On a phone interview today, when I asked the candidate what questions she had for me, she asked me this:
Thinking back to people who have been in this position previously, what differentiated the ones who were good from the ones who were really great?
This is the sort of question that melts an interviewer's heart. I'm still mentally beaming at her. Add it to your list!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
dealing with possible racial discrimination when interviewing
A reader writes:
I have a general question regarding minorities and employers. I am an African-American female, who like many Americans is out of work and looking, which means continuously applying for jobs. I can say with full confidence that I fit the requirements, but when it comes to filling out voluntary EEOC questions that ask one's race and sex, I hesitate.
I understand that the question is optional, but I have talked to other minorities who were greeted with mild shock when hiring managers meet them. I have been on a few interviews where I didn’t get the job, and although I can never prove it, I felt that race may have been a factor. ( Example: I had 2 previous phone interviews, the position sounded promising and when they met me in person, I could sense their shock and mild disappointment.) The majority of these positions were/are at executive levels.
This is somewhat frustrating, and I sometimes feel like I should somehow inform all employers beforehand. As much as I would like to believe that racial bias wasn’t involved, I am also aware that America has more growing to do in that area. As a female, I’m sure you might be able to relate to this type of discrimination. I am familiar with EEOC guidelines, but since there is no way to prove that a job wasn’t earned because of race, there is no way to make a case.
I guess my general question is: Is it better to let the employer know that you are a minority beforehand to save time for the both of us, or is it better to ignore the question, hope for an interview and then prove why you are a minority that would fit in? If you could give me some insight, it would mean everything.
Hmmm. If we were going to look at this strictly logically, if you think that you're encountering hiring managers who are discriminating against you because of race, and you just want to avoid them altogether, then I suppose you could argue that you should fill out the EEOC questions in the hope of screening out companies like that.
But that doesn't feel very good. It might be a practical answer in the very short-term, but it's not an effective one in a larger sense, because it allows those people to go on comfortably practicing something odious.
But yet I don't know what a good answer is. I want to say that you should write those people off as someone you don't want to work for/with anyway, just like you'd write off people who were jerks in other ways ... but this is different, because it isn't really just jerkiness; it's something more sinister and damaging. And I don't want to make it easy on them.
What do others think a good answer is here?
(And also, here's a plea for people reading this to take the opportunity to be extra aware of this kind of thing and do what we can to counteract it if we suspect it's at work in our colleagues or ourselves.)
I have a general question regarding minorities and employers. I am an African-American female, who like many Americans is out of work and looking, which means continuously applying for jobs. I can say with full confidence that I fit the requirements, but when it comes to filling out voluntary EEOC questions that ask one's race and sex, I hesitate.
I understand that the question is optional, but I have talked to other minorities who were greeted with mild shock when hiring managers meet them. I have been on a few interviews where I didn’t get the job, and although I can never prove it, I felt that race may have been a factor. ( Example: I had 2 previous phone interviews, the position sounded promising and when they met me in person, I could sense their shock and mild disappointment.) The majority of these positions were/are at executive levels.
This is somewhat frustrating, and I sometimes feel like I should somehow inform all employers beforehand. As much as I would like to believe that racial bias wasn’t involved, I am also aware that America has more growing to do in that area. As a female, I’m sure you might be able to relate to this type of discrimination. I am familiar with EEOC guidelines, but since there is no way to prove that a job wasn’t earned because of race, there is no way to make a case.
I guess my general question is: Is it better to let the employer know that you are a minority beforehand to save time for the both of us, or is it better to ignore the question, hope for an interview and then prove why you are a minority that would fit in? If you could give me some insight, it would mean everything.
Hmmm. If we were going to look at this strictly logically, if you think that you're encountering hiring managers who are discriminating against you because of race, and you just want to avoid them altogether, then I suppose you could argue that you should fill out the EEOC questions in the hope of screening out companies like that.
But that doesn't feel very good. It might be a practical answer in the very short-term, but it's not an effective one in a larger sense, because it allows those people to go on comfortably practicing something odious.
