Knowing When To Quit - Professionalism 101

At one point or another in almost everyone's career, they've applied to a position they feel highly qualified for, only to be turned down by a recruiter or hiring manager because one or more of the requirements for the position was not clearly visible in their resume.

It might be an oversight on the reviewers part, an oversite on the part of the person creating the resume, or the job truly is not the right fit.

The best way to approach this situation, should you feel a mistake has been made, is to respond to the decision maker via email, and provide a few bullets showing your relevant experience.

Example:

Thank you for reviewing my resume.  I believe that I do have the qualifications you mentioned above.

• 5 years of Project Management experience - please note on my resume that between 2014 and 2019 I served a dual role as a Project Manager and Information Analyst for XYZ Company.
• Regulatory & Compliance Certification - While it is not on my resume due to an oversight on my part, I am HIPAA Certified since 2017
• In an effort to keep my resume to 3 pages, I wasn't able to fit all of my 25 years of experience.  I do have all the requirements of the role including (and list what they thought you lacked)

I would truly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you, so I can provide a deeper explanation of my experience and qualifications.

Sincerely,

It is never advisable to respond with the following, or anything similar (all of which I've received over the years):

• YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!!!
• I'm the best candidate you'll find for this position, YOUR LOSS!
• I might not have a lot of the required qualifications, but I'm a quick learner.
• Good Luck! You wont find a better candidate.

Responses like the ones above appear desperate, and some are just rude.  No recruiter or hiring manager is going to react positively to someone who responds in that manner.  Who would want to work with a person who responds in that way to a simple email?  One cannot imagine what this person would be like to work with on a daily basis, handling complex work situations.

The best way to avoid this situation all together, is the make sure that the email accompanying the resume has a note highlighting the experience/qualifications/knowledge fit of the person applying.

In the long run, its always best to take the high road. 

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Acceptable Reasons For No Call, No Show

•  You've suffered a near fatal event
•  You've been abducted by aliens and do not have access to your phone
•  You're in prison
•  You died

A "No Call, No Show" (NCNS) is when you don't show up for work, and don't call/text/email in advance to let someone know you won't be coming in.

While this is obviously unprofessional, no matter how long you've been employed, it's more likely not going to lead to termination if you've been with the same employer for a long time, they know you well, and you've proven yourself to be a reliable employee.  If, on the other hand, you NCNS on your first day on the job, you can rest assured you no longer have a job.

If you find yourself unable to show up for work, the right thing to do is notify your employer as far in advance of your start time as possible.  How you notify them is not important, anything - even smoke signals - is better that nothing.  A quick text, email or voice mail stating that you're regretfully not going to make it in is sufficient, but a more detailed text, email or voice mail stating you're not coming in, why you're not able to be there, and when you anticipate being able to come in is ideal.

Don't be afraid to be honest!  As a recruiter, I'd much rather someone call me the day before they're going to start, and tell me honestly that they're not going to be able to start the job because they've decided to accept another position, than to have someone ghost me and my client, leaving us all in a bad position.

Even in the case of most emergencies, it is possible to find a quick moment to shoot off a text stating that you're sorry you're unable to show up for work.  This is one of many reasons why it is important to have the cell phone number of your recruiter or manager in your phone.

Being professional, and providing a "heads-up" can be the difference between a positive relationship with your employer or termination, bad references & burned bridges.

What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About You?

Employers are turning to LinkedIn more and more to research candidates, prior to scheduling an interview. If you're seeking new employment, your LinkedIn profile is likely to play a factor in your candidacy.  Potential employers are typically reviewing your work history, possible discrepancies with your resume, and insights into your personality ("team fit").

What your LinkedIn Profile & Activity should reflect:

• An accurate work history with a few bullets describing each role
• Professional Insight (photo, activity, etc that showcase your career & interests)
• Information that correlates with your resume content
• Activity and Posts that positively represent your career objectives, goals & personality

What your LinkedIn Profile & Activity should not reflect:

• Activity & Posts that are heavy-laden in political, negative, or non-career related content
• Work history that does not align with your resume or is not up to date 
• False information 

It is safe to assume that any potential employer will be reviewing your LinkedIn profile, to determine if they want to consider you to join their team.

Your LinkedIn Profile content is as important, if not more important than the content of your resume.  Take time to make sure that your profile accurately represents who you are, both personally & professionally.

