Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Vice President of Human Resources - He Speaks - I Listen!
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Folden, Vice President of Human Resources for Tween Brands, one of America's fastest growing retail chains. It is sometimes difficult to reach these decision makers and even more challenging to encourage them to share their secrets in open forum. Here is some of what Steve shared:
- He moved 9 times in 10 years to ascend to his current position. As he prepared to leave the military he networked with another soldier who was aware of a retail opportunity that was to become his first position as a trainer in a distribution center.
- He will many times interview a job seeker in the employee cafeteria. If the job seeker is unable to focus because of distraction he no longer appears to be a viable prospect...no matter his qualifications.
- He is amazed at how many prospective employees know so little about what his company does while sitting in the midst of an audition for hire. They are also no longer under consideration once their lack of preparation is revealed.
- As a general rule of career management, he advises to always be aware of your surroundings. Much like in military engagement, the job market can change as can your false sense of security.
I once asked my congressman, Pat Tiberi, if he were running this year for re-election because I had forgotten if his term has expired. He replied that he's always running for re-election. As careerists we would be well served to learn from these experts.
- He moved 9 times in 10 years to ascend to his current position. As he prepared to leave the military he networked with another soldier who was aware of a retail opportunity that was to become his first position as a trainer in a distribution center.
- He will many times interview a job seeker in the employee cafeteria. If the job seeker is unable to focus because of distraction he no longer appears to be a viable prospect...no matter his qualifications.
- He is amazed at how many prospective employees know so little about what his company does while sitting in the midst of an audition for hire. They are also no longer under consideration once their lack of preparation is revealed.
- As a general rule of career management, he advises to always be aware of your surroundings. Much like in military engagement, the job market can change as can your false sense of security.
I once asked my congressman, Pat Tiberi, if he were running this year for re-election because I had forgotten if his term has expired. He replied that he's always running for re-election. As careerists we would be well served to learn from these experts.
