ClearRock

Their Opinions Of Candidates Are Carrying More Weight

With interviews picking up after slowing down during the summer, job candidates should be especially careful how they treat receptionists when going on interviews. Receptionists are more often being asked - and offering - their opinions of job candidates, according to ClearRock, an executive coaching and outplacement firm headquartered in Boston.

"One of the biggest reasons newly recruited managers and executives are continuing to fail in their new jobs at such a high rate - at least 4 out of 10 -is their inability to fit into a company's culture and get along with the people who work there. So, more organizations are asking employees, right from the start, their impressions of candidates, and receptionists' opinions are increasingly being sought," said Annie Stevens, managing partner for ClearRock.

"Some companies feel a lot can be learned from how candidates treat receptionists, particularly if they are rude, condescending, or arrogant. Employers feel this is an accurate reflection of how candidates would treat their co-workers and direct reports," added Greg Gostanian, managing partner for ClearRock.

ClearRock has compiled the following tips for candidates as a guide to interacting with receptionists. 

• Be polite and friendly with receptionists, but don't be too informal. "Learning and remembering their names can only help as you advance in the interviewing process," said Stevens.

• Treat receptionists as you would other business colleagues, and don't regard them as "underlings." "They are not a candidate's secretary to help with scheduling or other personal problems. Always ask the interviewer if you need help from anyone else at the place where you interview, instead of seeking this directly yourself," said Gostanian.

• You can accept an offer of a beverage, but keep this simple. "Don't ask for brand names of any hot or cold beverages, or expect them to make freshly brewed coffee.

And don't expect a receptionist to run out to Starbucks to get a latte′ for you," said Stevens.

• Be careful of anything you say, and expect that everything you say will get back to the interviewer. "Polite, brief conversation is acceptable, but don't ask probing questions about the company, or give unsolicited opinions," said Gostanian.

• Don't talk on your cell phone in front of the receptionist, and don't be obsessed with your Blackberry. "Put your cell phone on vibrate, and if you have to take or make a call, leave the reception area. Don't be overly preoccupied with your Blackberry or other wireless e-mail device. You will come across as a cold and fixated person," said Stevens.

• Don't forget to say goodbye to the receptionist if he or she is there when leaving. "Failure to say goodbye to someone you have just met reflects negatively on you. You will be viewed as an impersonal, uncaring individual," said Gostanian.

About ClearRock

ClearRock focuses on executive coaching and outplacement. The coaching process helps link business objectives, vision, and direction with individual development of key leaders in the organization. The outplacement process helps individuals and groups successfully navigate through the career transition process, and clarify and implement career and life goals and objectives. For more information, please visit our website at www.clearrock.com.