Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 774 Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:24 pm Post subject: Job Interview or Something to Think About?
Suppose a young man came in for a job interview, great qualifications, and a good personality. After the preliminary questions, you ask, “Why do you wish to leave your present job?”
I get paid well, and I like the other guys but I feel like I’m wasting my time. My boss is always so down on everything, the customers, parts stores, the cars we work on, other shops, you name it. He’s always telling us how he wishes he could get out of this business, and how he’s not making any money. I work real hard and we turn out good work. If he’s not making any money, I have to figure what’s the future hold? I have a wife and a daughter to think about and I want a place with a future. Anyway I heard about this shop, and thought I would apply.
Joined: 20 May 2007 Posts: 20 Location: South Australia
Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 8:00 pm Post subject:
Louis, On the surface it appears this guy enjoys what he is doing and feels frustrated by all the negative talk his current boss brings to the job. He is simply looking to better his work experience.
All else being truthfull, I feel he would be the right sort of person for my workshop. I would be carelfully looking so see if he is the sort of guy who is willing to change his work practices if necessary to work for a company that is making money.
_________________ David Vidler
Owner/ Manager - Seaside Automotive
South Australia
Joined: 19 May 2007 Posts: 206 Location: Camp Verde, AZ
Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 10:39 pm Post subject: Re: Job Interview or Something to Think About?
louis wrote:
Is he applying to the right shop?
Do not know, not much is said about the shop he is applying at.
IMHO, the top three most important things a job applicant can have are as follows, in order;
1 ) a good attitude.
2 ) an aptitude for the type of work.
3 ) knowledge of the job.
If a person has the first two, knowledge can be learned. But, all the knowledge in the world cannot make up for a poor attitude.
From the information given it sounds like he would be a good potential candidate. He feels like he is in a no win situation. He is looking for a place to work where he can feel like an important part of the team, both now and in the future.
If he came into our shop, he would be getting a second interview.
Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 774 Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 11:15 am Post subject:
Hi David,
Seaside wrote:
Louis, On the surface it appears this guy enjoys what he is doing and feels frustrated by all the negative talk his current boss brings to the job. He is simply looking to better his work experience.
All else being truthfull, I feel he would be the right sort of person for my workshop. I would be carelfully looking so see if he is the sort of guy who is willing to change his work practices if necessary to work for a company that is making money.
As I crafted this post, I did so in a bit of a misleading manner. It appears to be about the job applicant, but the message I hope to get across is more about the previous shop owner and things we all sometimes say.
I think sometimes managers say things out of frustration. Things like, "I wish I could sell this place," or negative comments about clients. This may not be intended as they may sound. A person who realizes their likelihood is tied to the manager's decisions [Employee] may take them very serious.
Such comments can have a decisive effect on the business. I hired a great tech many years ago. He said he left his last job because his boss constantly complained, "He was not making any money." When he applied, he asked the question, "If he can't make money for himself, how can he help me make enough to give my family a better life?" I have never forgot that question and try to reflect on the responsibility it implies, everyday.
Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 774 Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 11:31 am Post subject: Re: Job Interview or Something to Think About?
Hi Dave,
Dave wrote:
louis wrote:
Is he applying to the right shop?
Do not know, not much is said about the shop he is applying at.
IMHO, the top three most important things a job applicant can have are as follows, in order;
1 ) a good attitude.
2 ) an aptitude for the type of work.
3 ) knowledge of the job.
If a person has the first two, knowledge can be learned. But, all the knowledge in the world cannot make up for a poor attitude.
From the information given it sounds like he would be a good potential candidate. He feels like he is in a no win situation. He is looking for a place to work where he can feel like an important part of the team, both now and in the future.
If he came into our shop, he would be getting a second interview.
Dave
I like your list, if a person has aptitude, skill can always be taught. Attitude can be a bit funny I have found. Brian has been with me for about twenty years. His past employer said he had a bad attitude. Sometimes the situation has a great deal to do with the attitude?
Your point is certainly not loss. Some folks are clearly more agreeable than others and I prize that quality higher than skill. I find compatibility among employees is also a big factor. I find it much easier to accomplish a common aim when all of the people involved like each other. Thanks Dave, I appreciate the input.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