But yet I don't know what a good answer is. I want to say that you should write those people off as someone you don't want to work for/with anyway, just like you'd write off people who were jerks in other ways ... but this is different, because it isn't really just jerkiness; it's something more sinister and damaging. And I don't want to make it easy on them.
What do others think a good answer is here?
(And also, here's a plea for people reading this to take the opportunity to be extra aware of this kind of thing and do what we can to counteract it if we suspect it's at work in our colleagues or ourselves.)
how to find a mentor
Having a mentor, especially at the early stages of your career, can be invaluable. You get someone who can advise you on career decisions, help you navigate tricky situations, and even just suggest ways to succeed at the more mundane aspects of office life.There's a lot of advice out there that tells you to approach someone and ask them to set up a formal mentoring relationship with you. While I don't doubt that plenty of people have had success with this approach, I don't think you need to set up something so formal. Instead, some of the best mentoring relationships can develop naturally without ever being officially labeled.
Over at U.S. News & World Report today, I talk about how to do that. Please check it out and leave your own thoughts in the comments over there.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
recent grad in despair over job market
A reader writes:
I'm a recent college graduate. I apply to countless job postings per day. Most of these are through online job boards (monster and craigslist). In recent months I have gotten crafty and researched (via google and linked in) those in the department I would like to work for and emailed them directly in tandem with applying online through the proper HR channels.
I have networked my life away for the past year, only to get a small response. I even tried to join a networking group in Philadelphia, only to have emails unanswered and I seem to have been removed from the email blast list (now THAT'S depressing). When it comes to networking I thought being outgoing and professional was key. I arrived on-time, dressed professionally (J Crew always) and even had business cards with my info and qualifications printed on them. I was always quick to respond (within 48 hours) and courteous in exchanges. I even attended a SHRM event and actually met some really inspiring, seasoned professionals.
I have gone up and down the street in 90 degree heat wearing a suit and handed out resumes to anyone and any business that would take them.
I have gone to jobs fairs with a stack of resumes and tried my best to coax people into giving me a business card. Followed up with them and out of all the times ONLY ONE has ever responded. She was quite helpful but it was for a position with the IRS that I was not qualified for.
All the while, I worked retail just to bring in some money and gain experience.
I completed several internships during college so the thought of working for free again is cringe-inducing.
I also created my own fashion blog. I have learned content editing, some html, and lot about journalism. I often do boutique write ups, comment on current events in media, design and fashion, and I also now write for the local paper.
I have had to relocated back home with parents (the ultimate nail in the coffin) and am unable to find employment here.
I am a courageous, intelligent and resourceful person who feels completely lost and like I have exhausted many avenues. I am capable, articulate and assertive. I do not fear interviews because who better to market myself than me. Sooooooo .. Please please please tell me what I am doing wrong? I network, I apply day in and day out and I have exhausted family connections. I have even started a blog to hone my skills and utilize my time off wisely. I am willing to work but no one seems to want to hire college students. Every job says I need 3-5 years of experience. How will I ever get experience if no one gives me a chance?
I'm sorry. This sucks.
You're doing everything right -- seriously, your list is ridiculously impressive. I don't think it's you. (I looked at your resume too, so I'm even more sure that it's not you.) It's the job market; it's abysmal. There are more great candidates than there are jobs right now, so it's just simple math. You are being screwed by math.
And recent grads are being especially hard hit, because you're competing with people who have more experience than you do. You're in an incredibly hard situation.
The good news: It's not going to stay like this forever. The job market will recover. You will get a job. But not in anything approaching a normal time frame. You just need to hunker down and know that this will pass.
Something I'd suggest meanwhile: Volunteer. Volunteer anywhere and everywhere that interests you and has a use for your skills. This has the potential to open a lot of doors; not only will you meet people and expand your network, but you'll become a known quantity to them, which counts for a lot. And if it doesn't lead to a job, you're adding to your resume, which will help you with paid employers. (Plus, you'll be doing something good.)
Hang in there. You're not alone, not by a long shot. Focus on positioning yourself to be an even stronger candidate when the job market picks up, and something will come together for you.
Related: Sometimes it's not about you.
