Tampilkan postingan dengan label Readers speak out. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Readers speak out. Tampilkan semua postingan

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Dear Candidate - the hiring manager responds...


Dear McCrabby,

I'm in HR, responsible for hiring staff for a large company.  I have read, with great interest, the thread in the LinkedIn Jobs Group on your Reject the Rejection post (View it HERE  -- highest readership of all time), and while you've taken a few shots at those of us trying to do a tough job, I understand that you're basically "on the side" of the job-seeker.  I'm thick-skinned and can take the heat.

However, I'd like to respond to Will E. Wurkornot and see if you'll print my letter here.  You see, there IS another side.  
_______________
Dear Mr. Wurkornot:


I would like to compliment you on your interview style, but from the tone of your letters, I doubt we'll be pursuing your candidacy.  However, in an attempt to be responsive, as you have requested, I would like to detail to you what we, in HR, often go through, so you'll have an appreciation of why some of us may not be quite as thorough as I am being here.


I want to help you in your next interview, so please be aware that in the past six months I have had to deal with all of the following, and more (I can't list everything).  I am not sure the candidate examples listed below warrant further follow up:
  • interviewed for an entire hour, with a blinking blue-tooth on her face
  • "hit on" receptionist as he left the office after the interview
  • displayed so much cleavage, it made us nervous when she leaned forward to react to a question (and, another had a skirt so short, I had to turn away when she dropped her pen)
  • showed up in jeans and tennis shoes for a B-2-B sales position
  • had a 3-day beard growth - we aren't Miami Vice here
  • handed over a resume on pink paper, with a smiley face drawn on the front
  • had eleven piercings (that we could SEE)
  • had a tattoo (on his face)
  • wore a shirt that was so tight, the buttons looked like they were In a death fight just to hang on (a guy)
  • had a body odor that filled the room, and beyond
  • brought a fast food lunch, and ate during the interview, claiming he hadn't had time to eat yet today, after showing up 20 minutes late
  • wouldn't leave when he was told the interview was over
  • asked if she could smoke during the interview
  • dropped the f-bomb more than once, when talking about past employers
  • brought a girl-friend to the interview and asked her to stay in the lobby (she fell asleep)
So Will, while we appreciate your constructive feedback, we wanted to share a little of our own.  And we hope McCrabby will print it.


We HR folks know how frustrating it is for the job-seeker.  I just thought you might like to hear some more of what we go through.

Hiring in Halifax
____________________________
Dear Hiring,

Thanks for your list;  and, it is being printed as you wrote it.  


As someone who used to hire, McCrabby could add a couple:
  1. had a guy misspell, on his resume, the city he lived in
  2. interviewed a woman who had each fingernail hand-painted with a little scene (each different), making McCrabby wonder how much time she had on her hands....            pause 


    Check out other "Hiring Manager Letters" at our "POSTS WITH COMMON THEMES" at left. 


    Good luck on your job search, and your search for a good employee..  

    McCrabby

    Would you join our site now?  We'd love to see you..  You can sign up on the left where it says "join this site") so we can see your picture.  And follow us on twitter (@curtmacrae), where we don't post much, but we'd love to see you there.  McCrabby has gotten hacked twice on Facebook, so we have left that site for good.  Sorry... 

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Dallas job-seeker adds advice for CEOs


This blog ran a post yesterday by a Dallas reader, who had some passionate thoughts about her job search and how she had been treated (Read it here:  Oops, what Happened??).  After communicating back, McCrabby received a follow up email, and this one has some ideas that someone should listen to. 

For the second time (never done before at this blog), a reader is getting her comments posted in an article, without editing.  Double-D can write with us any time.  Here are her ideas:
______________________________________________

Dear McCrabby,

Yes.. by all means feel free use it and re-use it in the future (note: we asked if we could use her email, as written).. if it helps someone else out, then it is worth it. I just cannot believe what people are thinking in these companies. As I was once told "A company has no heart nor soul nor brain" but as humans, we think they think they do.

The challenge is to keep going after it happens each time (this was in regards to her post on Aug. 31, about how she was treated after an interview). The first time - yeah it stung.. so I had the opportunity of taking a day or two to regroup, then restart. Three months later it happened again.. I blamed it on the personality of the decision maker I was dealing with... now 3 months later this has happened.. each time right as I was expecting the offer. 

Why does it have to be this way? What has caused Corporate America to change to the point candidates - human beings -- are treated this way?

I just read that The President will be addressing Congress next week on the economy and the jobs situation with a plan (a little late I think) but what about offering things like this? 
  • Tax credits for companies that hire those that have been unemployed long-term 

  • Tax incentives for companies that reinvest in themselves by top management taking 50%+ of their annual millions in bonuses to fund new positions to help their staffs, who are already overworked, underpaid, and who feel under appreciated -- Could you imagine the PR one CEO would get for his company if they did this??? 

