WILL YOU FIT THE TEAM?
from the article "Insiders Guide To The Hiring Decision"
How The Hiring Decision Is Really Made
By F. John Reh, About.com Guide
Will You Fit The Team?
Generally, the better you fit with the team and the company culture the more likely you are to be hired. The hiring manager knows that if you fit with the rest of the team he/she will not have to spend time resolving inter-personal conflicts between you and the other members of the team. If you fit well with the rest of the team you are more likely to fit into established patterns and procedures and improve the team's production rather than require a period of adjustment with reduced productivity.
The exception to this is when the manager sees your lack of fit as a good thing. For example, with a very young team, the manager may hire a more experienced candidate to bring a more structured approach to the team.
The hiring manager is going to rank all the candidates for the job based on how well they fit the team and the company culture:
* Are you a good fit with the team?
* Will you fit with existing procedures and practices?
* How quickly will you be able to get up to full productivity?
* Do you have personal traits that don't fit the team, but are desirable?
* Are you a good fit with the overall company culture?
MY THOUGHTS
this is one area where hiring managers need to be trained. hiring managers tend to focus so much on whether the applicant can do the job. and because they are pressed to hire for their production, they are more likely to overlook the 'fit' issue.
and this is where HR should come in. first,of course,is to train the hiring managers.then come-up with assessment tools to help the hiring managers make wise decisions. it's still best for HR to do the assessments first and recommend only the best choices to the hiring manager.
Showing posts with label first impression. Show all posts
Showing posts with label first impression. Show all posts
Monday, March 14, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Job Interview Questions
Job Interview Questions to Ask
By F. John Reh, About.com Guide
When the screening of the candidates is done, you will bring the top two or three in for an interview. What questions should you ask them? What answers should you be looking for? How will you know which one to hire? Whether you work for a large company with a Human Resources department and volumes of procedures or are a small business owner with a few employees, the questions you want to ask are the same.
The Questions to Ask
You want to ask questions that, in increasing order of importance, tell you 1) whether the person has the skills to do the job, 2) how they function under pressure, and 3) how well they will fit into the team.
Can They Do the Job
These are perhaps the easiest questions. You have seen the person's resume so you know they claim to have the necessary skills. Ask a few questions to verify what they claim.
* "I see you managed the payroll for three subsidiaries. What was the most difficult part of integrating all of them?"
* "When you were the Marketing Manager for ABC company what were the steps you took when planning the annual marketing budget?"
* "I see you program in (whatever language). How would you link an indexed field variable to display on mouseover?"
Notice these questions ask how or what. They can not be answered yes or no. Listen to the answer to see how quickly they answer, how complete/correct their answer is, and whether they actually answer what you asked or go off to something with which they are more familiar.
How Well Do They Function Under Pressure
This may be the area where most managers have trouble asking good questions, but they are more important than the job competency questions above. We are reluctant to be the "bad guy", to put someone under pressure. However, there are very few jobs, and certainly none that report to you, that don't place the employee under stress from time to time. Anybody can do well in calm times. You want people who can function well when things get confusing or difficult. To identify which candidate will perform best under pressure, ask tough, stressful questions.
* "What makes you think you are better for this job than all the other candidates?"
* "Tell me about a stressful situation that occurred repeatedly on your last job and how you handled it."
* "Which co-worker at your last job did you get along with least well? What did you do about it?"
Again, the important thing here is how quickly, directly, and completely they answer your questions. If a candidate says he has never been under stress, avoid that person. Either he is lying or he is out of touch with reality. If a candidate says she get along with all her co-workers and never has a conflict with anyone, press for more information. She is either a saint or a doormat.
One question I like to ask here is "What did you think of our website?" It tells me whether the person has taken the time to visit our website to learn about the company, but it also tells me how they will respond to the pressure of being put on the spot.
How Well Will They Fit In
Among equally qualified candidates, this is the most important attribute. You need someone who will fit with the team and be a productive member, someone who will add to the team and not be a distraction. Be careful, though. You aren't looking for the "nicest" person. You are looking for the best fit. In addition to personality, you need to evaluate work habits, a complementary skill set, and where the team needs help.