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Why to Steer Clear of the 5 Top Interview Questions

 It seems over the years that the interview process has become more sterile, and there are 5 questions that get asked by almost every company during the candidate interview:

1.  Tell me about yourself

2.  Where do you see yourself in 5 years

3.  Tell me about a problem you solved in the past at work (or some similar question about work related conflict)

4.  What are your strengths & weaknesses (areas you need room for improvement)

5.  Why are you looking for a new job

On the surface those seem like good questions, but the truth is, a savvy candidate is going to answer them with canned and prepared answers that may or may not be the truth.  Most candidates that truly want a job are going to say what they believe is going to land them the position.  

"Tell me about yourself" - is such an open ended question that you could spend 30 minutes listening to the person's life story.  While that would turn any interviewer off, the truth is, just because someone wants to carry on about their history, doesn't mean they'd be a poor employee.

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years" -  is supposed to provide an indication of the candidate's goals in life and business, but the truth is, we all change our minds.  What a person's vision is today could be radically different a month from now.  People get diagnosed with illnesses, get married, start families, get laid off, find new passions - any amount of things.  This question is so expected nowadays that the candidate likely has a canned answer that they know will represent them well. In essence, this is a waste of time.

"Tell me about a conflict or problem you solved in your last position" - I've heard a number of variations on this question.  What I've found is that it often leaves the candidate stimied.  Off the top of one's head, it is difficult coming up with conflict related experiences in the workplace, unless you work in a industry where conflict is a daily occurrence.  The candidate may have solved all sorts of issues, but doesn't feel like they stand out because they where typical occurrences on the job.  Additionally, once one gets accustomed to being asked this question, you're going to get a canned answer which may or may not be true or elaborated on.  

"What are your strengths and weaknesses" - No one is going to tell you their true weaknesses.  If this person sits at their desk and instead of focusing on work, spends 1/2 the day on social media, they aren't going to tell you that.  Typically you'll hear something like "I tend to run a little late" or some other idiom that is far from the truth.  

"Why are you looking for a new job" - 9 times out of 10 if this person was fired from their last job you are not getting a true answer.  Very rarely is someone going to say something like: "Well, I didn't really get along with my last manager, and I got tired of her always bothering me about the way I did things, so I told her off and got fired".

What to ask in place of those 5 questions:

Eliminate "Tell me about yourself" altogether.  Instead of asking that question, take a few minutes at the end or beginning of the interview to just chat with the person.  If they're on a Video interview where you can see photos or books or sports related items in their home - ask them a related question about those items, open them up and learn more about their personality, passions and past.  You will not get to know the person without taking some time to create a good rapport.  If its not a video call, or you don't have a window into the person's life, try to have a more friendly conversation to gain better insight into who they are before you end the interview.

Instead of "Where do you see yourself in 5 years" - ask "If your career went exactly the way you wanted it to, what would be your ultimate position / responsibilities" or just a simple "Why is this opportunity interesting to you".

Instead of a version of "tell me about a conflict or problem you resolved in your last position" - "What do you feel one of your greatest accomplishments in [whatever industry you're in] has been"  People remember the things they're most proud of.  Everyone should be able to tell you about a time they did something they felt pride in.

Instead of "tell me about your strengths & weaknesses" try "what do you enjoy the most about your current job" and "what responsibility do you enjoy the least"  These questions take a person away from having to feel something is a strength or a weakness, and are more likely to provide more insightful answers.  

In honesty, I often do ask someone why they're seeking a new position, understanding that I may not get a reliable answer.  If you ask this question, you must be prepared to dig a bit further and ask follow up questions pertaining to their resume.  "I noticed you've only been at your last 2 jobs for less than 2 years, can you explain why you didn't stay longer".

If you interview candidates on a regular basis, no two interviews should look/sound the same.  Each interview should reflect not only the job you're hiring for, but the individual you are hiring.  Prior to interviewing the candidate, review their social media (LinkedIn, Facebook etc) and their resume.  Jot down some questions you want to ask that directly pertain to the information you've gained.  People want to be treated like individuals.  When someone feels you are truly interested in who they are, they are more likely to open up to you.

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Unemployed Due to COVID (or a lay off), What To Do Now?

COVID-19 has hit many industries financially, causing huge lay-offs across the country.  Many people have been waiting things out for the last few months and are now wondering what to do next.

Regardless of the industry you are in, the first task on your list should be to file for unemployment through your state government website if you have not done so already.  In some states, like Florida, this has been particularly difficult, so the sooner you file, the better off you'll be.  There are also funds available to Independent / Self Employed Contractors.  (Check out your state website for more info)

So, other than chores, what else can you do during this downtime?  Here are my Top 10 suggestions:

1.  Revamp your resume.  Make sure all those important industry key-words are on there.  For tips on how to construct an eye-catching resume, see my previous blogs posts on resume development (there are a few).

