I Am Working On My Own Evaluation
Posted: July 28, 2012 Filed under: Foolishness | Tags: comedy, Human resources, humor, life, postaweek, work 33 Comments »I do not usually publish on Saturday, but I need your help.
Yesterday, I ended up in the company of one of my supervisors. He’s a decent sort, in fact, I’ll even admit that I like the guy. I’ve known him for years, but we’ve only worked together for a few months.
He came to me and asked when I was working next. I told him that I was working today, because that’s the truth. He asked me to do my yearly performance review and send it to him.
Yes, I am evaluating my own performance for the past year. I think we all know that when I finish writing this thing it will look as if I am responsible for the sun rising every morning. In fact, to get myself in the mood, I’ll say this to you: Welcome to July 28, 2012, brought to you by me. Read the rest of this entry »
The Other Side Of Accepting Resignations
Posted: July 27, 2012 Filed under: Foolishness | Tags: accepting resignation, Capital Centre, comedy, Employment, Human resources, humor, lion tamer, postaweek, work 11 Comments »Now and again, I read a news story that involves a person voluntarily leaving their job. This sort of article typically contains a sentence like this one:
“Bob White submitted his resignation from his position as the company’s treasurer.”
Resignation Letter (Photo credit: Graham Ballantyne)
The reason for the exit is typically left to speculation. Maybe he was offered a better job. Perhaps there was a boardroom disagreement and this is Bob’s graceful exit. It could be that Mr. White is leaving to join the circus. Whatever the reason, Bob White aims to be the company’s ex-treasurer.
If It Can Be Accepted, Then…
A sentence that often closely follows the submission of the resignation gives me reason for concern. That sentence usually says something like:
“CEO Ann Parker accepted White’s resignation.”
Now CEO Parker might have comments about Mr. White’s departure, or she might not. It is her “accepting” of the resignation that gives me pause. Read the rest of this entry »
Tips For A Successful Job Interview
Posted: July 20, 2012 Filed under: Whats left | Tags: Employment, Funeral, Human resources, humor, job interview, life, postaweek, what questions will they ask in a job interview 35 Comments »I have a specialized assignment at work. After some cajoling, I got my bosses to agree to select the person who will fill my position when I retire next year. That gave me a chance to interview the people who were competing for my job.
Interviewing my potential replacements was a little like attending my own funeral, without having to hold quite so still. Several candidates referred to me by name, with me sitting right there as part of the interview panel. They all said nice things about me, and they’d glance over when they mentioned me. I did sort of stay still and smiled just a little. I thought I looked very natural.
During the interviews, I realized that people sabotage their own efforts to get jobs. Today, I’m going to help job seekers by discussing mistakes that I saw during this last set of interviews.
Be On Time
Be on time. The interviewer knows how to work this. (image via wikimedia)
Your interviewer should never have to wait for you. Be early.
An early arrival impresses interviewers and gains you a few minutes to prepare yourself for what is to come. Planning to be early also provides you a time cushion for unexpected traffic or other factors that change “right on time” to “apologetically late”.
If you are late, admit it and apologize. Those who are in a position to hire and fire others are bright enough to read a clock. Your interviewer knows that you are late. Say you are sorry.
Remember, part of any job is arriving when you are expected. Nothing says “I am not the one you want” like showing up late for a job interview.
Five Routine Minutes: I Get A Retirement Date
Posted: July 18, 2012 Filed under: Getting older | Tags: art, drawing, Human resources, humor, postaweek, retirement, working 35 Comments »About a week and a half ago, I told the people that I supervise about an appointment I had after work.
They were very happy for me.
I’ve been looking forward to this event. I’d leave the meeting knowing the day I would restart my life in a new direction.
As I left my office, something unexpected happened. I got emotional.
It was as if I was leaving for the last time. I had to do something to maintain my image. So I put my sunglasses on and snarled at a rookie who happened to be walking in the same door I was stepping out of.
Poor kid still doesn’t know what he did to earn that. Maybe I’ll tell him that he can pay it forward in thirty years. Read the rest of this entry »
Five Routine Minutes: A Visit To Human Resources
Posted: June 13, 2012 Filed under: Five Minutes | Tags: comedy, drawings, Human resources, humor, postaweek, pregnancy, stick figures 29 Comments »A police officer that I supervise came to tell me that she and her husband were expecting their first child. I’m thrilled for them.
She was not sure how to start notifying our administrative staff and asked me to help. I was happy to do it. We went to Human Resources section and found the person that I knew would do the best job for her.
She announced her pregnancy to the Human Resources Specialist…and there was much rejoicing.
Because our job is very physical, those who are temporarily unable to do the job for medical reasons are assigned to “light duty”.
People that have blurted back