WorkWise BlogTip: Whoops!

You might have a nightmare thinking about the faux pas Kimberly Bishop, author of “Get Down To Business and You’ll Get the Job,” has observed in her career (Gemma B., $18.95). One morning she received e-mails with creative addresses, including “Mr. Bishop, Dear Sir, Gentleman, Dear Board of Directors and (incorporating her assistant’s first name) Dear Anna Bishop.” No further reading required.

Bishop landed a potential interview opportunity for one candidate, called her and was politely asked if she could call back later. “She said she was watching reruns of ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’” Bishop recalls. End of conversation.

Another candidate called her after a telephone interview, expressing surprise at this question: “What makes you a good finance executive?” The interview was for a finance job. End of call.

A third candidate made his way to an offer but stalled the company by saying that he’d respond in a week, because he was expecting another offer. He added that if it fell through, he’d take theirs. Bishop remarks that “he didn’t understand why they were bothered by that.”

Of course, other people contacted her that day. They knew that when you approach a recruiter, you demonstrate how professional you are.

Dr. Mildred L. Culp welcomes your questions at culp@workwise.net. © 2011 Passage Media.