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Economic Outlook — Nadine Dunn, Job Liaison Officer, Enterprise Miramichi

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Did you know that when you are seeking employment, it is not only your job readiness that is being assessed, but also your attitude? That latter component is actually the deal breaker for most employers. You may have the best resume in the world and be dressed to the nines, but you still may not get the job if you have not displayed the right attitude.

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What is the "right attitude?"

Well, in today's marketplace, employers are looking first and foremost for someone that will "fit" in their organizations. More and more, we see managers using a macro management approach, which means they oversee the big picture and let their employees run their own show. Hence, they don't get involved as much in the day-to-day activities for each employee, but will let you know if you are not doing your job!

This management style means that there is an increasing need for people that have the ability to work well with others as well as independently and with minimal supervision. Also taken into account is the respect for confidentiality, the ability to take initiative and the ability to get the job done with just a few guidelines. Which means the days of having a detailed job description are pretty much over and you must embrace the era of a short job description and make it your own!

Having the right attitude also means showing professionalism at all times and being mindful of what you say to others. For example, I had a job seeker who was recently in the final hiring process and who ran into the manager in an informal setting. The job seeker, happy to run into the prospective new employer, struck up a conversation and asked several questions about some employees; the questions were soon followed by negative comments about these employees, which in turn gave the wrong impression to the employer. As the employer related to me afterwards, this person had the qualifications to do the job, but had ruined any chance of being hired because the manager thought "I wonder what this person says about me behind my back…" So the moral of this story is that you never know who overhears you or who your audience is; hence, keep your comments to yourself when you are seeking employment, and my advice would be to keep the conversation topics to the weather, to positive community development affairs and to the organization or business itself! What you want to show is that you have a positive outlook, are able to think outside of the box, and that you are willing and ready to work!

Another example of having the right attitude is to not disclose too much personal information during the hiring process. Being honest is great, but remember that the more you reveal, the more the employer may wonder if he is opening a can of worms! Focus on highlighting your skills and qualifications, and support your answers with reference letters or anything to that effect.

Once you have the job, keep showing a good attitude by always being a team player (even when you are frustrated with your co-worker) and helping others. Keep a positive perspective as that is what will fuel your energy on a daily basis and keep you going. It is not only for your benefit, but for the organization as a whole. The more productive you are, the better performance your organization shows and the better the chances are for growth and development. A win-win for everyone!

Finally, remember that showing enthusiasm can also go a long way. Again, you may be the best qualified candidate, but if you appear to be bored or not that interested, the employer may hire instead the next best candidate who really displayed enthusiasm and willingness during the hiring process. I am not telling you to jump up and down, but do state and show that you want the position.

If your require assistance with your job search, from resume writing to interview skills, do not hesitate to contact me at 622-5255.