Tag: candidates
Talent Tip #47: Avoid Alka Seltzer with Writing Samples, Tests
July 15, 2013
A while back, a client of mine developed a raging case of heartburn after learning a new hire didn’t have the writing skills the client thought he did. The employee excelled in other areas, but no Billy Shakespeare was he.
Despite having requested writing samples during the interview process, the organization realized it misjudged the person’s ability to write – a core function of the position. For a while my client downed Alka Seltzer like Pez – until he…
Read MoreTalent Tip #33: Lessons From My Parents’ Marriage: It Pays to Court Candidates
May 15, 2012
After 43 years of marriage, my father still opens the door for my mother and my mother still packs my father’s lunch before he heads to work. With all this time behind them, you’d think they might be tempted to knock off the niceties. After all, at 70+, is either really going to walk out? I mean, if I think dating’s bad at my age, can you imagine the dating market they would face?
Yeah, yeah, Claire. That’s nice about…
Read MoreTalent Tip #18: We Need More Lloyd Doblers
February 15, 2011
Do you remember Say Anything? (Note to Millennials: it’s a classic. If you haven’t seen it, do so immediately if not sooner.) The main character – Lloyd Dobler – has passion. And he makes his passion known to those who matter. Ultimately, it is his passion that lands him the girl.
As I review dozens of cover letters and introductory emails each day, I long for more Lloyds. Candidates’ banal letters leave me wondering if they are truly passionate about…
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