I'm a recent college graduate. I apply to countless job postings per day. Most of these are through online job boards (monster and craigslist). In recent months I have gotten crafty and researched (via google and linked in) those in the department I would like to work for and emailed them directly in tandem with applying online through the proper HR channels.
I have networked my life away for the past year, only to get a small response. I even tried to join a networking group in Philadelphia, only to have emails unanswered and I seem to have been removed from the email blast list (now THAT'S depressing). When it comes to networking I thought being outgoing and professional was key. I arrived on-time, dressed professionally (J Crew always) and even had business cards with my info and qualifications printed on them. I was always quick to respond (within 48 hours) and courteous in exchanges. I even attended a SHRM event and actually met some really inspiring, seasoned professionals.
I have gone up and down the street in 90 degree heat wearing a suit and handed out resumes to anyone and any business that would take them.
I have gone to jobs fairs with a stack of resumes and tried my best to coax people into giving me a business card. Followed up with them and out of all the times ONLY ONE has ever responded. She was quite helpful but it was for a position with the IRS that I was not qualified for.
All the while, I worked retail just to bring in some money and gain experience.
I completed several internships during college so the thought of working for free again is cringe-inducing.
I also created my own fashion blog. I have learned content editing, some html, and lot about journalism. I often do boutique write ups, comment on current events in media, design and fashion, and I also now write for the local paper.
I have had to relocated back home with parents (the ultimate nail in the coffin) and am unable to find employment here.
I am a courageous, intelligent and resourceful person who feels completely lost and like I have exhausted many avenues. I am capable, articulate and assertive. I do not fear interviews because who better to market myself than me. Sooooooo .. Please please please tell me what I am doing wrong? I network, I apply day in and day out and I have exhausted family connections. I have even started a blog to hone my skills and utilize my time off wisely. I am willing to work but no one seems to want to hire college students. Every job says I need 3-5 years of experience. How will I ever get experience if no one gives me a chance?
I'm sorry. This sucks.
You're doing everything right -- seriously, your list is ridiculously impressive. I don't think it's you. (I looked at your resume too, so I'm even more sure that it's not you.) It's the job market; it's abysmal. There are more great candidates than there are jobs right now, so it's just simple math. You are being screwed by math.
And recent grads are being especially hard hit, because you're competing with people who have more experience than you do. You're in an incredibly hard situation.
The good news: It's not going to stay like this forever. The job market will recover. You will get a job. But not in anything approaching a normal time frame. You just need to hunker down and know that this will pass.
Something I'd suggest meanwhile: Volunteer. Volunteer anywhere and everywhere that interests you and has a use for your skills. This has the potential to open a lot of doors; not only will you meet people and expand your network, but you'll become a known quantity to them, which counts for a lot. And if it doesn't lead to a job, you're adding to your resume, which will help you with paid employers. (Plus, you'll be doing something good.)
Hang in there. You're not alone, not by a long shot. Focus on positioning yourself to be an even stronger candidate when the job market picks up, and something will come together for you.
Related: Sometimes it's not about you.
does employer realize I declined their offer last year?
A reader writes:
I recently applied, interviewed for and accepted a job at a company that I interviewed with 20 months ago.
20 months ago, I was offered the job but had to decline (I couldn't wrap up my job at the time and move cities quickly enough for them).
In my cover letter and during the interview process this time, I did not disclose that I had previously interviewed, nor did they indicate that they recognized me.
I am not the same candidate I was 20 months ago (better experience, fully established in the city the job is located in, etc...), and the job has changed somewhat (same people but different reporting structure). I don't feel that I've done anything unethical, but am concerned how about how it might be perceived.
I have resigned my current job and am very excited about the new one which starts soon, but am a bit anxious about the omission, despite being fine with it during the process.
Two questions:
1) Would you as a manager fire me or rescind the (signed) offer if I disclosed this now?
2) Any advice on how to bring this up with my new manager?
How strange.
I would simply proceed on the assumption that they know you applied previously, and not give it too much more thought. If in two months they suddenly look shocked and say, "Hey, didn't we offer you this a job a year ago," then just say, "Yes -- I thought we all knew I was reapplying after the first offer didn't work out." I can't see any reason why someone would fire you over this, assuming there was no deliberate deception (which there wasn't).