2.  Take a class!  Gain some credentials to add to your resume.

3.  Update your LinkedIn profile.  It should mirror your resume so Recruiters that are using LinkedIn to search for candidates can easily find you.  Make sure your profile shows you are actively looking for new opportunities in the "About" section and include your email address.

4.  Connect with Recruiters in your industry via LinkedIn.

5.  Put your updated resume on the Job Boards.  (Dice, Careerbuilder, Monster & other industry related boards)

6.  Reach out to people you've worked for and worked with in the past.  Let them know you're available & looking.  Ask if you can send them your resume to network for you.

7.  Sometimes finding a job is a full time job in itself, plan to spend at least a few hours each day marketing yourself.

8.  Consider moving temporarily to a different industry.  Whatever experience you have, there is potential it will transition.  For instance, if you are an Healthcare Technology Trainer, you could transition to a position in Adult Training anywhere.  Start searching via the job boards & LinkedIn for job openings that are a potential fit for your qualifications in other industries.

9.  Get your references in order.  If you don't already have a short list of people to use as references, get one together.  Ideally you should have 5 people, with at least one being a prior boss/manager, that a potential employer can call for a reference.  Speak with these people, ask if you can use them as a reference and make sure you have their best phone number & email contact info.

10.  Relax.  Easier said than done right?  Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair, you're doing something, but its not getting you anywhere.  Things WILL turn around!  In the meantime, treat yourself well, do things you've been putting off for a rainy day, and get prepared for your next adventure.

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Fraudulent Resumes and How They Negatively Effect Hiring in the IT Industry

There are many job boards available to job seekers today.  Most everyone has heard of the Big 3:  Careerbuilder, Monster & Indeed, but were you aware that all the major job boards get bombarded with fake resumes?

When you upload your resume onto a job board, you rely on the integrity of that entity.  Unfortunately, on a regular basis, all the major job boards get flooded with fake resumes, particularly in IT related fields.  These resumes are typically uploaded by unscrupulous 3rd party consulting / staffing firms that use them to bait employers/Recruiters into contacting them, they'll usually respond to the inquiry stating that the person you're reaching out to is no longer available but they have a variety of qualified candidates they'd be happy to submit. 

These cases create a hindrance to qualified, honest job seekers by bogging down the system, wasting employer/recruiter time, and making it difficult to determine which resumes are genuine and which are not.

For example; today I logged on to a job board to search for a specific Human Capital Management software experienced consultant.  I entered my key words and the search resulted in about 250 resumes from the last 6 mos.  Of those resumes, about 50% were fake.  I counted 4 resume variations (4 identical resumes), all with different names and all in different metropolitan areas.  It usually takes a few minutes to pick up on the fact that a resume looks familiar, and realize the last 2 resumes you reviewed were almost exactly the same, with the same employers, the same key words, the same experience and summary, just the name and location were different.

This fraudulent activity makes it so time consuming to find the right people that Recruiters are often turning to LinkedIn as the main source for qualified candidates.

If you are not on LinkedIn, set up a profile!  If you are on LinkedIn, make sure your profile resembles your resume, has all the appropriate key words, and mentions in the "About" section that you are open to employment opportunities if it is safe for you to do so.

If you are loading your resume onto a job board - try to differentiate yourself from the fray by putting something eye catching in the Summary section like "Available For New Projects In June!".

Oddly this is a little discussed or recognized phenomenon.  In conversations with some of the job board representatives, they are often unaware of the issue until a client who uses their service to search for resumes brings it to their attention, at which time they will conduct a search and remove the duplicated resumes.   Hopefully the more these issues are reported, the sooner the job boards will make a consistent effort to remove fake resumes from their sites.

MORE Thoughts on Successful Interviewing

Not that long ago I had a conversation with a candidate who expressed frustration because they were having difficulty landing a job, even though they'd interviewed for multiple positions they were clearly qualified for, with multiple companies over many months. I've had similar conversations with a lot of people over the years.

People who are frequently turned down for positions tend to express that they believe it is due to their age, looks etc, when most often the decision not to hire comes down to a poor interview. 

Unless the candidate is video or audio recording their interview, it is impossible to be objective about the outcome.  They may "hear" themselves in the moment, but without sitting and listening to (or viewing)  the entire interview - the candidate truly does not have a thorough understanding of how they are coming across to the people interviewing them.  Even then, it might be difficult to be impartial.  Ideally it is best to gain honest insight from the perspective employer, or the recruiter that was involved in the process.

