As a candidate these days, one needs to stand out to get noticed.  This is especially true if you are fortunate enough to get an interview.  It’s no longer enough to show up on time, dressed in a new suit, with a bright smile and all the right answers.   You need to do something to stand out from the crowd.  For example:

• Bring your references to the interview and have them sit directly behind you.  After you answer a question, turn to your references so they can corroborate your answer and perhaps elaborate on your qualifications.  In cases where you don’t have an answer, ask for a few moments to confer as a group.  This ensures the best possible answer.
• Rather than simply answer questions, why not role play your answer!  This may border on looking and sounding schizophrenic so you need to be careful.   Ask the interviewer to play a role so they can be involved in the answer.  This will give them a realistic preview of what it would be like to work together.  Unless you’ve got a great voice, I would refrain from doing a musical.  Stick with straight theatre.
• Bring a video on your Flip Phone so people can actually see what you look like working.  Part of the video can show you concentrating at your desk and coming up with a great idea.  Be sure the video shows you looking up from your desk and saying “I’ve got a great idea.”  Have another part of the video show you interacting with co workers.  You’ll want the co-workers commenting on “what a great person you are to work with.”
• Bring multiple outfits and change in between interviews.  If fashion sense matters, this will really win them over.  If you can wear 5 outfits simultaneously, it will be like having you in the office for a week.
• If you find yourself faced with a difficult question, ask the interviewer if they can re- phrase the question and make it multiple-choice.  Or, ask if phoning a friend is an option.  This shows creativity and the ability to think on your feet.
• Speaking of which, when asked to sit down, tell the interviewer that your preference is to stand.  Tell them you think best on your feet.
• Use Foursquare to go look for people you know at the company.
• Come dressed as your favorite super hero.  This sends the message you can accomplish anything.  My favorite is Batman.  Actually, my favorite was Linda Carter as Wonder Woman but that would require more explaining.
• Come wearing a disguise.  That way if you don’t get the job, you can interview a second time.  If you do get the job, you need to come clean on your first day of work and tell everyone “you’ve had some work done.”  Unless of course if you want to be like Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire which I wouldn’t recommend.
• Ask your interviewers if they would like feedback and if you can quote them in the article you are writing for Glassdoor.
• Bring your I-Phone so you can quickly Google the answer to tough questions.  Thank goodness for Wikipedia.
• Before the interviews begin, ask if you get to choose where they take you to lunch.
• Before answering any questions, start the interview by setting expectations for salary.  If you can get them to allude to a number that’s close, accept on the spot and tell them you can start as soon as they show you where you will sit.
• Ask for a company T-shirt prior to leaving.  It’s a good way to show you are interested and who doesn’t like souvenirs.
• Tell them you need a tour of the building.  This is the only way you can feel the karma and make sure the place isn’t haunted by past employees.  You remember the movie Poltergeist right?
• Rather than show up in person for your interview, use Skype.  During the interview you can have co-workers stop by your desk, desperately looking for help, with questions they acknowledge; only you can answer. This is one way to show off your expertise.  You’ll also want people commenting in the background, so it’s barely audible, how much you’ll be missed if you leave.
• Have your friends, disguised as your co-workers, protest outside of the building where you are interviewing.   They can carry signs about wanting you to stay and promising a big increase if you leave the building now.
• Tell the interviewer that you’re not really interested in the job but it beats spending the day with your mother-in law who is visiting. 

What ideas do you have for standing out during an interview?

 See you back at the office.

For those of you arriving at Workforce Wit expecting my normal light hearted and humorous look at work and organizations, let me apologize in advance.    This has been a particularly difficult week in our family and that side of my perspective has been difficult to find. 

About 1 week ago, we had to put our 10-year-old miniature schnauzer to sleep.   Her name was Gwen and as I reflect back on our time together and the impact she had on our family, she was truly a gift from God.  Having Gwen in our life was nothing short of wonderful.  As we move ahead without her daily presence, I find myself thinking about her amazing legacy and all she taught us about how to live a happy and fulfilled life.

*Taking 2 walks a day, one in the morning and one in the evening keeps your body limber, your mind refreshed.

*There is nothing better, after being away from home, than having someone greet you like this is the most exciting part of their day.

*We all love treats, especially when they are an unexpected surprise.

*There is nothing more powerful than being loved unconditionally, in spite of our mistakes and flaws.

*We all need to take time to play and not take ourselves so seriously.

*We get back from others what we reinforce by our own behavior.

*Cherish each moment with your family and friends like it’s your last.  Once its gone, you can never get it back.

