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<p>If a cause is very important to you, why not start by seeing which companies support your cause, either financially or by providing volunteers? Every company has its own culture. Your odds are better if you seek out like-minded companies and tell them you want to work for them because you share common beliefs.</p>
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<p>quasi feudal serfs? Really, cobrat?</p>
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<p>This is especially important in political circles, where they are more concerned with looking like they know what they are doing and/or giving the perception that they are doing something correctly, instead of actually doing something correctly.</p>
<p>Face it, there is no logical reason that I should have to wear a tie to sit in front of my computer all day. There is no reason the suit (or just jacket) and tie can’t be left in the closet at my desk. That way if I have to represent the organization to an external audience, I am prepared.</p>
<p>Am I missing something? Al Gore way back when invented this little thing called the internet. Have your darling kids use it to research what to do and how to act for a job interview. Its shouldn’t be that hard people.</p>
<p>^^Agreed. Although I’m not really sure it was Al Gore who invented the internet…
There are many, many resources on the net including youtube videos, job search sites, career advice sites, etc. that are full of good information on resume writing, interviewing both in person and on the phone, what to say, what to wear, etc. And these kids are experts at searching and finding whatever they need. I find it odd that as good as they are with all things Internet, they haven’t nailed the job search requirements yet. Okay kids, if you don’t want to ask the parentals, how about a Google search?</p>
<p>Getting back to the OP’s post - A friend of mine who runs a small tech company in LA recently had two run ins with the parents of millenials. The first was a mom who tried to run interference for her daughter after a less than stellar interview (“What my daughter really meant to say in answer to your question was…”) As the mom was a professional contact of my friend, she found it a little over the top but not nearly as intrusive as the second parent. A Dad tried to get in the middle of his son’s salary negotiation after the son had been extended an offer. My friend was speechless for the first minute or so of the phone call and then quickly ended it. Fortunately, the kid turned down the job.</p>
<p>Around 1987 we had a Junior EE major from Cornell who came to see her friend (also junior EE from Cornell) who was an intern in our group. The intern managed to convince my boss to give her friend an interview for internship too on the spot and the boss (a guy in his 50’s) agreed.</p>
<p>The kid shows up a couple days later wearing - I kid you not - a very nice looking pant suit, except the jacket and shirt were cut a few inches too short snowing a couple of inches of midriff. We’re talking “I dream of Jeanie” type outfit here… Judging from her name I guessed - correctly - that she was 2nd generation Middle Eastern, but still, to wear THAT in an interview?</p>
<p>I would have to agree. I teach at a university and I have been shocked by how coddled some of these students have been. Parents calling up (instead of their kids) to ask about homework assignments! And the texting during class is sometimes out of control. It’s rude, disrespectful and will get you a failing grade.</p>
<p>Not public schools, at least not here in Los Angeles.</p>
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<p>Not necessarily, if you handle it right and if you’re otherwise serious and professional in the interview. </p>
<p>I was engaged to be married when I interviewed for a job. The wedding was only a month away, and I darn sure wasn’t going to reschedule it, but I didn’t want to wait until after the honeymoon to start my job search. The meeting went very well and toward the end, I told the interviewer about my planned absence, but I put it in a “I want you to have all the relevant facts about me” context. I said that if I got the job, I could either postpone my start date until after I got back, or else start the job and then take the time off, obviously without pay – whatever was better for them. I did get the job, and a few weeks later, took the time off. I didn’t bring my cat to the interview, so maybe that helped. :)</p>
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<p>I had a similar situation. I interviewed for a job during senior year of college, and when asked for a start date, I requested June, since I had planned a two week, international vacation at the end of May; the company wanted me to start earlier, so I told them about the vacation. They didn’t mind, so it was a win-win.</p>
<p>I actually think that if you’re unwilling or unable to cancel the vacation, you’re obliged to tell them of those plans already made. There is a tactful and professional way to do it.</p>
<p>My kids do the summer camp counselor thing each year. If you look at an hourly rate, yes, they’re paid very little. But the camp is providing their room and board (and I’m not having to PAY to send them to camp, and they’re not sitting around bored all summer!). And working at summer camp gives them wonderful experiences. They’re acquiring leadership skills, and they have to think on their feet and be prepared to handle any job thrown at them. They also get to have a great time with their friends on their nights off, and spend all summer outdoors. Camp has led to some great conversational topics for DD at interviews - how many girls have spent a summer running an ironworking forge? She’ll probably need to look for a better paying job next summer, but she wouldn’t trade these past few years working at Boy Scout camp for anything… as for interviewing skills, my kid’s private school doesn’t offer any training, but both kids have done Model United Nations, which has prepared them very well for interviews. They understand what proper professional dress is, and they’re used to researching a topic and having to quickly come up with responses to unanticipated questions. Any type of debating experience is extremely helpful in developing the confidence and poise to ace an interview.</p>
