Break rules right
You are remembered for the rules you break. (Dougls MacArthur)
The big problem that constantly smacks me in the face as a recruiter, is that people don't DECIDE which rules to break. They flippantly break several small etiquette and appearance rules. Then they wonder why no one wants to hire them.
For instance, take an earring over the top of the ear. For a man or woman it is now a very minor form of rebellion. No matter how tastefully done, it is rebellion. Yet the person with that earring wonders why they are treated a little differently from other candidates.
Small disasters. For guys it is the pants cinched too tight with a gut hanging over. For women it is the bra that doesn't fit anymore and the shirt that strains the buttons just a little. The very first impression you give is, "I'm not careful." Is that really the first thing you want people to think about you?
A tiny tsunami. You come to the interview tired, or just slump as you walk and sit. It affects the whole interview. It says, "I don't care." The whole interview is "off" just a little. Often no one knows quite why.
How to break rules right
Break the little rules that show you have energy, enthusiasm, want the job, and would enjoy it.
Always, always, always ask for the job at the end of the interview. Make sure they know you want it. Be blunt. Say, "Can I start tomorrow?"
If they say something about the job that you like, smile and say, "Yes!" under your breath.
One time in the interview say, "That's awesome."
Wear a tie when the office is business casual.
Ask, "What was the thing that made YOU want to work here the most?" Or ask, "How quick can I help you get promoted so I can have your job?"
Be bold. Be remembered for breaking the rules. But break the right rules.
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My latest RANT on Age Discrimination is at www.howtoreallygetagreatjob.com/FAQ/agediscrimination/
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Next Monday's call will include:
I just got a job offer. Should I take it?
How do I negotiate without sounding greedy?
One question on the test they gave me only had wrong answers. Now what?
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I am looking for a Controller with a CPA who will move to Central PA. Know anyone?
How about a fresh out of school VB.Net internet programmer?
Or a Commercial Loan Officer for a bank?
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The last Monday morning Q&A call has been posted You can go to www.howtoreallygetagreatjob.com/FAQ/ to listen to it.
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My 11 hour series on how to get a job is availble at www.howtoreallygetagreatjob.com . There is an hour just on what your attitude needs to be. Another seminar on accomplishments goes through step by step instructions on how to prove you are someone special.
Every Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern time I host a conference call to discuss questions you want to ask me about your job search. Feel free to email me beforehand, or chime in during the call. I'll put a recording of the call up on my website in case you can't make it.
www.howtoreallygetagreatjob.com/FAQ/
You can call 712-432-3900 Conference Access Code:435372# on Monday morning.
September 11th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