In a very low key office, a loud, boisterous new hire would probably decrease the team's production, because the team would be so busy staring at the new comer and quietly discussing among themselves why the person is so loud. On the other hand, someone moderately outspoken could be just what the team needs to get them fired up and producing again at top levels.
If everyone in the group comes in between 8:30 and 9, but works until 6 PM or later, it will be difficult for a new hire to fit in if they always come in at 6:30 or 7 so they can leave at 3.
Manage This Issue
When you interview candidates for a job opening, you need to ask questions to be sure they can do the job, but it is even more important to ask questions to make sure they can handle stress and that they will fit in with the team.
MY THOUHTS
a job interview is perhaps one of the scariest experiences one person can ever go through. like public speaking, you cannot help but feel butterflies in your tummy. sometimes in multitudes. and as with giving a speech, being prepared for the event can and will lessen your nerves and give you more confidence. knowing, or at least projecting the type of questions that may crop up, will most definitely be a great help. i have interviewed quite a number of applicants in the course of my career. i agree with the author. i tend to put more weight on the attitude and the character of the person. believe me, skilled and competent interviewers, even if they are not psychologists, can make a fairly good assessment of who you are behind your carefully made-up face and manicured nails. most of us can make a decision to hire or reject during the first 5 minutes of the interview. i'm the type who would scrutinize the resume and literally write down my set of questions although i never follow the usual and most expected questions. i make sure i listen. very carefully. and i follow-up on the responses. yes,i am one mean interviewer. and that has paid off. i think i have 95-99% batting average in my assessments.
By F. John Reh, About.com Guide
When the screening of the candidates is done, you will bring the top two or three in for an interview. What questions should you ask them? What answers should you be looking for? How will you know which one to hire? Whether you work for a large company with a Human Resources department and volumes of procedures or are a small business owner with a few employees, the questions you want to ask are the same.
The Questions to Ask
You want to ask questions that, in increasing order of importance, tell you 1) whether the person has the skills to do the job, 2) how they function under pressure, and 3) how well they will fit into the team.
Can They Do the Job
These are perhaps the easiest questions. You have seen the person's resume so you know they claim to have the necessary skills. Ask a few questions to verify what they claim.
* "I see you managed the payroll for three subsidiaries. What was the most difficult part of integrating all of them?"
* "When you were the Marketing Manager for ABC company what were the steps you took when planning the annual marketing budget?"
* "I see you program in (whatever language). How would you link an indexed field variable to display on mouseover?"
Notice these questions ask how or what. They can not be answered yes or no. Listen to the answer to see how quickly they answer, how complete/correct their answer is, and whether they actually answer what you asked or go off to something with which they are more familiar.
How Well Do They Function Under Pressure
This may be the area where most managers have trouble asking good questions, but they are more important than the job competency questions above. We are reluctant to be the "bad guy", to put someone under pressure. However, there are very few jobs, and certainly none that report to you, that don't place the employee under stress from time to time. Anybody can do well in calm times. You want people who can function well when things get confusing or difficult. To identify which candidate will perform best under pressure, ask tough, stressful questions.
* "What makes you think you are better for this job than all the other candidates?"
* "Tell me about a stressful situation that occurred repeatedly on your last job and how you handled it."
* "Which co-worker at your last job did you get along with least well? What did you do about it?"
Again, the important thing here is how quickly, directly, and completely they answer your questions. If a candidate says he has never been under stress, avoid that person. Either he is lying or he is out of touch with reality. If a candidate says she get along with all her co-workers and never has a conflict with anyone, press for more information. She is either a saint or a doormat.
One question I like to ask here is "What did you think of our website?" It tells me whether the person has taken the time to visit our website to learn about the company, but it also tells me how they will respond to the pressure of being put on the spot.
How Well Will They Fit In
Among equally qualified candidates, this is the most important attribute. You need someone who will fit with the team and be a productive member, someone who will add to the team and not be a distraction. Be careful, though. You aren't looking for the "nicest" person. You are looking for the best fit. In addition to personality, you need to evaluate work habits, a complementary skill set, and where the team needs help.