Just my random thoughts!! 

Thank you so much for listening.

Still Down in Dallas
____________________________________________
Dear Double-D,

Thanks for your input and ideas.  Maybe a couple of CEOs will read this and comment that they're taking your advice.  We'll keep you posted.  Here's a pleas for other readers: Let's hear what you have to say (we like your comments)...

McCrabby

______________________________________




Wanna connect??   

Don't forget to sign up on the left or here (where it says "join this site") so we can see your picture on this site.  And follow us on twitter (@curtmacrae), where we don't post much, but we'd love to see you there

See all contact info HERE

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McCrabby reader fires one more shot - a gentler volley this time

McCrabby reader fires one more
shot - a gentler volley this time

NOTE TO READERS: After the comment that was responded to Saturday (http://t.co/Y7pDKx1), and the post the previous day that led to that comment (http://t.co/YNO5fSB) , our anonymous commenter responded yet again. McCrabby wants to thank this reader for coming back, for reading this blog one more day, and for re-thinking and clarifying her thoughts. McCrabby welcomes a reach-out (another satire blog post: http://t.co/GSbh0YR) from Anon, if she wants to email, for more interaction (mccrabby@humantransitions.com).
McCrabby is publishing this because she has already posted it at this public site, and because she has not used her name (we would never print a direct confidential comment, without permission)..
 Dear McCrabby - I must write to thank you for the response. I truly appreciate it. I also got the great reminder that it is best to think before one posts. I guess it was my let down watching the video because I was expecting the sarcastic punchline. The 'ol GOTCHA. It never came.
Much like the job offers. I must say, I appreciate the kind words but I should clear up some things, let you know my situation a little better. Not because you asked but it's Saturday and I don't really feel like looking for a job this minute.


I am not married nor do I have any children. My boyfriend and I recently broke up yet we still live together because we are both unemployed and can't afford to move. Of course, we will be forced to go somewhere once the six months is up. Once your house is foreclosed on there is a Sheriff's Sale. You get to stay for six months after that. Then ya' gotta go.


In the ultimate irony, our day is April 15. I recently had to close my business after having sunk every dime in to it. That included my savings and my retirement. This brilliant idea of mine came while we were all flying high before the recession.


I thought gambling on myself was a safe bet. While I still believe that, I failed to take in to account the amount of corruption there is in the world. Ahhh...I love the way that makes me sound.

Anyway, I know what you are saying and I appreciate the sentiment. On that note, I am off to the Chili Cook-Off with a friend. We try to celebrate Valentine's Day together - a little early this year - because it is my anniversary.

Oh, did I mention I was also a widow? I know, it's like I am making it up - but I swear - I'm not!


So again I apologize for the comment on Friday. Sometimes it all just weighs heavily on my shoulders. Oh, and I am quitting smoking too. Does that help? Thanks for all of your great writing - Anon
________________________________________________________
Dear Anon:


Thank you for writing back; it means a lot. And thank you for reading my blog.


First, let McCrabby assure you one more time that you are not alone.  In fact, McCrabby has traveled much of your trail. 



    Mrs. McCrabby is the rock in this trial we're going through
 *  Owned a business
 
 *  Sunk investments, retirement, personal money into business

 *  Closed business in 2008 and lost it all, including the office building we bought (great investment, huh?)

 *  Agreed that self-investment was good; didn't turn out that way

 *  Am kicking a habit (mine is eating - have lost 52 pounds, 26 to go)

These have been hurtful years.  McCrabby admits that the family is still in tact, and that has been huge in these tough times; we're sorry yours is somewhat fractured, but hope you'll find hope and help in the friends and family you mentioned in your first post.


No inspirational videos today; just one piece of advice:


Find your own motivation, your own focus, your own support, whether it's family, or friends, or church, or social networks, so that you can maintain your positive attitude.  The comment you posted above, and the attitude it displays, will help you much more in your job-search, than your previous communications.


We root for everyone in this tough economic time, and even though it appears to be improving (a bit), we have a long way to go.  So Anon, feel free to continue to communicate, and thanks for reading.  All the best to you.
   ________________________________________________________
    _____________________________________
    McCrabby's office is always open - email your issues/questions/rants/vents to     mccrabby@humantransitions.c

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    Reader Blasts McCrabby - Will that help the $!%^@& job-search?　

    Reader Blasts McCrabby - Will that
    help the $!%^@& job-search?　
    　
    Editor's note:  This comment came from a Friday reader, who didn't appreciate the attempt at a weekend, motivational uplift in yesterday's blog post (http://t.co/YNO5fSB);  McCrabby, in trying to help, is going to take one more stab at it in the response.
    ________________________________________________
    Dear McCrabby,
    　 
    Are you kidding? Thank you so much for yet another "inspirational" video. I will file it away with all of the "don't give up" emails from friends and family.

