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IMO, you should ignore their brief "human moment" and focus on whether their qualifications and skills match the job, and whether they are a good fit culturally.
That brief moment where they tell you they NEED the job, is a brief moment where they become human. Do realize that folks are human, not machines.
Also...you(OP) are human too...and IMO, you are showing your human trait by "using it against" the person when they state that they need a job. Your human trait is the same one that comes up (with humans) when romantic partners might be more abt to choose someone that plays hard to get. The same human trait rears its head when resumes are discarded for all applicants that are out of work. You are wanting someone that doesn't need the job. You want someone that is perfect, but doesn't need the job. And when they show that human weakness and they tell you that they need the job...then you realize they are not "the one" because they are not playing hard to get, like you want. (You probably don't realize this is going on, it is a basic innate human trait. )They appear desperate at this point. That is a turnoff, a weakness.
This is why I suggest you ignore their human weakness, and ignore your human trait...and simply ignore their closing moment when they tell you they need the job. Or possibly turn it into a question and ask them why you should hire them, why do they think they are a good fit.
IMO...someone that needs a job is more likely to stay in that job. They are more likely to work longer hours, less likely to resign, more likely to stay when wages are frozen, more likely to stay when training is cut, more likely to take the crap work that others don't like...because they need the job. Less likely to complain, etc.
If you find a great candidate that also happens to need the job, you just might hire a great worker that stays with your company for many years. Just focus on their qualifications and skills, etc.
Last edited by sware2cod; 11-22-2011 at 05:35 PM..
Appearing desperate is not a good way to get hired. Another way is to apply for every job listed. I suppose you could start the interview with "I don't care how much you need the job."
many of the people you are interviewing have been to many interviews in the recent past only to be #2 and then cry their eyes out because they are defeated again. Saying "I really need this job" is something that goes through my mind the entire interview process. I never say it though, it is against everything I have read and have been taught through career coaching. Never show your desperation. But when you are about to lose everything and all you want is for your kids to have the life they once had sometimes the things that come into your mind just come out of your mouth. I've never applied for a job I didn't want to do or see myself in long term. But after doing 20 interviews in 20 weeks and not getting anywhere 'playing it cool' you act out of desperation, it's like a fight for your life. You go home, you redo the entire interview in your head and stare at the phone with your fingers crossed and your life on the line. Will my son be able to play soccer this year? Will my kids have Christmas? Will we have elecricity to light up our tree? Will we have food to eat? Will this finally be the moment that I get good news or will I once again retreat to my bed for 2 hours to cry until my stomach muscles hurt. Will I beat myself up for weeks on what I should have done. Maybe if they knew how much I needed this job. Maybe if they knew how hard I would work if I just got ONE chance. Desperation makes you say things that you normally wouldn't say.
IMO, you should ignore their brief "human moment" and focus on whether their qualifications and skills match the job, and whether they are a good fit culturally. As I mentioned in previous posts, some candidates show no enthusiasm or interest. They read their resumes to me. I can read. Tell me in a conversation rather than in bullet-form what you did at company A that will benefit company B.
That brief moment where they tell you they NEED the job, is a brief moment where they become human. Do realize that folks are human, not machines. I agree, but when you're in need of employment, sell yourself to me during the interview and when I escort you to the elevator, shake my hand firmly, look me in the eyes and shift the tone to a human tone rather than the machine tone during the interview. Thank me for the opportunity and tell me "I really need this for me. I've been unemployed for 6 months and am very eager to show this company that I am a good fit with my qualificiations." Or something along those lines. Maybe there's a lot of nervousness during an interview and out of fear they blurt out how desperately they need the job.
Also...you(OP) are human too...and IMO, you are showing your human weakness by "using it against" the person when they state that they need a job. Your human weakness is the same one that comes up (with humans) when romantic partners might be more abt to choose someone that plays hard to get. The same human issue rears its head when resumes are discarded for all applicants that are out of work. You are wanting someone that doesn't need the job. You want someone that is perfect, but doesn't need the job. And when they show that human weekness and they tell you that they need the job...then you realize they are not "the one" because they are not playing hard to get, like you want. (you probably don't realize this is going on, it is a basic innate human trait)They appear desperate at this point. That is a turnoff, a weakness. We all need employment, I don't deny that. I don't want hard to get. The one that comes off overly cocky doesn't get my vote. Of course I want someone that needs a jobbut if they're coming to an interview only for the sake of a paycheck and no motivation, how do I hire someone like that? Just to be clear, by "need a job", it's always financially (I have a mortgage to pay...I have 5 kids to feed) never, I need this job to grow, set my career goals, etc.
