Does my investment match my desired outcome?
Now IT Matters is growing, and we’re looking to add an Administrative Assistant to our team. After circulating the job description within our own networks, we posted the ad on several well-known websites.
The ad was clear in terms of qualifications and application instructions. While hundreds of applicants indicated interest via the recruiting portal, fewer than 25 followed the instructions and sent any application materials to me for review. Of the application materials I did receive, most were riddled with grammatical errors. Others displayed a surprising lack of attention to detail for job-seekers claiming to give great attention to detail. This presented me with an interesting dilemma.
Do I simply ignore all of those applicants? Immediately disqualify them? Simply move on?
Do I respond to each of them, as the mentor in me wants to do, and offer personalized feedback on their application materials? Give them a lift up by offering some free (unsolicited) advice?
I began to think about what I’d say if I had enough time to do the latter — something along the lines of “Your investment should match your desired outcome,” or “Bring the appropriate level of attention to the matter at hand.”
If you expect me to invest hours of my time reviewing your application materials, calling your references, and interviewing you, match my investment. Follow the instructions. Edit your resume. Then ask a friend to proofread it. Find good examples of professional writing samples online.
If you expect me to invest both financial capital and relationship capital in you, show me from our first interaction that you can provide value to our team. Don’t make me work to figure out a time that works for your schedule, suggest a few times then adjust around my availability. Figure out how to operate Zoom before the conference call is scheduled to start. And never — never — tell me you don’t have any questions for me.
All this is easy for me to say. I am steeped in privilege: white, cis-gender, well-educated, and well-resourced. Oh, and let’s not forget — I have a job. One in which it is part of my actual job to hire and manage others.
But I am not exempt from my own advice.
Where do I need to improve my own skills in bringing the appropriate level of attention to the matter at hand?
Do I have a personal strategic plan and invest in professional development? What more do I need to invest in order to level up?
Do I meet the urgency of my staff when they have technical questions or am I inclined to be disengaged if its something I’ve already mastered?
Do I bring my full self to conversations, allowing them to truly generate action?
My investment should always match my desired outcome. If I desire the outcome enough, giving a bit of extra energy and attention isn’t too much to ask.
