ShareThisSpring is in the air and I'll bet your cut-off jeans and halter tops are in your closet! You've heard me talk about how some job seekers dress when they are "just filling out apps"? Some things should stay in the closet.
"Hiring managers aren't the only ones applicants need to impress when they arrive for a job interview." So says OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. In a recent survey, conducted by an independent research firm with responses from 150 senior executives at the nation's 1,000 largest companies, OfficeTeam asked,
"How important is your assistant's opinion about the job candidates you interview for positions at all levels?"
Their responses:
-- Very important: 21 percent
-- Somewhat important: 40 percent
-- Somewhat unimportant: 18 percent
-- Very unimportant: 16 percent
-- Don't have an assistant: 4 percent
-- Don't know: 1 percent
"As soon as they enter the parking lot, job seekers should be on their best behavior. Everyone they encounter, from the person in the elevator to the receptionist, is someone who could potentially weigh in on the hiring decision," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Just as treating the waiter rudely at a restaurant creates a bad impression, being discourteous or abrupt with a company's receptionist or office staff can reveal character -- or lack of it -- in job applicants."
Since first impressions are always lasting, I say dress for business anytime you are engaged in job seeking activities, from just filling out apps to lunching with network contacts to the all-important interview.
In addition, OfficeTeam offers the following tips for making that favorable impression:
-- Mind your phone etiquette. Be friendly and professional with the "gatekeeper", who controls access to the hiring manager.
-- Make a memorable introduction. When checking in with the receptionist or assistant prior to an interview, start with light conversation if it appears he/she isn't too busy. Ask about the company and leave a positive impression with the assistant.
-- Be engaged. After checking in, avoid snacking, chewing gum, smoking, using your cell phone or listening to music.
-- Positively part ways. When the interview ends, say goodbye to those you've met and thank those who have assisted you.
Then, as soon as you arrive home, hand-write thank you notes and get them in the mail or plan to hand-deliver the next day. Close your sale!
(Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.)
GETTING HIRED
