Preferences. We all have them. Clothes. Food. Décor. Hobbies.
A job is no different. Yes, one could argue that people end up in a given job because they have to make rent, and preferences don’t play into the calculus. Noted. But when you are seeking employment, be it your first job or a new opportunity, you do have preferences. We are all looking for that magical unicorn job that has exactly the right combination of schedule, pay, duties, etc. It is what it is, and it's not a bad thing. You telling me your preferences helps me find you the best-fit job where you stay for a long time because it's what you want, which has the added advantage of satisfying my client (your employer) since a happy employee is a productive employee.
Let's say you submit an application for a new job. I will review your application and determine whether or not I feel you may be a good fit for that particular job or something similar based on a number of different factors. Let's say I decide to give you a call to discuss your application in more detail. Be prepared to talk about your preferences. I will, without fail, ask you about what shift you'd like to work; what your desired pay rate is; how far you are looking to commute and how will you be commuting: personal vehicle, public transportation, getting a ride, your own two feet; and why you applied for that specific job. Again: be ready to discuss.
Now, I am human. I have gone to a job interview. I understand the pressure to be flexible, to appear easy to work with in order to get the job. I understand the pressure to tell just a teeny, tiny white lie so that you fit into a perceived mold better than you would otherwise. Really, I do. However, there is a line between being flexible and being, well, being a limp noodle. The below conversation is an example of the latter:
Me: You applied for XX job. Why are you interested in that position?
Candidate: I'm just looking for anything.
Me: Ok, but what caught your eye about that specific job?
Candidate: I need a job.
Me: What shift are you available to work?
Candidate: Any shift.
Me: What is your desired pay rate?
Candidate: Anything.
Me: How far are you willing to commute to get to work?
Candidate: Anywhere.
Of the thousands—yes, many thousands—of people I've talked to since becoming a recruiter, I'd estimate that less than one percent of candidates are actually willing to do anything on any shift for any pay rate at any location. My job is to find solid workers for my clients to fill their positions. If you express zero preference, I will take that at face value and offer you the one position that I simply cannot fill. Said another way: don't get offended when I offer you a sanitation-sorting position on the overnight shift working 12-hours at a time for ten dollars an hour, three hours from your home. I'm doing my job and looking to fill my clients' positions. It's your job to tell me what you want. If you can't tell me your preferences, then our conversation will come to a pretty quick end.
Summary point: Know your preferences. It'll make the lives of everyone involved in your job hunt a lot easier and result in a better fit for you in the long run.
Comments