Janice Worthington MA, CPRW, JCTC, CEIP Send Janice a Question

Confessions of Two Hiring Managers.. ..Why They Didn’t Hire The Last Five Good Candidates Who Applied. There I was minding my own business at the beauty shop when the lady next to me, about to shed the tin foil on her head recognized me as the JobBoards.com Career Coach. Like many folks I meet I was sure that she and her pal with the fuzzy hair were job candidates seeking advice. They quickly corrected my misconception letting me know that they were members of the Society for Human Resource Management! What an opportunity! Suddenly I was the one filled with questions and these gals were more than happy to accommodate. I know why people hire good candidates and I try to preach these precepts every month. But what I wanted to know was why Human Resource Managers turn good candidates away. So while we covered the gray, relaxed the frizz and moussed the bangs, I secured the confessions of two very typical candidate scrutinizers. Here’s why they rejected their last five candidates: William, the Software Engineer - A highly qualified candidate, William was unable to connect his expertise to the company’s. Because he couldn’t see any further than his own qualifications he knew very little about what the company did and was unable to build the connection between their needs and his ability to meet them. He broke the first commandment on impressing and employer. He failed to conduct any research and couldn’t really explain why he wanted their job or why he should be their candidate of choice. Betina the Banker - Nicknamed "Betina the Bitter" this candidate spent far too much time complaining about the working conditions on her current job and the unfair practices of her boss. Complete with great banking experience, projecting Betina at the teller window brought nightmares of how intolerant of others this candidate was likely to be if work wasn’t running smoothly. She broke the second commandment on avoiding the creation of red flags. She bad-mouthed the boss, the company and the customers! Sam the Sales Representative - Confusing arrogance with confidence killed this candidate’s possibilities. You would be amazed at how many folks in 2003 still say, "Get me the interview and I can get the job," or "With my engaging personality, I can sell anything." We live in a far more sophisticated society these days and the concept of sizzle without substance is a quick turn-off. The solution? Proof by example. If this guy could have explained how he did what he did with subsequent results things might have turned out differently. Marlene the Merchandise Manager - To put it bluntly Marlene skipped the chapter on Dress for Success. Her interview suit no longer fit properly and she was in denial. She wore far too much jewelry in an attempt to be fashionable and kept her hair far too long and straight trying look younger. She failed. Fortunately retail apparel stores have folks ready to sincerely help you look professional without preventing your making the house payment. Get a mirror and get real! Sondra the Senior Citizen - There are two kinds of workers with more than 25 years’ experience; one feels pride and value because of the "been there done that" in her experience and the other fears being labeled a "has been." In this respect we are perceived as we decide we would like to be and that which we decide to project leaves the impression. Sondra modeled "old." Her message could have stated "wise and prepared." Make sure yours does!

Janice Worthington is President of Worthington Career Services, Ohio’s oldest resume preparation firm and one of the oldest in the U.S. With 14 years of corporate recruiting experience, Worthington Career Services opened its doors focused on applicant empowerment in 1973. She is known for advising some of America’s highest-ranking industry leaders. Please send Janice your questions at janice@worthingtonresumes.com .  For more information on Janice, please visit her website at http://www.worthingtonresumes.com/!