more time, I like to understand why.  Often chemistry between colleagues may not be perfect however I would want to explore any conflicts noted by the applicant and with a reference if it gets that far.  I am also leery about being told the job “promised” and the one it turned into are different. Sometimes there are reasons for changes but make sure it is not for poor performance.  And, by the way, there are no “promises” made about employment!

Interviewing is very important to help build a strong team!  It is a difficult task which requires honesty and confidence in what you assess are strengths and weaknesses in your feedback.  Listen to the applicant , understand what the company or team is looking for, but more importantly, listen to yourself; remember this person could be your new boss, colleague or sitting in the office or cubicle next to you.

My Mom thought it was nice to look good in your new clothes but more importantly, how did they fit and was I comfortable?

Good Luck!

Ask me your interview questions and I will be happy to answer?

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Is Being A “People Person” Redundant?

Have you heard this before? I’m a people person… what does that really mean? Many times during an interview the applicant will describe themselves in this way: “I’m a people person”. It is usually in response to:

• Do you get along with others?
• Are you a team player?
• Do you have success being a supervisor ?
• Do you have good interpersonal skills?
• Do you have good communications skills?

What does that really mean?

• Are you a person that likes people? Barbra does!
• Are you a personable person?
• Do people like you?
• Can you connect with people?
• Can you determine your audience and speak in way to connect?
• Are you a good listener?
• Are you respectful to other people?
• Do you prefer people over animals or inanimate objects?
• Are you a clear communicator?
• Do you like crowds?
• Do you have good presentation skills?
• Do you have training skills?
• Are you empathic?
• Do you like to converse with others?

I think you get the point. All of the above are important aspects for the person who claims to be that popular “people person“! In order to work in a job that requires good “people skills” or excellent communications skills, you have to possess more than liking people.  Think about the job requirements and how you would have to interact with other people. Positions in Training, Coaching, Supervisors, Team Leaders and Project Managers all require expertise in a wide spectrum of skills relating to communicating. Even a position for a Social Director means more than being social. Remember if you choose to describe yourself in this way at an interview , explain what you mean, other wise, you may not be one of the “luckiest people in the world”. (Thanks Barbra!)

Talk soon.

Job Etiquette: Blurry Lines

I admit it. My favorite song this summer is Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines”. I didn’t expect it would inspire me for this post. I am also not alone in liking this song! It has topped the charts for many weeks this summer. Whether you’re a fan or not please consider my  employment tips.

Indulge me,

WHAT rhymes with FIRE ME?

You’re right. It’s HIRE ME!

Rehearse your lines.

Make sure your “lines” are clear.  Consider your words very carefully while interviewing or listening to an offer of employment. Show yourself as being flexible but also be firm with what you want or aspire to (for the job and compensation). Some companies have a set “script” for discussing offers. Others can negotiate with more flexibility.  If your lines are blurry or too rigid, you may find that you lose the job or the opportunity.

• Do not overstate your case.
• Do not be bold in requesting a certain title or salary (I must make $$$ or I must have the Manager title).
• Don’t use “Must”
• Be clear about your expectations.
• Make sure your expectations are reasonable (not just what your friends tell you).
• Always maintain your flexibility.

Sometimes (if you are able) you might have to consider a salary or title that is not exactly what you had in mind.  Companies use different titles that may signify the same level of achievement but sound different.  Some companies have strict salary bands with no room for negotiation.  You also have to remember if you take a job and do well, most companies promote from within and titles and salaries do change. Also, most companies have performance reviews and many have merit increases. These are all things to consider when you are in the great position of negotiating an offer or participating in a final interview before the big decision. Remember clear over blurry always improves the chances of the next step in the hiring process.

Blurred Lines did very well in the music industry this summer and you can do well in your own industry too!!

Talk soon.

Copyright  2013

Job Etiquette: Let’s Face It; The Eyes Have It!

Last week, I was reading an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about eye contact. It reminded me of the importance of using your eyes in conversation and when you are interviewing.  The Journal in part discussed how people are distracted by electronic devices that they look at during conversations. but I am referring to a person to person interview sans electronics.  I am also thinking about faces and how they can represent you in a positive light. What does that mean for an interview?

• Remember to look into the eyes of the person you are speaking with.
• Looking down for an extended period of time is awkward and does not exhibit confidence.
• A smile is always welcome.
• Don’t over do make-up and hair styling.
• Don’t exaggerate facial expressions (look of surprise, laughter, displeasure).
• Don’t chew gum or sip on a water bottle (unless the interviewer offers you a beverage).
• Don’t check your telephone for messages and remember to turn off the ringer.
• Speak clearly and listen carefully.
• Sit up straight (how many times has you Mom told you that)? She was right.

Although my next comment doesn’t reference your eyes, it is important. Make sure that if you are wearing a fragrance that you use it in moderation and not apply it liberally. I speak from experience.  On one occasion while interviewing an applicant wearing a very strong scent, I started coughing and actually had to leave the room.  My eyes began to tear and I had a mild allergic reaction to the scent. It’s not good to have the interviewer speechless for the wrong reason!! It can happen.

Good luck! Please comment below with interview stories that are interesting!

Talk soon.