<p>These are extremes, though, stories that stand out in managers’ minds. I am a Millennial and neither me nor the vast majority of my friends would think it’s okay to text, take calls, or bring their parents or pets to interviews. In fact, I interview college students (who are actually in the next generation) for RA jobs on-campus and THEY know better too.</p>
<p>It’s not our generation. If cell phones with text messaging capabilities had been around when Gen X or the Baby Boomers first graduated high school, some of them would be doing crazy things too. Every generation says that the one or two after it is “coddled” and spoiled, and that in their day they did it better. Socrates was saying that about the kids coming after him. People said it about the Baby Boomers; they say it about Millennials, and we’ll be saying it about Generation Z and whoever else comes behind us.</p>
<p>And actually, most hiring managers (like askamanager.com) say that it’s perfectly acceptable not to discuss your vacation plans until you get an offer. You don’t have to mention it in the interview.</p>
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<p>I don’t agree with this one. Twice I received job offers before a planned vacation (two weeks in one case, three in the other). Both times the new employer accommodated, as from my side it was non-negotiable.</p>
<p>II started working at 14 at a place that sought me out. Never really had to interview got a position till I was 19. I was hired for that job, as well as for two summer jobs the following year. I interviewed for an internship when I was 21 and got that. It was at the same place I worked the summer I was 19. </p>
<p>I started working at my current job at 22 and have interviewed for many positions here over the past eight years… I’ve moved departments several times. </p>
<p>I consider myself to be great at interviews. That being said, I had a lot of work experience from a young age which leads to a having confidence that I’ll have a good answer or example for each question. I got a manager position at 21 while in college where they came to me instead of me going to them. Sometimes it pays to know people.</p>
<p>If people don’t have experience with resume writing or with interviewing they should definitely stop by career services. Most schools have seminars on this stuff. Even people that do have experience with this should be encouraged to go. one would think it’s common sense not to take a cat to an interview but many people lack common sense. </p>
<p>My office is about as laid back as business casual goes… But there are still people who think it’s ok to come in wearing flip flops… The cheap ones that make the annoying sounds when you walk… we always tell our new people to look in the mirror before they come to work. If they see back, butt, boobs or belly (the 4 b’s) they best go change because otherwise they will be sent home to change later.</p>
<p>Perhaps this is reflective of me being in Gen X and not a Millennial. And I don’t know if this will set off fireworks or not.</p>
<p>But as a hiring manager, I would think twice about hiring anyone who has tattoos, particularly large ones, into a professional position. My advice to job seekers:</p>
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<li>If you don’t already have one, I recommend not getting one.</li>
<li>If you absolutely want to get one, make it small and inconspicuous, and easily hidden</li>
<li>If you already have one, cover it up</li>
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<p>Where’s the common sense of the interviewer who, upon being faced with an applicant who has brought her cat, says, “I’m sorry, your cat doesn’t belong here. I don’t think we have anything more to say here. There will be no interview, and have a nice day.” Sorry, I think that the interviewer who continues with an interview with an applicant who is playing with a cat / clearly texting or tweeting / sitting next to mom and dad is just as lacking in common sense.</p>
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<p>I’ve thought this several times! And I read an article about an interviewer who was steaming because an applicant brought in both parents saying, “I need to make sure I’m given a fair shot at this job.” WHY didn’t he say, “I’m sorry-it’s so inappropriate to bring your parents into a job interview; it makes me seriously question your ability to do your job with minimal supervision. We need people with sound judgment, self starters who don’t need hand holding, and you’ve actually demonstrated that you are not that person. Thanks for your time.”</p>
<p>I don’t get it.</p>
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<p>I don’t think it happens all that often, but apparently it does happen.</p>
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<p>Interesting article:</p>
<p>[Helicopter</a> Parents Hover In The Workplace : NPR](<a href=“Helicopter Parents Hover In The Workplace : NPR”>Helicopter Parents Hover In The Workplace : NPR)</p>
<p>Almost afraid to even post this, but I did actually accompany my 17 yo D for one meeting for a potential job. But, let me explain why. We found an ad on craigslist for a great opportunity for D. I allowed her to contact the poster and get more information. He was very aware that meeting someone through craigslist can be a safety issue for a minor/girl (or anyone for that matter). So, he met us at a neutral location so we could all find out more about him and the job and so he could see if D was a good fit for his business. He works out of his home, so meeting there was not an option. After seeing his website and meeting him personally, I was comfortable taking my D to his home to work. She’s been working for him for a few days and couldn’t be happier. For her previous “normal” interviews, I did wait in the car. ;)</p>
<p>Just as a side note, I have found it very educational to watch shows like “Restaurant Stakeout” with my kids to see how (or how not) to be a good employee. Also, I would recommend the TV show “Princess” for anyone who needs a nudge to grow up (or force their children to grow up).</p>