In a very low key office, a loud, boisterous new hire would probably decrease the team's production, because the team would be so busy staring at the new comer and quietly discussing among themselves why the person is so loud. On the other hand, someone moderately outspoken could be just what the team needs to get them fired up and producing again at top levels.
If everyone in the group comes in between 8:30 and 9, but works until 6 PM or later, it will be difficult for a new hire to fit in if they always come in at 6:30 or 7 so they can leave at 3.
Manage This Issue
When you interview candidates for a job opening, you need to ask questions to be sure they can do the job, but it is even more important to ask questions to make sure they can handle stress and that they will fit in with the team.
MY THOUHTS
a job interview is perhaps one of the scariest experiences one person can ever go through. like public speaking, you cannot help but feel butterflies in your tummy. sometimes in multitudes. and as with giving a speech, being prepared for the event can and will lessen your nerves and give you more confidence. knowing, or at least projecting the type of questions that may crop up, will most definitely be a great help. i have interviewed quite a number of applicants in the course of my career. i agree with the author. i tend to put more weight on the attitude and the character of the person. believe me, skilled and competent interviewers, even if they are not psychologists, can make a fairly good assessment of who you are behind your carefully made-up face and manicured nails. most of us can make a decision to hire or reject during the first 5 minutes of the interview. i'm the type who would scrutinize the resume and literally write down my set of questions although i never follow the usual and most expected questions. i make sure i listen. very carefully. and i follow-up on the responses. yes,i am one mean interviewer. and that has paid off. i think i have 95-99% batting average in my assessments.
Friday, January 7, 2011
First Impressions Matter
First Impressions Matter
Daily Inspiration
By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, LifeScript Personal Coach
Published June 08, 2009
They last less than a minute, but first impressions can impact jobs, relationships and even casual interactions. Are you making a good first impression? Read on to find out. Plus get 5 tips on making a good first impression…
What kind of first impression do you make on people you meet? Think about that for a moment. First impressions are truly important moments in the relationships we build.
A good first impression can open the door to closer and more meaningful contact. Conversely, a bad first impression can instantly shut you out of professional opportunities and personal relationships.
The fact is, these moments come quickly, pass in an instant and matter deeply. How important are first impressions? Here’s an example that just happened to me.
I was sitting in one of my favorite restaurants the other day, having dinner and chatting with the manager whom I’ve come to know. As we were talking, a young woman walked in and sat down.
The manager said to me, “Well, there’s my next job interview. You wouldn’t believe how many college grads are applying here lately.”
As the young lady walked in the door, the manager and I gave each other a look. The reason? She looked a bit disheveled and was dressed in a wrinkled T-shirt, very short shorts and flip flops. And she was there for a job interview!
Needless to say, she did not make a good first impression. I interpreted her dress, unkemptness and manner to mean she really didn’t care if she got this job or not.
Now, I could be totally wrong about her and maybe this job was very important to her. But based on my impression, she was very fortunate that it wasn’t me doing the interviewing. And knowing this manager as I do, I’m guessing that she didn’t get the job.
A Good Impression
On the other hand, a repair man came to my house recently to fix something. He was neatly groomed, dressed in a clean uniform, smiled and immediately greeted me when I opened the door. He even took his shoes off before entering my home. I will definitely call him again. Why? Good first impression!
It only takes a few seconds to make that first impression. In these initial few seconds, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your overall appearance, basic demeanor and sense of self.
I’m reminded of a clay handprint I made in school when I was very young, as I’m sure many of you also did. The teacher provided us with clay, which we then flattened and made an imprint of our hand in. The clay hardened and we were left with a permanent mold of our small hands.
My mother still has mine in a cabinet, and the impression of my hand remains exactly the same. Mental first impressions basically operate under the same principle.
The Science Behind First Impressions
It turns out that we’re hardwired to make first impressions. A study was recently conducted by researchers at New York University and Harvard University. According to a March 2009 report in the journal Nature Neuroscience, they found that certain brain regions are geared to pick up cues about other people on a first impression.