This is why I suggest you ignore their human weakness, and ignore your human trait...and simply ignore their closing moment when they tell you they need the job. Or possibly turn it into a question and ask them why you should hire them, why do they think they are a good fit. I think you bring up some very valid points. I have ignored the human weakness when candidates were lighthearted about asking for the job, enthusiastic and told me why they should be hired and what they can bring to the company.
IMO...someone that needs a job is more likely to stay in that job. They are more likely to work longer hours, less likely to resign, more likely to stay when wages are frozen, more likely to stay when training is cut, more likely to take the crap work that others don't like...because they need the job. Less likely to complain, etc. Most of our staff consists of consultants. They're not going anywhere unless they're waiting for another job to come along. Many will take this job for the paycheck while waiting on that other gig.
If you find a great candidate that also happens to need the job, you just might hire a great worker that stays with your company for many years. Just focus on their qualifications and skills, etc.
And I did. I made sure she was given a permanent position. I do have a human side
This is why I reached out to get unbiased opinions. I can't do that in the office. When someone is hired and turns out to be a bust, everyone points the finger at the hiring manager and says, "What were you thinking?" That's right, I don't wanna be the one being pointed at lol
I have held quite a number of interviews lately for a position available at my place of employment. I am conducting the interviews, as I manage the team that handles the end process. What the job entails is irrelevant but lately it seems that when I'm interviewing candidates, while it's going good they feel the need to close the interview with, "I really, REALLY need a job." Yes, you and the millions of other people in this city. I've also had the "guilt trip". I recently had a candidate say, "I really need this job. I have a family to support". Again, yes, you and the millions of other people in this city.
IMO, I don't think it's a good quality or professional to turn the reason for the interview to one's need for a job instead of selling themselves to me and showing me what they can offer the company. Secondly, do some people feel that they may find a "soft spot" in me if they throw the compassion card at me because I'm a woman? I work for a large financial institution and my first objective is to hire talented individuals who are career oriented and career motivated. My fear is that if I do really like a potential candiate based on their experience and personality and they end the conversation with, "I REALLY NEED THIS JOB", am I setting myself up with an employee who is just showing up to work for the sole purpose of a paycheck and nothing more?
I'm not being unsympathetic because I am pro-employment but since this is not my own personal company, I feel I can't give someone a job simply because they need one. Do I hire the person but then tell them, "Don't let me down."
You should advise them that it may be a good idea to move 'off of the island'. I went to grad school on Long Island (a well known school where the 2008 debate was held) and would never consider living in either county if I wasn't making six figures by myself (let alone being underemployed). They seriously are 'begging for a job'?? I wonder how they are making rent.. I don't think there is a single apartment in the greater NYC Metro area that rents for less than $1,500 a month
bellakin123"Within 2 months, we hired and fired 3 people."
No offense, but if that does not change, perhaps others should be making the choices. Think of the total cost involved, your time, H/Rs , wasted payroll, etc. The above is too many "misses".
I don't know about begging for a job, but sometimes it may be worth just straight up asking for the job. I don't see any harm in that. Especially if you feel like you are an excellent fit for a job and that you would enjoy what you are going to be doing. Just say, sir, I am convinced that I am the perfect candidate for the job, I am very interested in the job and the company. Can I have the job? See no harm in it. Gotta do what you gotta do...
Good idea...average execution. I do not think there is anything wrong with concluding one's interview by saying they think they are an excellent fit for the company and position and giving a few bullet point-type reasons to back that up. But straight-out saying: "Can I have the job." Um...no. At least in any type of corporate environment, that would sound downright silly. In part because few offices hire like that on the spot.
A better strategy is should you have a very difficult to find quality they seek (specific hands on system exp. of X years), and suspect some finalists lack it since they cannot find enough with it, re-enforce with the person you are meeting at the end, that it was very prudent of them to view it as a prerequisite. Make them think twice about finalists lacking said experience.
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