I work in HR nowadays. I used to teach English Lit to high school students. Generally, I like people. I want them to do well. I want them to succeed.
In the interest of (possibly) your future success, I'd like to pass on a few observations about applying for jobs. A couple of things I've noticed, so to speak, along the way.
1. Figure out what my company does before you email me. I don't want to hear that you applied to my company because of a random Google search.
2. Figure out what career you are interested in. Telling me that you're a marketing, sales, office managing guru who wants to write code too is not a selling point.
3. I know we are an IT company, but don't write ur cover letter in IM speak, m'k? tnx.
4. Spell check was invented for a reason. I am not going to believe you are detail-oriented when you've misspelled Vancovuer [sic] in your address.
5. During the interview, I like you to feel comfortable. Not so comfortable that you are slouching in the chair with your knee up on the conference table though.
6. If you are applying for a job which requires a portfolio, come prepared to show it.
7. However, don't fill said portfolio with amazing works that get you through the door, only to tell me that you were responsible for getting the coffee for the people who actually built said works.
8. Don't use the words "f*ck" and "balls" even if it's culturally normative in your last office.
9. When I ask you why you left your last job(s) do not respond with a laundry list of everything that you hated about previous employers/clients/co-workers. I can guarantee you won't like us either.
10. What would you add?
Monday, April 20, 2009
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8 Heard through the grapevine:
My response to #9 is usually, "Because there was nothing left to destroy."
I could write a post like this!
I'll add:
Don't be late to the interview
and
Don't try and chat with me about my personal life during the interview
You hit on all the great ones. I was always stunned when I'd et resumes and cover letters littered with spelling errors from people who wanted to work as a reporter for me. I always opened those letters with my blue editing pen in hand!
Great list...a few adds...
.Stay on message in the interview. Have 3 key themes you want to convey, and make sure every answer touches at least one.
.During the interview, say it with energy. How you say it, is at least as important as what you say.
.Have the first 2 minutes of the interview scripted in your mind
.Shut off your cell phone. Or at least don't answer it during the interview.
.Google yourself before walking in the door to see what is known about you.
The bigger question for me, oh HR Guru, would be hiring tips from your side. What questions to ask, what to look for? How do you detect insincerity? I am terrible at interviewing people. (Which seriously impairs, or at least makes questionable, the value of my helpful hints above)
Dress like you want to get the job, not like you already have the job!
Such awesome suggestions!
SciFi Dad -- you're scaring me! :)
DMD -- I'd add, or too early. I hate it when people are 30 minutes early.
FADKOG -- The difference between teachers and editors: I have a red pen.
RT -- Just last week a guy pulled out his blackberry to read a text message. I almost got up and left the room right then and there.
Jenn -- No kidding. If you bring a Coach bag, I'm not going to think you'll be happy with our salary. Unless of course it's a fake you picked up at the street market.
RT -- Re your other questions... I think that best tip I can give is to have a good pulse on the office culture and then frame your questions accordingly to see how someone fits in. Detecting insincerity? Hard to say. I usually have a good BS meter. At least my track record supports that.
Hiring disclaimer: I do not do the technical assessment of people's skills
Wow - I used to work in HR too.
How about, don't treat the receptionist everyone in the office loves like dirt because you're such an important person (re: arrogant jerk). That potential VP lost his chance within 2 minutes of entering the building.
Oh - maybe not continually harassing HR staff or hiring managers every time a job opening comes up, irregardless of your qualifications, might help too.
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