DIVERSITY IS THE DIFFERENCE...
Whew!!!! The first full week back to reality has come to a close. The Talent Magnet was fortunate to meet and register more than 50 fantastic candidates for employment.
The most interesting aspect of this week for me as an "Interviewer" was the amazing diversity the candidates represented. Usually, diversity is a blanket term used to describe specific ethnic/cultural groups as it applies to employment. Yes, I did meet quite a few wonderful African American, Latino, and Asian candidates. However, the diversity that I found so wonderful went beyond Nationality, Race or "standard" categories!
I truly enjoyed meeting people with such dramatictally different educational qualifications , socio-economic backgrounds, family structures , religious beliefs, cultural customs/traditions, interpersonal communication styles and physical appearance!
To me, that is what makes America and NYC in particular so vibrant and exactly what will make The Talent Magnet successful! Every person I met brought something that was unique. From their fashion sense to their computer skills to their degree and communication style; nobody was the same.
I have always encouraged individuality! I believe it to be absolutely necessary to my survival and a crucial part of being successful. With this in mind, it is important to remember that many people and most employers still have a distinct idea of the "type" of candidate they are seeking. So, you need to package that individuality in a customized manner when searching/interviewing for a new job.
That is why making a match based purely on a resume and a job description rarely is successful. You or your recruiter should have an idea of who the employees are and what the corporate culture is about. Ultimately, you have to feel you are a fit in a number of ways in addition to being qualified for the position. If everyone seems to come from an educational background or has a way of communicating that seems alien to you; chances are you won't want to spend 8-10 hours a day in the trenches with them! Finding commonality is integral to a successful employment relationship. More importantly, companies that embrace diversity and individuality are more likely to enable you to reach your professional potential.
In closing, you need to seek out those employers and recruiters that appreciate individuality/diversity and encourage personal and professional development. At the same time, you need to know that "reality" dictates that people are resistant to change. Things that are "new" or "different" often make people feel uncomfortable. You need to make sure your sense of individuality is not outside the bounds of what is "common" to companies you have an interest in. Sometimes you need to play the "assimilation" game to "get in" or "gain acceptance". Then, with credibility and tenure, allow your true self to flourish!
If everyone was the same, it would be a very boring world!
" I got 99 problems and a $#%%@ ain't one!" - Jay-Z
The most interesting aspect of this week for me as an "Interviewer" was the amazing diversity the candidates represented. Usually, diversity is a blanket term used to describe specific ethnic/cultural groups as it applies to employment. Yes, I did meet quite a few wonderful African American, Latino, and Asian candidates. However, the diversity that I found so wonderful went beyond Nationality, Race or "standard" categories!
I truly enjoyed meeting people with such dramatictally different educational qualifications , socio-economic backgrounds, family structures , religious beliefs, cultural customs/traditions, interpersonal communication styles and physical appearance!
To me, that is what makes America and NYC in particular so vibrant and exactly what will make The Talent Magnet successful! Every person I met brought something that was unique. From their fashion sense to their computer skills to their degree and communication style; nobody was the same.
I have always encouraged individuality! I believe it to be absolutely necessary to my survival and a crucial part of being successful. With this in mind, it is important to remember that many people and most employers still have a distinct idea of the "type" of candidate they are seeking. So, you need to package that individuality in a customized manner when searching/interviewing for a new job.
That is why making a match based purely on a resume and a job description rarely is successful. You or your recruiter should have an idea of who the employees are and what the corporate culture is about. Ultimately, you have to feel you are a fit in a number of ways in addition to being qualified for the position. If everyone seems to come from an educational background or has a way of communicating that seems alien to you; chances are you won't want to spend 8-10 hours a day in the trenches with them! Finding commonality is integral to a successful employment relationship. More importantly, companies that embrace diversity and individuality are more likely to enable you to reach your professional potential.
In closing, you need to seek out those employers and recruiters that appreciate individuality/diversity and encourage personal and professional development. At the same time, you need to know that "reality" dictates that people are resistant to change. Things that are "new" or "different" often make people feel uncomfortable. You need to make sure your sense of individuality is not outside the bounds of what is "common" to companies you have an interest in. Sometimes you need to play the "assimilation" game to "get in" or "gain acceptance". Then, with credibility and tenure, allow your true self to flourish!
If everyone was the same, it would be a very boring world!
" I got 99 problems and a $#%%@ ain't one!" - Jay-Z