They further found that the reason people judge others so quickly is due to the “innate abilities of various brain regions.”
During a social encounter, our brains “encode” certain basic information, then sort the information based on its significance to us. The value of that information contributes to a total score of sorts – a first impression.
The study's lead author, Daniela Schiller, says that "even when we only briefly encounter others, brain regions that are important in forming evaluations are engaged, resulting in a quick first impression."
In short, first impressions are made without our conscious mind. We can tell ourselves not to judge, but our brains are making evaluations subconsciously – it’s a physiological reaction. This is another strong reason to be mindful of how you present yourself in important first-time introductions.
How to Make a Good First Impression
Whether it’s a social personal encounter or a professional business meeting, you should always approach significant encounters with a clear purpose. And certain rules do apply. Here are five basic suggestions that I believe are critical to making a good first impression.
* Be on time: The worst way to begin a new relationship and the best way to make a bad impression is to begin by saying, “I’m sorry I’m late!” When setting up a meeting or appointment, plan your schedule accordingly and allow plenty of time.
* Dress appropriately: Nothing is worse than showing up unkempt and dressed inappropriately, like the young woman in the restaurant for a job interview.
* Smile: Smiles can definitely be contagious. A warm, sincere and confident smile is a great way to make a good first impression.
Smiles can definitely be contagious. A warm, sincere and confident smile is a great way to make a good first impression.
* Show confidence: Your attitude says a lot about you, so stay positive if you’re nervous or even in the face of criticism. Don’t be cocky or arrogant, but stand tall, give a firm handshake, be friendly, maintain good body posture and make eye contact when you speak.
* Be courteous and polite: Use common courtesy, show appropriate respect, don’t dominate the conversation, listen with interest and turn off any electrical devices you have with you.
These are only a few general suggestions to making the most out of those first few seconds. An awful lot of personal connections and business relationships are made or lost in that important initial moment.
So here’s a small exercise: From 1 to 10 (1 being poor and 10 being great), how would you rate the first impression that you typically give? Do you leave people interested and wanting to know more about you? Or, to the best of your knowledge, do you typically leave them cold, disinterested or unimpressed?
If you didn’t score as high as you would have liked, make today the day you begin paying more attention to this important aspect of human interaction. Strive to become more mindful of these important moments of introduction and be aware of the first impression that you give.
I suggest that you take advantage of this empowering information and begin being more purposeful during initial introductions. As I mentioned earlier, they can play a big role in laying the foundation for your future business and personal relationships. And as the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Make it count!
Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
www.innerdiet.com
MY THOUGHTS
scaleof 1 to 10? i don't know.i believe in first impressions but i also believe in chemistry. i've met people who smile, who's dressed appropriately, came on time, has the confidence and was courteous and polite but did not leave a dent. so,i guess the same goes the same for me. i'm sure i've left others cold just by being myself.
Daily Inspiration
By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, LifeScript Personal Coach
Published June 08, 2009
They last less than a minute, but first impressions can impact jobs, relationships and even casual interactions. Are you making a good first impression? Read on to find out. Plus get 5 tips on making a good first impression…
What kind of first impression do you make on people you meet? Think about that for a moment. First impressions are truly important moments in the relationships we build.
A good first impression can open the door to closer and more meaningful contact. Conversely, a bad first impression can instantly shut you out of professional opportunities and personal relationships.
The fact is, these moments come quickly, pass in an instant and matter deeply. How important are first impressions? Here’s an example that just happened to me.
I was sitting in one of my favorite restaurants the other day, having dinner and chatting with the manager whom I’ve come to know. As we were talking, a young woman walked in and sat down.
The manager said to me, “Well, there’s my next job interview. You wouldn’t believe how many college grads are applying here lately.”
As the young lady walked in the door, the manager and I gave each other a look. The reason? She looked a bit disheveled and was dressed in a wrinkled T-shirt, very short shorts and flip flops. And she was there for a job interview!
Needless to say, she did not make a good first impression. I interpreted her dress, unkemptness and manner to mean she really didn’t care if she got this job or not.
