Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Want A Friend? Get a Dog
Donald Trump -- famous for his wealth, infamous for his ego -- has a dim view of the world. To the real estate mogul and TV star, most people are either "enemies", "sleazebags" or "stone-cold losers." He isn't acting when a little glee creeps into his curt dismissal of contestants on 'The Apprentice': "You're fired." This according to AOL!
I don't embrace Trump's depressing view of the world. Somehow down my pathway, the good guys seem to consistently parade, and though challenging at times, normally we eventually establish a relationship of productivity. I manage to see the goodness in people and I'm not often disappointed. Perhaps because, much like the job-seeker, a coach lives to hear a hearty, "When Can You Start?" We're all on the same side!
I do have one issue with my clients when it comes to relationships…There appears to be a distinct misread of employers, and I know why. Candidates are so nervous when it comes to interviews that they are expecting a monster and are nothing short of delighted when the scrutinizer turns out to be a decent, "regular guy." What the candidate doesn't see is the "Beware of Wolf" sign next to the HR Manager's name.
Ok. Wait just a moment. Here's the message. Interviewers are not always what they seem to be and often applicants appear to be what they are not! So in the interest of fair play in job search here are the facts:
1. It's an interview not a golf outing! No matter how friendly and casual an interviewer becomes remember the mission and stay on task! Don't loosen your tie; don't smoke, and drink or eat (unless you have a lunch interview, then order scallops!) Keep the conversation focused on what you can do for the company. Keep all chatter about Browns, Bengals and Buckeyes to a minimum.
2. Don't seek approval or validation from your interviewer. You shouldn't need it and that's not his job! Your credentials, skills and experience are not devalued just because you are job hunting. Learn to be self-energizing. It's admirable.
Recruiters and HR folks can be very endearing as they mentally burn your resume. So don't be fooled. Interviewing isn't supposed to be fun. After all, it's nobody's hobby!
I don't embrace Trump's depressing view of the world. Somehow down my pathway, the good guys seem to consistently parade, and though challenging at times, normally we eventually establish a relationship of productivity. I manage to see the goodness in people and I'm not often disappointed. Perhaps because, much like the job-seeker, a coach lives to hear a hearty, "When Can You Start?" We're all on the same side!
I do have one issue with my clients when it comes to relationships…There appears to be a distinct misread of employers, and I know why. Candidates are so nervous when it comes to interviews that they are expecting a monster and are nothing short of delighted when the scrutinizer turns out to be a decent, "regular guy." What the candidate doesn't see is the "Beware of Wolf" sign next to the HR Manager's name.
Ok. Wait just a moment. Here's the message. Interviewers are not always what they seem to be and often applicants appear to be what they are not! So in the interest of fair play in job search here are the facts:
1. It's an interview not a golf outing! No matter how friendly and casual an interviewer becomes remember the mission and stay on task! Don't loosen your tie; don't smoke, and drink or eat (unless you have a lunch interview, then order scallops!) Keep the conversation focused on what you can do for the company. Keep all chatter about Browns, Bengals and Buckeyes to a minimum.
2. Don't seek approval or validation from your interviewer. You shouldn't need it and that's not his job! Your credentials, skills and experience are not devalued just because you are job hunting. Learn to be self-energizing. It's admirable.
Recruiters and HR folks can be very endearing as they mentally burn your resume. So don't be fooled. Interviewing isn't supposed to be fun. After all, it's nobody's hobby!
