Talking with a new college graduate recently we were discussing what area he would like to be employed.  He immediately said – I don’t want to work on weekends.  I don’t want to work long hours.  I don’t want to have a long commute.  Every word he spoke was – I don’t want!  I spoke up immediately – hey, with your attitude, I would have a hard time interviewing or hiring you because I don’t want to hear what you “don’t want.”  

I want to interview and talk with people about “what they do want” to achieve or have to offer the company – not what they “don’t want.”  My suggestion to any new hire is to be optimistic not pessimistic.  What can you as a person add to the company’s bottom line?  Company’s find out within the first year if you are an overachiever or dead weight.  My suggestion to this young man was “he needed an attitude adjustment” if he planned to work in the public atmosphere.  The “don’t want” attitude is a sure sign of “dead wood.”  Also, show that you have manners and dress for the interview – not the beach!

kommonsentsjane