Why People Get Hired (2)
Last week, I commenced a series on why people get hired. I also introduced Lola Oyebadejo - a Human Resource expert whose views I promised to share on this column. As I spoke with Lola on the issue of employability she said three things that were absolutely poignant and every job seeker needs to be cognisant of these three facts.
“First, people say there are no jobs out there, there are jobs but just a few people are capable of filling in those positions. Sometimes I got as many as 7000 CVs for a single position but only just about 10 people may possess the requisite experience for the job role being advertised "!”
“The second problem people have is that they can do certain jobs but they cannot articulate the fact that they can do those jobs.
“The least any employer can give you is your salary but the best you can make for yourself in any job is what you can learn and the experience you can gain while on the job.”
She told me of three instances where she conducted interviews and where the interviewees left much to be desired. Hear Lola speak on each of those instances.
THE ARROGANT BRAND MANAGER
I conducted an interview for the position of a Brand Manager. Though he was very qualified for the job, he had a demeanor that spoke of arrogance. The way he sat on the chair while getting interviewed was so carefree and indifferent. And I had to say to him you know you are very good at what you do however you are so proud and you appear full of yourself. I was shocked at the response he gave. He said “several people have told me that I am proud.” And I said if people have told you that you are proud then don’t you think it is time that you started to do things differently? My joy was that in all this he was willing to take advice and to learn. Eventually he got the job he applied for.
My Comment: Proper carriage and comportment is really crucial when job seeking and influences impression assessment a great deal. I would advice those who may have issues with their carriage and comportment to read up books on body language, carriage, comportment and poise.
THE OVERWEIGHT FINANCE MANAGER
I had to recruit a finance manager for a manufacturing company. One of the people I interviewed for that position was too fat. He appeared at the interview sweating ( he could have at least made use of a handkerchief or a face towel), he had a bad odour, he was breathing heavily and his colour combination was awful. Those on the interview panel were not even sure that he was suitable for the job - healthwise. He did not look healthy at all and when a position is being filled the employer wants to be sure that the occupant would be available for the job.
My Comment: Obviously this man had a lot to work to do his weight, to his colour combination, down to his stench. I’ll advice people who need to work on these areas to read upon body odour, colour combinations and healthy weight loss practices as not all the common practices are indeed healthy.
THE HIPPY FINANCE MANAGER
I had to recruit for a Finance company who was seeking for a General Manager for their finance department. An applicant showed up for the interview with a chain on his neck. It seemed very out of place to me for him to be dressed in that manner for a job that required a good degree of formality. Needless to say I had to advice him to either remove the chain or conceal it by wearing a dress shirt and a neck tie.
My Comment: There’s a lot to say on how to dress for job interviews from the perfume you may choose to wear to the way you should knot your tie if you have to wear one. So I would advice whoever needs to know about dressing for interviews to read good book, articles and watch good videos on dressing for interviews.