Learning the Ropes…
11 Apr 2008
We were mentioned in a wonderful article on the front page of today’s Asbury Park Business section written by Michael Diamond. Titled “Learning the Ropes,” Mike did a story on graduates entering the working world.
Our newest team member, Shannon Monaco, was profiled in the article. It was her first front page story as a PR professional. I however, was referred to as the “grizzled industry veteran” she was learning from. OUCH.
The article gave tips to new graduates on how to succeed in business without really trying. At first, these tips seem a bit trite…basic common sense; unless, of course, one is an employer who has seen the best, and worst, over her 25+ year career.
In the end, the simple things really make a difference. As Mike notes in the article, observe and emulate the behavior of those at the top, find mentors, and observe the basic niceties, like saying hello to people and maintaining a great attitude.
Unfortunately, those basics are often ignored by many entering the job market. The sad thing is that they are completely unaware of it, and often wonder why they go on interview after interview and wind up with no offers.
Which begs the ethical question, as an interviewer, do you give young people critical feedback. Instead of telling them they didn’t get the job, do you tell them why? We live in a world that favors being politically correct, and telling the truth is often avoided at all costs. It can also get a bit sticky; after all, people don’t always appreciate constructive criticism.
I personally believe we do young, entry-level professionals a disservice when we don’t give them guidance because without our intervention, they’ll keep making the same mistakes over and over again.
I’m probably one of the few interviewers who will tell someone, if they ask, why they weren’t asked back for a second interview. I’ll even go so far as to give them advice on how to correct the problem. Again, they have to be willing to ask for counsel, and, more importantly, be willing to take it.
