Would You Hire You?

Evaluating “the candidate” from the other side of the desk.

It may surprise you if you do a little hire review of YOU, and evaluate how well you are really prepared for the job interview process.

Stepping back to take an objective approach is hard to do when looking at yourself, but these few key points will help.

Then you can hone your approach and perfect your game plan to create the perfect package…even when the product is YOU.

Projecting professionalism using rules of common courtesy is so simple and yet often forgotten by candidates who are busy with their own lives, worries, and schedules.

Here are some easy common courtesies to use all the time, if you really want to stand out and get hired:

Be on time because being late is very disrespectful and also always inappropriate when it comes to business.

It tells people you are to meet that their time is not important to you and obviously you will be at jeopardy for getting hired, immediately. Being early makes you look like a much more interested, eager and prepared candidate.

Come clean by…well, um, being clean…and shiny like you care enough to present a nice and clean sparkling version of yourself to make a nice first impression. It will appear that you took a little time to care.

(I’m not going to mention “dress for success” because I’ve never been a big fan, though appropriate “dress to position” dictates.) Okay, I’ll say it, don’t wear your favorite T Shirt with profanities or the middle finger jumping off of it…even if you love it.

Again, it’s a little of a respect thing, looking from across the desk, and probably has to do with sensitivity training kinda stuff in the company, too.

Come clean part 2 means that anything you should disclose…like if your license is suspended and the position requires possible driving, you disclose…be as upfront as possible and admit to your constraints or any issues that should be discussed.

Being forthcoming will likely score points rather than ruin your opportunity, if you are honest.

If you can’t work on any Thursday, tell that right away, too. The only surprise you want to leave unknown is when you end up being a better employee than expected.

Also, this will help both parties start on the same playing field and lead to a better working relationship.

Ask questions. If you have any. And if you don’t, think about having something prepared to ask. This illustrates that you know something about the prospective employer and have done your homework.

Keep your word on anything you say. Just like you expect from anyone else. If you are supposed to bring something to the interview, you better have it.

If you are to return a call, be somewhere, or do something, you need to make it happen. Once a potential employer knows your word is good, you’re golden. A person is only as good as his word.

Always do your best work. Mainly because it’s your reputation that is being built by what you display…do and say. Also, it’s only fair.

When you can’t give your best effort in a job or position, it’s time to quit. But this applies just as much to your overall attitude and the preparation you put into presenting yourself for a positive and well considered interview.

Follow-up. Sometimes it’s this one last and extra step in the interview process that makes you stand out.

It stresses your interest and shows reliability on your part (following through to the final step) and may be the turning point for a position further down the road if you don’t get the initial offer.

Like a first impression, your last impression can impact your success.

All of these common courtesies will help you interview better and will also help you in your work experience and navigating the business world, overall. Think about it and evaluate.

So, would you hire you?

For a view from the other side of the interview and the desk, check this out or this from inc.

SIDE NOTE:  This was a recent career guide submission but it ties in with my recent business tips post.