Re: Appalled, eh?

["Horn, Matthew" <Matthew -dot- Horn -at- TFN -dot- COM>]

Mr. Plato wrote:
"Matt Horn got his undies in a wad"

Well, Andy (since we are discussing undergarments I think I can refer to you
as Andy), not only do I think you lack tact and professionalism in the job
environment, but also on this mailing list. Please, for those who don't know
me, I wear boxer shorts.

:=+

fin.


-----Original Message-----
From: Andrew Plato [mailto:intrepid_es -at- YAHOO -dot- COM]
Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 1999 4:48 PM
To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject: Appalled, eh?


Oh goodie, someone hates me again.  I miss being hated.

Matt Horn got his undies in a wad at my comments about interviewing
people.

I feel your pain, Matt - here's my response.


> I am basically appalled by what Andrew Plato President / Principal
> Consultant of Anitian Consulting, Inc. had to say...
>

Thats too bad, because at GOOD companies if you don't include a cover
letter or samples when requested you are not even considered for
employment.  Moreover, messy and poorly formatted resumes go right in
the trash.

Unfortunately, many companies today are so desperate for people, so
they will interview candidates who don't follow directions.  When the
next recession hits, those people will be eating Top Ramen and working
at McDonalds while people who can follow directions will have work.


> <<"Joe, your resume is very good and I am very impressed with your
> skills.  I would like to hire you for this position.  However, the
> advertisement for this position clearly asked for samples of work and
> a cover letter, which you did not provide.<snip> In the future,
please make
> sure to follow the directions in position advertisements." <snip>>>
>
> <<It is a little mean, but it puts the applicant on the defensive.>>
>
> Nothing like getting a working relationship off to a good start.


What is wrong with communicating the factors that will influence a
decision to employ someone?  If someone had really great art skills,
would it also be improper to complement them on that?

Yes, it is mean.  I agree. However, it is also honest and fair.  I
would rather be told the truth and know WHY I lost a job than be told
some meaningless platitude.  Maybe that is just me.


> <<It also is a good way to pay them less than what you advertised.
You can
> say that the lower pay is a result of them not following the
> directions in the advertisement.  If they can demonstrate they can do
> good work, you will reconsider the pay in six months or something like
> that.>>
>
> When I am looking for work in the future, please, someone remind me
not to
> send my resume to Anitian Consulting.
>


My company hires only the best writers, programmers, etc.  People who
don't follow directions, take shortcuts, and don't do their work don't
last long at my company any way.  However, my consultants also make
$20,000 to $40,000 more than most writers.  The ones that do make here
are respected, paid well, and get to work on some awesome projects.
We have a very loyal team that is also very professional. None of my
consultants would even THINK of applying for a job without submitting
EXACTLY what the advertisement asks for.


> <<The fact is, people who do not follow directions should not be
> rewarded with a job at the salary they want.>>
>
> I guess they don't deserve that gold star on their final drafts they
had
> been hoping for, either. It sounds like you treat job-hunters with
the same
> attitude that a third-grade teacher treats her students. If they
miss a
> deadline, do you rap their knuckles with a ruler?
>


Hey, if your boss asks you to do something and you don't do it, you
get in trouble.  If you keep avoiding work, you get fired.  The fact
is, people who think they are "above" submitting cover letters or
samples are simply not deserving of a high paying, respectable job.

Twist my logic into whatever dimension you want, Matt, companies are
not in business to coddle idiots and people who cannot follow
directions.  Companies that do that - go out of business.

Yum yum
Hate me more...
Andrew Plato
Presidnet / Principal Tyrant
Anitian Consulting, Inc.
www.anitian.com

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