Because really, if they didn't know -- and it's the same people -- that's really weird. They should know. You should be able to safely assume they know. It's odd that it didn't come up in the interview at all (even just a "hey, nice to see you again" from either of you), but I wouldn't stress out too much about it.
People re-apply for jobs all the time. Your situation is only different in that you got an offer last time. Your reason for declining then made sense. There isn't anything to hide here.
Really, this isn't a big deal. Just go about your job.
I recently applied, interviewed for and accepted a job at a company that I interviewed with 20 months ago.
20 months ago, I was offered the job but had to decline (I couldn't wrap up my job at the time and move cities quickly enough for them).
In my cover letter and during the interview process this time, I did not disclose that I had previously interviewed, nor did they indicate that they recognized me.
I am not the same candidate I was 20 months ago (better experience, fully established in the city the job is located in, etc...), and the job has changed somewhat (same people but different reporting structure). I don't feel that I've done anything unethical, but am concerned how about how it might be perceived.
I have resigned my current job and am very excited about the new one which starts soon, but am a bit anxious about the omission, despite being fine with it during the process.
Two questions:
1) Would you as a manager fire me or rescind the (signed) offer if I disclosed this now?
2) Any advice on how to bring this up with my new manager?
How strange.
I would simply proceed on the assumption that they know you applied previously, and not give it too much more thought. If in two months they suddenly look shocked and say, "Hey, didn't we offer you this a job a year ago," then just say, "Yes -- I thought we all knew I was reapplying after the first offer didn't work out." I can't see any reason why someone would fire you over this, assuming there was no deliberate deception (which there wasn't).
Because really, if they didn't know -- and it's the same people -- that's really weird. They should know. You should be able to safely assume they know. It's odd that it didn't come up in the interview at all (even just a "hey, nice to see you again" from either of you), but I wouldn't stress out too much about it.
People re-apply for jobs all the time. Your situation is only different in that you got an offer last time. Your reason for declining then made sense. There isn't anything to hide here.
Really, this isn't a big deal. Just go about your job.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
accepting a home loan from your boss -- oh, and lying to him about it too
A reader writes:
I initially discussed with my boss, who is also the sole owner of the company, the possibility of him giving me a home loan. The home loan was for me and my future spouse to buy a property to settle down. The amount is approximately 10% of the property price.
However, I have decided to purchase a property for investment of the same amount and defer my plan to buy a property for personal use.
Should I tell him the truth that I am using it for investment purpose? If yes, how do I convince him to lend me the down payment that I am going to use for my property investment?
I am speechless, so bear with me here.
What?!
This is a terrible, terrible plan.
First of all, your boss should not be loaning you money. It's fraught with potential for huge problems -- more on your boss' side than yours, in fact. For instance, if you're performing poorly down the road, will he be less inclined to fire you because he's tied to you in this way, and he'll lower his chances of getting paid back if you're unemployed? Or, aside from that, will other employees think that's happening? What happens if you're late on payments or default altogether? Do you really think that won't affect your relationship at work?
But that's not even your question. Your question is whether you should lie to him to get the loan.
Um.
Have you thought about what will happen if your boss discovers this lie? (Which he very easily could. He sees your address on your payroll tax forms, for god's sake.) And more to the point, how could you feel good about lying to the person who is very generously offering to make you a large loan?
And you also want to know how to convince him to loan you the money for a different use. I have no idea. I wouldn't recommend trying.
I recommend a bank, not your boss.
Seriously, back away from this whole arrangement. It is a terrible, terrible idea.
I initially discussed with my boss, who is also the sole owner of the company, the possibility of him giving me a home loan. The home loan was for me and my future spouse to buy a property to settle down. The amount is approximately 10% of the property price.
However, I have decided to purchase a property for investment of the same amount and defer my plan to buy a property for personal use.
Should I tell him the truth that I am using it for investment purpose? If yes, how do I convince him to lend me the down payment that I am going to use for my property investment?
I am speechless, so bear with me here.
What?!
This is a terrible, terrible plan.
