By Joe Malan, Staff Writer
Enid News and Eagle
ENID — Cindy Dickey doesn’t normally see a ton of people come into Merle Norman Cosmetics and ask for a job, but two weeks ago was an exception.
Between Jan. 10 and Jan. 17, a few young adults came into the store every day, asking for a job.
But Dickey says she likely wouldn’t have given any of them a job, even if she had a position open.
“When I get a couple of them it doesn’t bother me,” said Dickey, manager of Merle Norman Cosmetics. “But for the last week it’s just been a surge, and not one person that came in would I have hired if I had an opening.”
After receiving all those job requests that week, Dickey said, she expressed her frustration at people not knowing how to conduct themselves when asking for a job.
“I have always heard how someone shows up at an interview, how they’re dressed and how they conduct themselves is probably their highest, their best point,” she said.
One girl, Dickey said, was wearing flannel pants that looked like pajamas. Other people who came in during the week wore tennis shoes and jeans, some that were ripped in places and had holes at the knees.
“Several of the young women were sporting the look where the jeans were low and the top is up high,” she said.
Another thing Dickey said she didn’t like was how a few of these young adults asked for a job.
“A couple of them, one particular, I was helping a lady, we were standing along this wall here talking about a product,” she said, “and two young women walked in, and I said ‘Hello, I’ll be with you in just a minute,’ because the lady and I were talking. She was a customer.
“And so I went back to talk to the lady, and the girl interrupted and (said), ‘Oh this’ll just take a minute, I just need to know if you’re hiring.’ And, I just, you can’t do that.”
Another major “don’t” when looking for a job is just going into a store and asking if they’re hiring. Dickey suggested using the phrase, “Could I have a moment of your time?” as a way of striking up a conversation and getting the employer to like you.
Dickey pointed out a lot of “do nots” when it comes to interviewing and asking an employer for a job.
Here are some “dos” and other tips Bea Paul, job developer at Autry Technology Center, suggested:
• If you have a ring back tone on your cell phone, make sure it’s not potentially offensive.
Paul told a story about a young woman who came into her office asking for help finding a job. After the woman left, Paul called her because she had forgotten to tell her something. After ringing through, the ring back tone sounded, which Paul described as “the most loud, annoying, indescribable music.”
• Don’t text on your cell phone at any point during an interview. In fact, turn the phone off so you won’t be tempted to use it.
• A firm handshake is essential.
• Show you are interested. Don’t cross your arms. Sit up straight in your chair and be attentive. Look the interviewer squarely in the eyes.
• Answer questions concisely; answers shouldn’t be too long or too short.
• Don’t ever bring up your salary requirements unless asked.
Paul said a long time ago she talked with a local National Guard representative, who said to handle the situation this way: On a job application, where it says “salary desired” or the like, write “Negotiable,” “Open,” or “Will Discuss.” Then, during the interview, when they ask your salary requirements, ask them what salary range they plan on paying for the job. Select a figure within that range and then negotiate with your potential employer.
Paul stressed these tips, and others, are important.
“Especially in this tight economy, these are super-important things,” she said.