    Really, really made a difference. I will send that on to the gas, electric, phone, Internet, credit card, snow plow, mortgage company. I am sure they will find it as helpful as I did.


    Anonymous (note:  why are they always anonymous??)
    　
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Dear Anon,


    McCrabby empathizes with your situation, and isn't that far from it.  However, blasting those that try to support you, including family friends and McCrabby, doesn't seem like the most productive approach to the problem. 

    AND, you can afford to hire someone to snowplow your driveway?  OMG, McCrabby can't afford that, so you can't be doing THAT bad....


    What McCrabby is saying, is that family is key in your job search. Don't neglect them. Here are a few quick points for the weekend to maybe help get you back on track.  If this is another waste of your time, we apologize and might suggest you watch C-span or read congressional records.  While we want to deal with two issues in this blog, job searching and common sense, we want to do it with a sense of positive, a sense community and a sense of fun. 


    That being said (if you're still here, Anon), let McCrabby suggest that you make a point to share with your spouse (and kids, too, if they're old enough) what you're feeling during your job search; if they don't know what you're experiencing, they can't relate to it and help you through it.  And, let them help. 


    Make time for your family; do you think you need 14 hours a day to search for a job?  McCrabby isn't saying to quit looking, but you need balance -- example: McCrabby is taking Mrs. McCrabby to a movie this afternoon, and then dinner, because we haven't been out (other than to work out) for  few days, and we need balance.  McCrabby can do some more work on the rest of the weekend (after church - another good idea, Anon). 


    Note: Mrs. McCrabby has her own email now, so if you'd like to wish her a happy birthday, or share anything else with her, email her at mrsmccrabby@humantransitions.com).  Ask her for a recipe; she's great at that.


    Remember that the stress flows through to your spouse while you search for work; economics are in play, your mood is affected, and s/he may feel more pressure to work harder to take up the slack. This job-search thing isn't only impacting you; realize that and cut her some slack.


    Do something special, for you and the spouse, once in awhile. It doesn't have to be expensive (we always feel a little guilty hitting a movie on Friday afternoon, but we all know McCrabby will work enough beyond that to make up for it.. and the movie is a matinee at $5/each and we usually have a BOGO coupon for dinner).


    Don't be a martyr. Don't be a victim. Lots of people are going through what you're experiencing, and while it may be somewhat traumatic, you aren't singled out because of anything you did. People have empathy for your situation, but don't look for pity. Keep your attitude up -- it'll help in all you do.

    So, Anon (are you still here?), much of this is common sense, but the main point is that you are not in this situation alone and you need to recognize that fact. If you allow your family to be involved, you'll get much-needed support, you'll enhance your personal relationships, and you'll ultimately make your job search easier and more productive.  You'll keep your attitude more upbeat, which will make it easier to find work.  By the way, if you walk into a hiring manager's office with yesterday's attitude, you won't walk out with a job; you might not anyway, but you can guarantee it with negativity.


    Good luck in your job search, and in your personal life.



     In the meantime, we hope you'll follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/curtmacrae ), and if you are looking for moral support, join our LinkedIn group (McCrabby's Support (group):  http://lnkd.in/4TkF7_ )

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    I feel much better, now that I've given up hope...

    I feel much better,
    now that I've given up hope...

    McCrabby got this comment from a reader this week, regarding his job-search.  While it was intended as a somewhat tongue-in-cheek response, McCrabby saw some truth in it, and has heard similar sentiments from other readers.. 


     "I feel much better now that I've given up hope.

    Validation, Validation, Validation... I knew it all the time and have thought it. I keep seeing the same postings appearing over and over and over.

    Why in God's name would a firm go through the time, cost, effort, etc. to execute a job search which is a ruse?

    Is this another Homeland Security issue... this is Crazy."

    So, since it's the weekend, and since McCrabby tries to bring more uplifting thoughts to the weekends, here's a two-minute video to encourage you to not "give up hope."  It only takes one good event to wipe out the past two years of negatives.  Keep working for that good event.

    McCrabby hopes you enjoy this message:
     In the meantime, we hope you'll follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/curtmacrae ), and if you are looking for moral support, join our LinkedIn group (McCrabby's Support (group):  http://lnkd.in/4TkF7_ )

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    McCrabby, as a hiring manager, I'm ticked...

    Dear McCrabby,

    I sent you an email a couple days ago, and I think you took some liberties with what I said
    (Editor's note:  Original article is HERE). 

    As a hiring manager, I tried to tell you how tough our job is, and how unreasonable some of these job applicants can be.  You turned my words around and made me look stupid.  I'm going to give you one more chance.

    If you change anything in this letter, I'll sue.

    Blah, blah blah, blah (Editor's note:  he went on to write more but he really didn't say anything, so we'll just reply below).

