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The questions asked during the job interview process are only part of the story. I am always looking to see if the applicant’s statements match with their behavior. I can teach many of the hard skills needed for the job. I can’t teach you to use good judgment.
Even once you’ve been given an offer, and need to complete your new hire paperwork, the hiring manager is still looking to see if it’s a good fit.
Experiences that have made me question whether to bring a new hire on board:
- You show up to fill out paperwork without a pen. Yes, I will give you a pen, but it really looks better if you thought to bring your own.
- You left the ID you were asked to bring in the car. Come on, you know you need your ID. I even told you so when we set this up.
- You left your ID home, because you were so stressed about getting here on time. This does not fill me with confidence as to how you will perform on the actual job.
- On the phone, we discussed how to get into the building. Go through the gray door, look for a certain number on the awning, etc. Yet you call to say you can’t get in, with no indication that you remember that discussion.
If you were given instructions yet still can’t find your way, that’s ok. When you call, though, at least say, “I know you talked about the gray door. I’m just not sure [about whatever you are confused about]. This way, you indicate that yes, you were paying attention to the instructions.
If you can’t at least acknowledge that there were instructions about how to get in to the interview, what can I expect about how you will follow instructions once you are on the job?
Be honest about your driver’s license
Some jobs require a license, some do not. A valid license means it has not expired and has not been suspended. If you are having a problem with your license (which could easily be the case lately, since the DMV was closed for a period due to COVID-19), proactively say so. Don’t just hand it over and hope the employer doesn’t notice.
- A temporary problem with your license is not a big deal
- Being dishonest about it, even by omission, is a very big deal and will probably cost you the job
I have had people come to fill out paperwork dressed like they were going to the beach.
The way you present yourself at work matters, even if you’re only stopping in to fill out some papers. If you’re going somewhere else afterwards that requires a wardrobe change, plan to change clothes after you leave the office. Do not ask to stay and change in the bathroom.
It matters who you use as a reference
You are probably going to be asked for references. This is usually a good sign, meaning that the organization is interested in you. While the actual content of the reference often says more about the person giving the reference than about the applicant, it does matter who you choose to speak for you.
- Always ask before using someone as a reference
I recently received a phone call from someone asking for a reference for a former staff member. I have not seen this employee in years and would not have given her a good reference at any time. It was pretty clear to the person who called that she had not asked me and really showed her poor judgment. I doubt that she got the job.
I have told multiple former employees, “Use me as a reference any time.” I mean that, and they still want to check in to make sure I will be available and have the same phone number and email. You do not want your potential employer to be unable to reach your references. It makes you look like you are not taking the process seriously.
It’s a question of judgment
I had a young man use his pastor as a reference. He gave me a phone number to reach her. When I called, the phone was immediately answered, “You have reached [radio call letters] and you are on the air!”
Hilarious, yes. I’ll never forget it. But this gentleman was unable to think through the repercussions of the phone number he was giving me. Therefore, he was not someone to whom I could offer a job.
