Is this applicant going to be an asset or a liability?

You are welcome to forward this to your friends and associates.

"Why would you want to work for this Company?" is a question that every recruiter should have on his clipboard. Not so much for the response, but more for the attitude with which the question is answered.

This attitude of course, reveals the emotion that the question evokes and will soon show whether the applicant has any hope of becoming a success, and more importantly, will he/she be an asset to the Company.

The first clue that the recruiter should be alert for is the "direction of interest". If the interest that the prospective employee has is on self, that is a warning sign that all is not as it should be. If the signs reveal that his or her interest is outwards, in other words on the interviewer, other employees and the environment, then you have a potential gem.

Body language plays a very important part in assessing this. If he /she is glancing at their own reflection in a window or perpetually straightening their tie or dress, or perhaps fiddling with their hair, you know that person's attention is on their appearance and not directed outwards on the questions being asked. They are thinking, "I wonder if I look okay, am I making a good impression, I hope my tattoo isn't showing, I hope they like me" in stead of, "Wow! This is a nice place. I wonder what I can contribute to making this business grow. I hope these guys give me the responsibility to use my skills for the maximum benefit of all concerned.

This last individual is a valuable potential staff member. He is secure in himself and is confident that his skills more than cover the job he is applying for.

In one of his speeches, President Kennedy said, "Ask not what America can do for you. Ask what you can do for America." This attitude is one that can be interpreted on many levels because this is also another way of saying "put your attention outwards not inwards" If the recruiter can identify that the person wants to contribute skills, loyalty, interest and pride in a job well done there is very little else that could be asked for.

Always be alert for the one that wants to be contributed to. They usually ask all the "what are you going to give me?" questions before "the what can I contribute" questions.

• "How many holidays a year do we get?
• What does the job pay?
• What time do we finish every day?
• Do you give Health Benefits?
• Do we get increases every year?" etc.


Not that the last group of questions need never be asked, it's just how and when they are asked that is revealing. If a prospect's attention is outward, it is far more likely that he or she will be interested and happy to take responsibility with pride in a job well done. The introvert on the other hand, wants as much as he can get for as little effort as possible.

Which one would you hire?

Call Mya today at 1-888-773-0014 or e-mail at mya@thepeoplelink.com

Reprint rights. This newsletter may be reprinted providing the following resource box is left intact: Mya Borgman is the Founder and President of The People Link, a professional recruitment agency with a unique personal touch. We are committed to finding the ideal job match between employers and job seekers. Take advantage of our hard earned experience gained with the successful placement of over 1,000 candidates. The most frequently filled positions include Finance, Sales Managers, Executive Placements, Administrative Assistants and Executive Secretaries. Inquiries from both employers and job seekers are held in absolute confidence and treated with discretion. Mya can be reached at (818) 890-9998 or by email at mya@thepeoplelink.com. Mailing address: 11329 Sunburst St, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342. © Copyright 2004 Mya Borgman. All Rights Reserved.
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