    Hiring Expert, Lansing Location
    ____________________

    Dear H.E.L.L.

    McCrabby has no doubt that you are a hiring manager.  Did you say something else?

    You want to sue?  OK.  Keep in mind that those of us not earning a consistent paycheck aren't the best targets.  It's kind of like McCrabby doing workshops for laid-off workers (there's a big market for the service, but not a lot of revenue being generated for providing it). 

    McCrabby would like to point out a couple things:

    1)  We invited hiring managers to respond to a post about the cruelty of the hiring process (Ihttp://t.co/i69UxD5) and not one hiring manager responded, even though we received more comments and emails, from other people, on that topic than any other so far

    2)  While McCrabby may have para-phrased a few of your comments in your previous letter, you're writing was boring, so it had to be spiced up a bit; no one's going to read if you don't write well.  Perhaps if you communicated more in your current job, you'd become a better communicator.

    3)  Job applicants have been pushed around for 3-4 years in this screwed-up economy, and they're tired of being ignored, discriminated against for age, race, religion, appearance, or any other whim of yours.  Their biggest bewilderment is why YOU have a job while they don't.

    4)  Do you realize that when an applicant has an interview, and he thinks it goes well, his angst is high until he hears a response; when you take two weeks, or a month, or forever, to respond, he hurts.  And, when it appears you knew a month ago that he wasn't the selection, but you waited until today to tell him, that's just mean.

    5)  Hey, this is McCrabby's blog, so he writes about topics that are important to him, and he points out the absurdities of life.  You sir, are an absurdity and one of the things that prompted the creation of this blog.
    So H.E.L.L., why not turn over a new leaf; make a pact with yourself to treat job candidates as...    well, people.  Remember they have feelings, they have dreams, they have needs.  Some day you may be looking for work, and you'll appreciate that new attitude.

    Now, since it's the weekend, we'll insert a video that shows one technique to deal with a hiring manager in a competitive job market. 

    Enjoy the weekend.
    ___________________________________________________________

      McCrabby can be reached by email (mccrabby@humantransitions.com)

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      McCrabby, you are so UNFAIR to hiring managers

      Dear McCrabby,


      I'm a hiring manager and I think you have been very unfair to us.  You've taken your shots, and I've read them, but now there are so many comments about one article, in particular (http://t.co/zQbM4im), that I felt it was time we hiring managers got our say. And, you've hit us multiple times:
      So, here goes my side of the story:.


      You don't know how tough we have it.  I'd like to share with you what I, and most hiring managers, go through. 


      I advertise for a new job and, whether I really have a job to fill or not, I get 500 resumes in the first week.  Now, after our screening software kicks out half of those, and after I randomly throw away another 200, I'm down to 50 that I actually have to look at.  There are only so many hours in my workday (sometimes, as many as seven or eight)..


      So, I try to pick 20 that are on the nicest paper, and then I try to read the first paragraph on those twenty.  I can usually get it down to ten from that.  Then, I try to look at the applicants' names.  If they have an odd number of letters, I eliminate them, and if their first names have more letters than their last, I eliminate them.


      Now, with a little luck on the names, I'm down to four applicants.  We call those our finalists.  That's who we'll interview.  We'll contact each one for a preliminary phone interview.


      McCrabby, I have to conduct ALL FOUR of those interviews; it isn't easy.  I have to schedule the time, and then remember to call them somewhere near that time.  I have to ask them inane questions, such as "why did you leave your last job?"  I know why they left; they got down-sized, but I want to have them re-live that humiliation and see how they handle it. 


      I always try to ask them what they liked best and least in their last jobs.  That's a question I originated (and some others have stolen the idea), and the answer to that one can often be pretty revealing.  One applicant once told me that he "enjoyed the challenge of creating new programs that increased company revenues."  Do they think we can't see through that B/S?  You can bet, HE didn't get the job.  But, we didn't have a job anyway, so NOBODY got the job.


      Maybe I should clear something up now.  We don't always have jobs.  But we DO have HR, and we may want to hire someone SOMETIME, so we interview now for later.  What the heck, I have to be here almost every day anyway, so we might as well do some HR work -- do you realize that a lot of people don't seem to think that our work is important? 


      And, even though we don't have jobs now, most of these people won't be working in a year, so when we're ready to hire, if ever, we can call back our "finalists" then.  No sense in wasting a phone call now.


      McCrabby, I'd give you more info on my day, but it's time for a break, and I was supposed to call an applicant 15 minutes ago, so I should give her a call right after I get back from coffee.  After all, what else has she got to do?


      Hurried and Rushed in Hell, MI
      ___________________________________________________________
      Dear HR Hell:


      Nuff said.  McCrabby thinks you have nailed it.  We'll just wait for a call.


      And, good luck to all on the job-searches...


      ___________________________________________________________


      McCrabby can be reached by email (mccrabby@humantransitions.com)
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