Whether the interview was over the phone or in person, these tips will apply:

• Stating the obvious - if interviewing in person or via web/skype/video, look presentable, sit up straight, smile etc.  (It doesn't hurt to do this for a phone interview either, to put yourself in the right mode) 

1. Not all that long ago I spoke with a friend who is a CEO of a large company.  He stated that he'd been interviewing a gentleman over the phone for a couple weeks for a senior sales position, and arrangements had been made for the candidate to come into the office and have a final face to face interview.  My friend was fully prepared to offer this person the role, but when the candidate showed up, he "looked like he'd just played 18 holes of golf on a hot, windy day" - his clothes were casual, wrinkled & disheveled, his hair hadn't been combed, etc.  After that interview the candidate was declined for the position.  In everyone's opinion, he should've known that since he was meeting with the CEO of the company, and given the role he was interviewing for, he should've taken the time to make himself presentable and wear a suit or at the very least, clean, laundered, business casual attire.

• Shut up & Listen - Remember that song "Talk Talk" from the 80's?  Call it the gift of gab, call it diarrhea of the mouth, call it Chatty Cathy syndrome - whatever phrase you choose, some people just ramble, and this can be the most detrimental faux pas of the interview process.  Excessive talking during an interview seems to come about for various reasons - the candidate may be nervous, they may have a habit of talking too much, or they may be trying to fill dead air.  

1. Relax - Don't be nervous - easier said than done, but try to pretend you're on the phone with someone you're familiar with.  Don't treat the interview like an exam, but more like a fact finding conversation.
2. Be conscientious of how much you're talking - are you losing your audience?  How long has it been since someone else has spoken?
3. "Dead-air" - its ok for there to be a pause in conversation.  Often the people conducting the interview take a moment to take notes, or consider an answer that has been given.  If there is a longer pause that normal, ask if the call is still connected, if yes, ask if they would like a more detailed answer.

• Be Positive, no one wants to work with a complainer or someone who over-shares.

1. Unless you're talking with a recruiter you've known for a long time, the conversation should stay very positive in nature.
2. Don't talk poorly about your current/previous employer, either leave that out of the interview or touch on it as lightly as possible with as much positive spin as you can.
3. Things like health, marital status / issues, children, family tragedies should never be discussed unless absolutely necessary. (example - " I understand the desired start date is 10/1 and that works for me, however, I feel I should make you aware that I have a surgery planned for 10/20 and will need that week off")
4. Serial complainers need not apply.  If you find yourself constantly complaining about life, work, co-workers, employers, the weather ... etc., its time for a change in perspective. 

• Don't oversell and Don't undersell.

1. Overselling - it is never advisable to embellish your qualifications.  You may be able to bluff your way through the interview process but it won't take long for your new employer to figure out you don't have the qualifications to complete your responsibilities.  This is a huge waste of time for everyone - you'll be fired, the employer has to start interviewing again, and if you went through a firm to get the role, it makes the firm look bad.
2. Underselling - some people are really humble, and while this certainly isn't a bad trait, it can kill an interview.  No one will sell your qualifications better than you.  Be confident enough to be able to speak to your experience & successes.  One can sell themselves without being braggadocios or arrogant.

• Know Your Audience

1. It is always beneficial to know about the person/people you will be interviewing with.  What type of personality do they have?  Why are they seeking someone for the position?  What are their pain-points?
2. If a recruiter has submitted you to the position, ASK them to tell you as much as they can about the person you will be interviewing with.  If they don't know, or you don't have a recruiter, research the person who will be interviewing you - LinkedIn is a great place to start.  
3. Example:  If you are a exuberant person who is full of energy and tend to be loud and excitable, but you learn the person you'll be interviewing with is quiet & reserved, tone it down a bit. etc.

Finally, if you aren't sure how you come across during an interview, call a recruiter you know and have them run you through a mock-interview.  You can also call a recruiter that has experience with you and ask them their honest opinion on why they feel you are having a rough time landing a position.  Most recruiters are open to taking a few minutes of their time to help guide you through the process.  Being able to be flexible in your approach & presentation is an important part of interviewing successfully.

One More Time for the people in the back....The Proper Way To Make Initial Contact To a Potential Employer

Its been over 20 years since I accepted my first Staffing job. That's tough for me to believe, its gone by so quickly!

Subsequently, I started this blog about 9 years ago to express some constant frustrations about the employment / staffing / recruiting process and hopefully help job seekers in the process.