Now, I could be totally wrong about her and maybe this job was very important to her. But based on my impression, she was very fortunate that it wasn’t me doing the interviewing. And knowing this manager as I do, I’m guessing that she didn’t get the job.
A Good Impression
On the other hand, a repair man came to my house recently to fix something. He was neatly groomed, dressed in a clean uniform, smiled and immediately greeted me when I opened the door. He even took his shoes off before entering my home. I will definitely call him again. Why? Good first impression!
It only takes a few seconds to make that first impression. In these initial few seconds, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your overall appearance, basic demeanor and sense of self.
I’m reminded of a clay handprint I made in school when I was very young, as I’m sure many of you also did. The teacher provided us with clay, which we then flattened and made an imprint of our hand in. The clay hardened and we were left with a permanent mold of our small hands.
My mother still has mine in a cabinet, and the impression of my hand remains exactly the same. Mental first impressions basically operate under the same principle.
The Science Behind First Impressions
It turns out that we’re hardwired to make first impressions. A study was recently conducted by researchers at New York University and Harvard University. According to a March 2009 report in the journal Nature Neuroscience, they found that certain brain regions are geared to pick up cues about other people on a first impression.
They further found that the reason people judge others so quickly is due to the “innate abilities of various brain regions.”
During a social encounter, our brains “encode” certain basic information, then sort the information based on its significance to us. The value of that information contributes to a total score of sorts – a first impression.
The study's lead author, Daniela Schiller, says that "even when we only briefly encounter others, brain regions that are important in forming evaluations are engaged, resulting in a quick first impression."
In short, first impressions are made without our conscious mind. We can tell ourselves not to judge, but our brains are making evaluations subconsciously – it’s a physiological reaction. This is another strong reason to be mindful of how you present yourself in important first-time introductions.
How to Make a Good First Impression
Whether it’s a social personal encounter or a professional business meeting, you should always approach significant encounters with a clear purpose. And certain rules do apply. Here are five basic suggestions that I believe are critical to making a good first impression.
* Be on time: The worst way to begin a new relationship and the best way to make a bad impression is to begin by saying, “I’m sorry I’m late!” When setting up a meeting or appointment, plan your schedule accordingly and allow plenty of time.
* Dress appropriately: Nothing is worse than showing up unkempt and dressed inappropriately, like the young woman in the restaurant for a job interview.
* Smile: Smiles can definitely be contagious. A warm, sincere and confident smile is a great way to make a good first impression.
Smiles can definitely be contagious. A warm, sincere and confident smile is a great way to make a good first impression.
* Show confidence: Your attitude says a lot about you, so stay positive if you’re nervous or even in the face of criticism. Don’t be cocky or arrogant, but stand tall, give a firm handshake, be friendly, maintain good body posture and make eye contact when you speak.
* Be courteous and polite: Use common courtesy, show appropriate respect, don’t dominate the conversation, listen with interest and turn off any electrical devices you have with you.
These are only a few general suggestions to making the most out of those first few seconds. An awful lot of personal connections and business relationships are made or lost in that important initial moment.
So here’s a small exercise: From 1 to 10 (1 being poor and 10 being great), how would you rate the first impression that you typically give? Do you leave people interested and wanting to know more about you? Or, to the best of your knowledge, do you typically leave them cold, disinterested or unimpressed?
If you didn’t score as high as you would have liked, make today the day you begin paying more attention to this important aspect of human interaction. Strive to become more mindful of these important moments of introduction and be aware of the first impression that you give.
I suggest that you take advantage of this empowering information and begin being more purposeful during initial introductions. As I mentioned earlier, they can play a big role in laying the foundation for your future business and personal relationships. And as the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Make it count!
Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
www.innerdiet.com
MY THOUGHTS
scaleof 1 to 10? i don't know.i believe in first impressions but i also believe in chemistry. i've met people who smile, who's dressed appropriately, came on time, has the confidence and was courteous and polite but did not leave a dent. so,i guess the same goes the same for me. i'm sure i've left others cold just by being myself.
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