Dear Teachers, Parents, Clergy and other Youth Leaders: I have noticed a big lapse in the past five years in the quality of preparation that the average job candidate puts into applying for a job with my company. This is really at odds with the fact that - during the same time - I have been able to hire much more qualified, educated, and experienced people than ever before in my 30 years of hiring.
So, if you are involved with youth, or are just a parent, I recommend you teach your kids, students, or congregation how to apply for a job. How to dress for a job inquiry. Maybe even do mock interviews with them. You’d be surprised how many people fail the “ethics” questions in an interview, such as “If you notice a fellow employee is pocketing cash from a sale, what would you do?” Answers varied from “Ask for half” to “Punch them in the head.”
I realize that my store is "just a comic shop." But, I have hired the very last person I will ever hire who shows up in a t-shirt and jeans. I will not hire anyone who has not prepared for the interview or even the inquiry. In fact, from now on if someone shows up not dressed for an interview, I am just going to apologize for not giving them proper time to prepare and ask if they would like to reschedule when they can be dressed for an interview.
It’s not like I am hurting for applicants and aspiring staff: People ask me every day. Every. Single. Day: "Are ya hirin?"
And people who ask if I am hiring, if we are hiring, or are we accepting applications - whatever they look like when they ask that, That Is As Good As I Can Ever Expect Them To Look. So, if they look sharp and sound sharp, I hand them an application. If they look like a slouch, I tell them we are accepting resumes.
To those who have never held a job, you need to understand something: There is a barrier to entry into the job market, whether you realize it or not. See, I can hire solid, intelligent people for $8.00 an hour. Adults who prepared for their interview, made the effort to show up on time, and are ready to be interviewed.
Why would I hire less than the absolute best candidate when hiring? Keep in mind I pay $7.50 to start for most positions without experience - and I can hire experienced people, people with a Bachelor's degree- at $8.00 or $9.00. So, if you are trying to get a job here you are competing with those people. If you are not just as sharp, literate, knowledgeable or experienced - why would I hire you? Why would any employer hire you? You have to stand apart.
Here are a few hints about applying for a job Anywhere: Bathe. Take a shower. Put on deodorant. If I can smell you, it should be a pleasant smell.
Guys: Put on a clean button-up shirt and dress slacks or khaki pants. Don't wear worn and torn jeans, or shoes. Comb your hair, brush your teeth, shave (or trim) and look neat.
If female, look presentable. Put on a little makeup and dress for success. Again: No holy or torn jeans or shoes, and no t-shirts.
Got tattoos? Me too! But, if I were going to a job interview, you would not see my ink, I would cover it with sleeves.
Yes, I realize it is just a comic book shop. But, unless you are outstanding, I will not hire you. And, unless you are dedicated, you won't last here long. My first impression of someone not dressing for a job interview is they are neither outstanding nor dedicated.
When I hire, my goal is to keep that person for two years minimum. That does not always happen. But unless I can see you working here for two years, I won't waste my time or yours.
And, most employers are thinking the same thing, whether they tell you this or not.
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The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.