Over the years that the blog has been active, I've received feedback from quite a few people that it has assisted them in landing a job,  BUT... I still feel like there are topics that beg repeating.

It ALL comes back to communication!  Communication is KEY to employment, regardless of the industry you're in, or the position you are applying for.  Within this blog, there are numerous posts about resume formatting and distribution, how to interview, how to present yourself etc, but the most important impression is always the first. 

Think about how you want the potential employer to receive your first effort to communicate with them about the job you are interested in.  One would assume you would want to stand out as a professional, thoughtful, educated and qualified candidate.  In order to do so, you must consider the first method of contact.  Typically the first method of contact is either via phone or email, both mediums require effort if you want the potential employer to take interest in you and respond.

Email:
ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS provide an up to date resume when you make initial contact with a potential employer via email  Additionally, the email should include the following:

• How you found out about the position?  (if it was a referral, provide the person's name)
• When are you available to start a new job?
• A brief overview of your related qualifications
• Best time and way to reach you.

Example:
Hello,
My colleague Joe Donut told me that your company is seeking a Cerner SurgiNet Specialist for an upcoming project.  I have attached my resume for your consideration.  I am available to start a new position in 3 weeks, and have over 5 years of SurgiNet design, build and testing experience.
I'm happy to speak with you at your convenience.

Thank you,
Jane Eclair 
555-555-1234

Example of what not to do: (no resume attached)
Hi,
I had a friend tell me you had an IT job that fit my experience.  I'd like to talk to you about it.

Thanks,
John

Phone / Voice Mail:
Good Example of aVoice Mail:
Hi,
This is Carrie Apple, my friend Tammie Fay told me about your Cerner SurgiNet opening and I would love to discuss it with you.  I can be reached at (speaking slowly & clearly) 555-555-1234 after 3pm ET.

Thank you

Good Example of an initial phone call:
Hello!
I'm glad I caught you!  My name is Carrie Apple, my friend Tammie Fay works for your company and she told me you have a Cerner SurgiNet opening that would be a good fit for my qualifications.  Do you have time to discuss it?

As a job seeker, it is important to remember that it is always likely there are numerous people applying for the same job.  In order to be competitive, starting the communication off on the right foot is very important. 

It is also important to remember that HR Personnel, Managers & Recruiters receive dozens (if not more) emails and phone calls every day from potential candidates.  The emails and voice mails that provide the best information will be responded to first. 

If a HR Rep/Manager/Recruiter is working to fill 5 - 10 (or more) job openings, receiving dozens of phone calls and emails, conducting and scheduling interviews, processing new hires, and countless other responsibilities, why should they take the time out of their schedule to respond to someone that didn't make an effort to provide the necessary information?

If you have reached out to a company in a professional manner with all the above mentioned information and STILL haven't heard back, dont be afraid to try one more time.  If they do not respond, first, let me apologize on behalf of all recruiters out there, everyone who makes the proper effort deserves to be responded to, and second - it is unlikely they felt your qualifications were a match for any number of reasons and while everyone would like to know why they aren't chosen, its just not that important and a waste of your valuable time to keep trying.  Move on to the next! 

The #1 Reason Candidates Fail Interviews (UPDATED 2020)

The #1 Reason Candidates Fail Interviews

For many years I have sat-in on thousands of interviews; in person, over the phone, via video and whatever other scenario is available. Some of these interviews have been impromptu, others well planned, some with just 1 interviewer and others with a panel of interviewers.  In almost every interview that has gone off the rails, the people being interviewed have failed for the same reason, they are not succinct in their answers.

Open ended questions – the questions that require more than just a “yes” or “no” answer, tend to send candidates off on rabbit trails, which will derail an interview in a matter of minutes.  Short and concise answers are ideal, but even the most polished professionals can get lost in their responses.

Here is a prime example of a popular open ended interview question:  “Tell us about yourself” – I’ve heard people go off on tangents about their hobbies, their pets, their middle school heartbreak, college sports achievements, health issues, prior employment issues, and other even less appropriate topics.  Consider the industry you’re in and think about how you’d answer that question in an interview…..(I’ll wait)…..  Are you at a loss, or do you feel you know exactly what to say?  Here are a few things to consider prior to answering:

1.      What do you know about the company you are interviewing for?  (Culture, Philosophies, Environment etc.)

2.      What do you know about the people that are interviewing you? (Background, Education, Personality etc.)

3.      What do you know about the position you are interviewing for? (Management, Responsibilities, Why the position is open, Who was in the position before etc.)