First of all, your boss should not be loaning you money. It's fraught with potential for huge problems -- more on your boss' side than yours, in fact. For instance, if you're performing poorly down the road, will he be less inclined to fire you because he's tied to you in this way, and he'll lower his chances of getting paid back if you're unemployed? Or, aside from that, will other employees think that's happening? What happens if you're late on payments or default altogether? Do you really think that won't affect your relationship at work?
But that's not even your question. Your question is whether you should lie to him to get the loan.
Um.
Have you thought about what will happen if your boss discovers this lie? (Which he very easily could. He sees your address on your payroll tax forms, for god's sake.) And more to the point, how could you feel good about lying to the person who is very generously offering to make you a large loan?
And you also want to know how to convince him to loan you the money for a different use. I have no idea. I wouldn't recommend trying.
I recommend a bank, not your boss.
Seriously, back away from this whole arrangement. It is a terrible, terrible idea.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
it's your office holiday party!
I get a lot of mail full of angst about company holiday parties -- do you have to go, can you make your employees go, why can't they give you a day off instead, and so forth.
Apparently there are an awful lot of you who cannot stand your coworkers enough to spend an hour standing around with them eating frosted cookies and cheese balls. And there are a lot of managers who seem to be totally oblivious to that fact.
As a holiday gift to us all, here are some official rules of office holiday parties.
Holiday Party Rules for Employees Who Don't Want to Go
1. If you want to skip it, skip it. Say you have a conflicting engagement and stop agonizing over it. It's not like people don't have myriad family and social obligations at this of the year that you can use an excuse.
2. But be aware that in some offices, these things are borderline mandatory. If that's the case with yours, suck it up and make an appearance. Look at it as any other work obligation. But come late, leave early, and pass the time by talking to your coworkers' dates, who will probably be grateful.
3. Read my past tips for surviving the office holiday party, where you find advice like "drink things in small glasses so you have a constant excuse to leave awkward conversations."
4. Possibly start looking for a job with coworkers you like, who you want to eat frosted cookies with.
Holiday Party Rules for Managers
1. If you think the party is a treat for employees, make sure they see it that way too. If you have staffers who just don't enjoy these functions, requiring their presence under the guise of giving them a treat isn't going to build morale; it's going to hurt it.
2. Don't expect people to read your mind. If there are work repercussions to not attending, be honest and tell people they're expected to attend. But if it's truly supposed to be for their enjoyment, accept that some people won't show up because they don't enjoy such events (or would rather spend their off hours doing something else), and be okay with that. Don't penalize people for not going, even just in your head.
3. If you are going to expect/require attendance, you really, really should try to hold it during work hours.
.......
What have I missed?
Apparently there are an awful lot of you who cannot stand your coworkers enough to spend an hour standing around with them eating frosted cookies and cheese balls. And there are a lot of managers who seem to be totally oblivious to that fact.
As a holiday gift to us all, here are some official rules of office holiday parties.
Holiday Party Rules for Employees Who Don't Want to Go
1. If you want to skip it, skip it. Say you have a conflicting engagement and stop agonizing over it. It's not like people don't have myriad family and social obligations at this of the year that you can use an excuse.
2. But be aware that in some offices, these things are borderline mandatory. If that's the case with yours, suck it up and make an appearance. Look at it as any other work obligation. But come late, leave early, and pass the time by talking to your coworkers' dates, who will probably be grateful.
3. Read my past tips for surviving the office holiday party, where you find advice like "drink things in small glasses so you have a constant excuse to leave awkward conversations."
4. Possibly start looking for a job with coworkers you like, who you want to eat frosted cookies with.
Holiday Party Rules for Managers
1. If you think the party is a treat for employees, make sure they see it that way too. If you have staffers who just don't enjoy these functions, requiring their presence under the guise of giving them a treat isn't going to build morale; it's going to hurt it.
2. Don't expect people to read your mind. If there are work repercussions to not attending, be honest and tell people they're expected to attend. But if it's truly supposed to be for their enjoyment, accept that some people won't show up because they don't enjoy such events (or would rather spend their off hours doing something else), and be okay with that. Don't penalize people for not going, even just in your head.
3. If you are going to expect/require attendance, you really, really should try to hold it during work hours.
.......
What have I missed?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
