Likeability important factor in Boston (Cambridge: fit in, how much, unemployed)

[gilwood]

I just went through my 4th hiring process for a person at my job. After the last interview (as the interviewer), my boss asks me how much I liked the person. I went on to discuss their qualification for the position, which should be important since the job pays close to $100/hr. My boss continued on with "But would you have a beer with him?". Then I had to sit through a meeting with my whole group to discuss the candidate's "likeability".

I have no idea why that's important. I just want someone that can get the job done on time. The first couple of times I went through this process I was shocked, but now I'm getting used to it.

So a note to people applying to jobs in the Boston Area - Be "Likeable".

[DawnMTL]

I think that this happens everywhere.

When I lived in CT, I interviewed for a six-month contract job. I was clearly not qualified -- there were a number of skills that were "required" but I had no experience with some of them.

But... I was offered the position anyway.

When I expressed my surprise, I was told "We loved your personality and thought you'd be the best fit for our team."

I remained surprised because, really, for six months, you'd think they wouldn't care less if they LIKED me, just that I got the job done well. And seeing as I didn't think that I *would* get the job done well, I declined the offer.

[breezy1]

Being qualified and able to do the job is part one of what is needed for a candidate. Part 2: Being able to fit in with the people in the team and culture at the organization. This is equally important and probably what people are thinking of when they say "likeability." I've seen many "qualified" candidates crash and burn at a job because they just didn't fit in.

[lovelife11]

Originally Posted by gilwood

I just went through my 4th hiring process for a person at my job. After the last interview (as the interviewer), my boss asks me how much I liked the person. I went on to discuss their qualification for the position, which should be important since the job pays close to $100/hr. My boss continued on with "But would you have a beer with him?". Then I had to sit through a meeting with my whole group to discuss the candidate's "likeability".

I have no idea why that's important. I just want someone that can get the job done on time. The first couple of times I went through this process I was shocked, but now I'm getting used to it.

So a note to people applying to jobs in the Boston Area - Be "Likeable".

Ive noticed this when i lived in sc. In the south personality and who u know gets u the job, not ur credentials. At my old job there i watched a guy interview for a postion, his resume was top notch! but they gave the job t someon else because they said he seemed quiet, robotic and that he didnt seem like h had a lot of personality. I asked the same thing, what does that have to do with him doing the job??? They went on to say, well "we couldnt invite him out for drinks or anything after work"...hahahaha weird to me. Youre employing him, not trying to be your best friend, but in the south people look at u in that way, they assume u will hang out with them lol

[gilwood]

It could be just my job, but it seems like most promotions and terminations are based upon that person's popularity. I feel like I'm in high school.

Maybe this is like a residual "small town" attitude?

[Highwyre237]

Originally Posted by gilwood

I just went through my 4th hiring process for a person at my job. After the last interview (as the interviewer), my boss asks me how much I liked the person. I went on to discuss their qualification for the position, which should be important since the job pays close to $100/hr. My boss continued on with "But would you have a beer with him?". Then I had to sit through a meeting with my whole group to discuss the candidate's "likeability".

I have no idea why that's important. I just want someone that can get the job done on time. The first couple of times I went through this process I was shocked, but now I'm getting used to it.

So a note to people applying to jobs in the Boston Area - Be "Likeable".

When I was unemployed, I made it to the final stage of the interview process, and went to the meet and greet portion... I was denied twice, because I just didnt mesh well with the group.

If you're uncomfortable working with someone, or dont get along with them, it'll be tough to work in a group setting. I think its pretty important, especially if its 100/h, I'm assuming they'll be managing some people

[gilwood]

The spot is mostly technical work, but they will need to sit in meetings daily. I agree that they need to have basic social skills, but I don't think it should be emphasized OVER their technical skills.

It has been expressed to me that I'm in a highly political organization ...and that's an understatement! I can see why so many past presidents spent time in Cambridge. There's more politics here than in Capital Hill....

[breezy1]

Every workplace has politics .... just the way it is. You have to figure that out and what it takes to find in culturally at a workplace, in addition to the skills need to do the job. If you don't, you'll have a harder time overall...you have to develop your "emotional" intelligence just as equally as your job skills.

[gilwood]

It's probably just my job, but that's like living in the worst parts of Mexico City and saying "Oh everyplace has crime. This has nothing to do with the culture of the area.".

[breezy1]

Just an observation from many years of working in all kinds of organizations (hospitals - university - corporate world). That's just the way it is ... so you have to figure out how you will manage the "likeability" [aka, "culture", "politics" - whatever you want to call it], or you will simply have an harder time. In my opinion, the job skill part is the easier part of a job - it's the "politics" that takes more refined skills and I find tougher.