Now let’s dive into those 3 areas a bit:  (1) Prior to your interview you should have researched the company’s web site to review their mission statement, their vision statement and learn anything else you can about the company history – where they started, WHY they started and where they’re going. Armed with that information you can align your answers to their company objectives.

(2) Your second internet search should be to Google the person or people interviewing you – what is their title at the company, where did they come from and where did they go to school, have they done anything interesting (charity work, etc).  If Google doesn’t turn up anything, search LinkedIn. 

(3) And finally, do you have a complete job description of the position you are interviewing for?  If not that is something you should request prior to interviewing.  With this information you will be able to express your past experience in other roles and give the interviewers spot on information on why you are a fit for the role. 

Once you’ve completed your research, you can prep for the interview by jotting down questions you have about the company and the position, along with some guidelines on how to answer anticipated questions like the one I mentioned above.  

Below is an example of how interviewers want the “tell us about yourself” question answered:

Interviewer: “Now that we’ve discussed our needs, why don’t you tell us about yourself?” –

The interviewers want RELEVANT information, not what is relevant to you, but what is relevant to the job you’re applying for.  They also want the abbreviated version. Let’s pretend you are applying for a Healthcare IT position (since that is the industry I’ve recruited in for the majority of my career). 

You: “I began my career about 20 years ago in nursing, a few years after I began my nursing career, the hospital I was working in upgraded to a new EMR system and I was able to assist with the end-user training process.  That really piqued my interest in technology, so after the implementation was complete I started my transition into the IT dept.  Over the last 15 years I’ve gained substantial EMR application build experience in both Inpatient and Ambulatory settings (naming the applications you specialize in and touch on any qualifications you have that are a match for the job requirements)  I’ve also gone back to college and obtained my MBA in Informatics Management and have led multiple upgrade projects.”  “What else would you like to know?”

By providing a targeted description of your career in bullet points, you’ve used the time you have wisely and reopened the floor to the interviewer to ask more decisive questions about your experience.  

If you learned during your research that you have something in common with someone that is interviewing you, you might bring that up as well - such as "Tom, I see that we share an alma mater, we both attended Southern Illinois University!" or "Tom, you  may not remember, but we both worked at NYU 15 years ago" etc.  This can help to build rapport.

Personality plays an important part in whether a person is offered a position or not.  Not all people will be inclined to take the time to do the pre-interview research or stay focused during the interview, however the people that do are most likely to land the job.

There is a Time and a Place

I have always been outspoken, even as a child.  However, my Mother taught me early on that there is a time and a place for discussions about certain topics.  As I grew older, more mature and started to wear a professional "hat", I learned that depending on your profession, the workplace is generally NOT a good venue for political discussions, religious discussions, and of course - sexual discussions, and any other potentially polarizing topics.  You never know who will over-hear you, what their personal beliefs are, if they might be offended and how they might react.

In our current political environment, the need for decorum is becoming more and more evident, and fortunately, the lack of tolerance for inappropriate words and actions is becoming less and less standard.

My professional responsibilities include interviewing and hiring many people every year.  Even though my sensibilities are certainly not delicate, I am often astounded at what people will say during an interview process.  While I have not walked a mile in their shoes, I am still of the school of thought that if you are trying to obtain a job, that you would be on your best behavior during the interview process.  Bringing up your opinions on various political topics, politicians, racial topics, gun rights, women's rights, religious beliefs and of course, the never appropriate sexual innuendos is not a step in the right direction toward securing that job.

Many will say "What about the right to freedom of speech"?  "I have a right to have my own beliefs".  All that is true, there is freedom of speech in this country and everyone is entitled to their own beliefs.  At the same time, there is a level of decorum that should be adhered to.  Take into account that the job you are interviewing for and the folks you are interviewing with also have a right to their own beliefs which might differ greatly from your own.  In turn, they have a right not to hire you due to something you said during the interview process.

Always keep in mind that it is also your right to work in an environment where you are not discriminated against or made to feel uncomfortable.  Everyone you work with has that right as well.  This is why keeping your political beliefs, religious beliefs etc. off the table at the workplace and definitely during the interview process, is important.  I shouldn't even have to mention sexual advances and innuendos, but with the recent headlines, it seems it needs to be included.

Comedians have a term "learn your audience" because not every audience is going to get your jokes, understand your humor or think specific content is funny.  The same goes for the workplace.  Get to know the people you work with before you say something that might put your job on the line.