*It really doesn’t matter what you are wearing or how you look.  All that matters is that you are here.

*It’s nice to know that when you go away, I can count on you to come home.

*We all love to be included, especially when it isn’t convenient.

*Showing someone how much you love them, means a lot more than what you say.

*Having someone who will only listen and not offer advice or make suggestions, is priceless.

*Having someone notice when you are leaving and making a special point to say good-bye, makes coming home even more special.

*When you learn to care for and love someone other than yourself, you make the world a better place.

*Being firm about expectations and setting clear limits is how you tell someone you love them.

*It’s amazing how happy you can be with only a ball and a stuffed animal.

*Being there for someone who totally depends on you, teaches great lessons about responsibility and selflessness.

*Knowing that one-day you will have to say goodbye and the sadness that follows, is worth the years of shared joy and happiness.

Thank you sweet Gwen for enriching our lives and in your own precious way, being so wise.   You will live in our hearts forever.    I know you are now happy, healthy and enjoying a nice long walk – your favorite activity!  We look forward to lots of Gwen kisses the next time we see you!

It was reported on January 11, 2012, by the Washington Business Journal, that for the second consecutive year, the Federal Housing Agency has instituted a pay freeze at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Since being seized by the federal government in September 2008, Fannie and Freddie have drawn a total of nearly $185 billion from the Treasury Department to stay afloat.

In November, it was reported by Politico that the Federal Housing Finance Agency approved $12.79 million in bonus pay for 10 executives at Freddie and Fannie.   This was a reward for meeting “modest” performance targets tied to modifying mortgages in jeopardy of foreclosure. 

 This just in, Freddie and Fannie have been flooded with applications from executives looking for a piece of that action!   Some applicants were heard commenting that some of their best work has been modest so this looks to be a very good fit.

 In the spirit of teamwork, the executives at Freddie and Fannie thanked the employees for all of their hard work and contributions via web cast from an undisclosed safe room inside their respective corporate headquarters.    This might be time to get everyone a new corporate T-shirt.

In light of the recent bonus payments at Freddie and Fannie, HR has decided to adjust their performance appraisal program so the top of the scale is now “Modest.” 

The scale now reads as follows:

5 Modest

4 Not quite modest so I don’t embarrass my peers

3 Mediocre

2 Breathing

1 Life Support

At the next team building session, it will be important to check for sharp objects.

See you back at the Office.

On 12/19/11, the “Wall Street Journal Live reported” that Eastman Kodak is seeking a $900M cash infusion to avoid bankruptcy.  Eastman Kodak is holding the equivalent of a fire sale by attempting to sell digital patents to stay afloat. 

3 days later on 12/22/11, Antonio Perez, Chairman and CEO, reported in a letter to employees, that the company is making great progress on one of their top 4 business priorities/objectives – Diversity and Inclusion.   In fact, Antonio personally meets with U.S based employee Networks to focus on their concerns and opportunities.

Given their financial performance, you’ve got to wonder what the other 3 top priorities/objectives might be?   Are they trying to improve the meatloaf in the company cafeteria?   If HR has anything to do with it, they are probably working on a new performance appraisal form.

I’m not questioning the value of a diverse workforce.  However under the circumstances, do you really think the average Kodak employee gives a darn about Diversity and Inclusion?  Maybe its just me, but I have a hunch, they might be more concerned about how the company will grow revenue and whether or not they will have a job in the coming year.   

Shareholders, who have seen the value of their stock drop 97% over the last 5 years, can take great consolation knowing that upcoming layoffs will be equal “lack of opportunity” events.  It’s no wonder employees become so cynical about company leadership.    

We all know how important it is to impress a recruiter when interviewing for a job.  So much so that recruiters expect candidates to be on their very best behavior.    I was recently thinking about what questions I could ask a recruiter that might catch them off guard.   These would be great questions to ask a recruiter after a job offer has been extended and to see the response!  I wonder how a recruiter would respond if you asked any of the following:

• When they do the criminal background check, how far back do they look?

• Who is in charge of the beer on Friday afternoons?

• If I come in late, can I leave early to make up the difference?

• If I have to take a drug test, what do they consider passing?

• How hard will I need to work to get a passing grade?

• Do we get to pick where we sit?

• Do they give you any advance notice when they perform random drug tests?

• If the final interview goes well, is it possible to get an advance on my salary?

• I have issues with authority so do they offer anger management classes?

• Before I answer any questions, I’d like to know how hard they expect you to work?

• How important is regular attendance?

• If I don’t like the job, is it realistic to expect a severance package?

• What do they actually mean by “pay for performance” and is that something I need to be concerned about?