As a rule of thumb, while interviewing for a job it is never a good idea to express your religious or political points of view during the interview process if the job is not in either of those arenas.  Should a person interviewing you ask you specifically about your religious or political views and those views do not pertain to the job at hand, be polite but clear and state that those topics are not of any relevance to the position.    It is actually your right to not have to discuss those topics to avoid any type of discrimination.

There is a time and a place to present your opinions on every topic imaginable, just know your audience and remember that everyone is entitled to their opinions, they might just not be the same as your own.

Identify Yourself

When contacting a Recruiter or potential employer it is important to identify yourself.  Whether you are submitting a resume for the first time, or checking in via voicemail or text about the status of your resume, it is crucial to let the other party know who you are!

A typical recruiter or hiring manager will have multiple people in the interview process at once.  Many recruiters and hiring managers are trying to fill numerous jobs at once.  By identifying who you are when you reach out, it will save you and your point of contact precious time.

Here are just a few example scenarios:

Phone Call / Answered:  "Hi, we've spoken in the past and I saw you had an Ambulatory role posted online, I'm really interested"  - typically this dialog goes on for a few more minutes, but I'm unable to look the person up in the database to see if they're qualified for the role until they take a breath and I can ask them who they are. 
Solution:  "Hi There, this is James, we spoke back in May.  I'm an Ambulatory Certified Analyst and saw you have posted a role that fits my qualifications do you have time to discuss"?

Voice Mail:  "Hi, I'm calling to find out if you have gotten any feedback from the client about my resume, let me know".  - the recruiter / hiring manager will have to try to run your phone number through the database to see if your information comes up, or try to call you back and ask who you are. 
Solution:  "Hello, this is Mark, I'm calling to see if XYZ Hospital has responded to my resume"?

Text Message - "Hi!  Did you get any feedback from the client yet"? - I have to text back "who is this"?.  It would be impossible for every recruiter/hiring manager to have the phone numbers of everyone they have in the submittal/interview process in their phones.
Solution:  "Hi!  This is Trina.  Did XYZ Hospital respond to my resume yet?"

Email: - Hi, I'm interested in hearing more about your go-live projects" - often there is no resume attached, no name and no other contact info.  Typically these emails do not get responded to.
Solution:  "Hi, my name is Adeola, my resume is attached for your review, I'm very interested in your upcoming Epic go-lives".

Taking a few extra seconds to identify yourself will help assure you get a timely response!

How to Nail a Telephone Interview

How to Nail a Telephone Interview

I’ve posted blogs with interview tips before, but this topic is always relevant.  More and more interviews are being done over the phone, particularly in the Tech industry. 
If you’re going to be sitting in on a video/skype/facetime interview – see other important tips here:  http://engagemehit.blogspot.com/2011/10/tips-for-video-skype-interviewing.html

The Dreaded Telephone Interview 201

Ø  If you’re using your cell phone, make darn sure you’re in a place with great reception.
Ø  Take the interview call in a place where you won’t be interrupted by people, dogs, noises etc.
Ø  Try to build rapport early in the conversation.  If you can, start the call out with a bit of friendly banter with the potential employer – even if it’s just a comment about their weather.  Show interest in them, how their day is going etc.  The employer wants to hire someone they like, someone that they’ll enjoy working with.  It isn’t all about experience and qualifications.
Ø  Always keep your answers to the point, you will likely have only 30 minutes to impress your potential employer:  When answering questions about your experience, follow this rule of thumb:
1.       Answer the question positively – “Yes, I do have experience with XYZ”
2.       Explain where you have had the experience – “I worked on XYZ at my previous 2 employers, so I have almost 10 years of experience with it”
3.       Explain your experience with enough detail to make sense but not so much detail that you’re running on and on and on – “I started building XYZ about 9 years ago, XYZ has changed some since then, with my last employer I was not only responsible for the build, but I trained new employees on how to build and I served as Lead Analyst throughout the implementation.”  If the potential employer wants more specifics, they’ll ask.
Ø  Don’t start talking until you’re sure they’ve finished talking.  Many conference lines have a bit of a delay.  I’ve sat in on more interviews than I care to count where the candidate and the potential employer spent most of their time talking over each other because both were jumping in before the other had finished talking.  Its ok to have a brief pause before you start answering a question.
Ø  Never, Never, Never, downplay your qualifications!  Talk about what you do know and discuss your qualifications confidently.  Don’t elaborate on what you don’t know!  If a client asks you about a qualification that you don’t have, just say “I haven’t had any experience with that yet” or “I have a working knowledge of that from my experience at my last client but it wasn’t my focus” etc.
Ø  Don’t try to oversell yourself.  People that say things like “I’m the best in the business with XYZ” or “you won’t find someone more qualified” and similar statements typically get overlooked for job openings.  It’s a rare candidate that can pull off that level of narcissism and get away with it.  Confidence is good, an over-active ego is not.
Ø  Don’t get defensive, ever – for any reason.  I’ve had candidates flat out yell at me when I’ve told them I don’t think they’re right for the position.  If you feel the person interviewing you is mistaken about your qualifications, politely explain where you feel they’ve missed the mark, never yell, never become rude.  Typically, the person interviewing you knows what they’re talking about, but if they don’t, consider it an opportunity to educate them.  Turning them off by yelling or being rude isn’t going to get you the position.
Ø  Always have a copy of your resume in front of you so you can refer to it if necessary.  If a recruiter submitted your resume, ask them for a copy of what they sent prior to the interview.
Ø   Wrap Up:  Typically the potential employer will ask if you have any questions.  During the interview you should have been jotting down any points you want to cover.  At this time try to ask a few questions, not just to show interest but to show you’re paying attention.  Also, take this time to bring up any points about your qualifications you feel you might have missed earlier in the interview.
Ø  Thank them – before hanging up cheerfully thank them for their time and express your continued interest in the position (if you are still interested) and ask when you might expect to hear back.

After your interview has concluded, take a few minutes to review any notes you’ve taken and go over the call in your mind, then write a thank you note via email to express your continued interest, reiterate how your experience lends itself to their needs and your excitement in hearing back from them.  No matter how good you are, you can’t win the job 100% of the time, but by following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to nailing telephone interviews!

 

 

 

The Communication Highway Updated 2025

Technology is advancing so fast most of us cannot keep up with the new trends and software and gadgets.  Over the years I've found that many people that have a career in Technology, don't always embrace it after-hours.  My brother has been a programmer within Healthcare IT for over 20 years.  He didn't get his first Smart Phone until 2015.

With all this new technology there are now multiple ways to communicate with others through social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok etc), email, telephone, text, TEAMS and the list goes on.  How is one to know the best way or fastest method to reach their recruiter?  Ask! That's how!  Always inquire with your recruiter what method of communication they prefer.

A few things to keep in mind when contacting your recruiter:

• Recruiters at any given time could have up to a hundred candidates submitted to various job opportunities AND on top of that, they may also be responsible to care for and manage everyone they have placed on various contracts.  This means that recruiters are typically open to answering communication 24/7 if the need is urgent.
• ALWAYS include your first & late name when contacting your recruiter.  Recruiters receive 100s of emails, phone calls, texts etc. a week.  If you do not include your name in the text, email, voice mail, how are they to know who they're to respond to?  (I regularly get emails saying "do you have any upcoming work?" with nothing else, no phone, no name, no resume.  I also will receive random texts that go something like this:  "Hi!  Any word from the client yet?".... What client?  Who are you?  There is unfortunately no way for me to memorize every phone number of every person I've spoken with and depending on the way the email or number was entered into the database, I still may not be able to find out who it's from)
• Don't be offended if the Recruiter responds asking "who is this?".  Recruiters typically keep good track of who they've submitted and who they have working on projects, but we don't always remember everyone's phone number or email address. 
• All recruiters utilize a database to keep track of candidates, consultants, activity and so-forth.  Anytime you update your phone number or email, it is best to notify the recruiters you work with.  With this being said - most data bases will allow Recruiters to search for someone via email or phone - but providing your name in your communications will net you a much faster response.
• Social Media - for me Facebook is a professional no-go.  I strongly believe that Facebook (Instagram, Snap Chat etc) is for friends and family and not for work related communication.  LinkedIn is for business!  Save your professional communications for professional web sites.  If a recruiter contacts you via Facebook, ask for their email/phone and reach out to them that way.  Facebook can be professional suicide.  If a potential employer is scrolling through your Facebook feed - you never know what they might be turned off by - political posts, cat videos, family conversations.
• Message Alerts - we all get message alerts on our phone.  Personally I receive text messages, TEAMS messages, LinkedIn, Pinterest messages, Tweets, Facebook messages, email messages from both personal and business accounts and phone calls.  To cut down on the noise & insanity I've turned off every alert except for email and text.  Typically the best method to reach your recruiter will be phone or email, followed by text and LinkedIn and so on. 
• Which brings us back to - Ask... Each recruiter will have their preferred method of communication and they'll be happy to let you know the best way to reach them and at what times, just remember to include your name when you reach out :)