I went on a job interview where I barely spoke to anyone and instead took a battery of personality and assessment tests. What’s that about, and how do you prepare for them?
Well, we’ve come a long way from the typing test. It’s about a brave new world — where science and technology replace human interaction and millions of years of evolutionary instincts. That said, the hiring process is a critical business decision that often lacks rigor — which these software companies are attempting to compensate for with programs that assess a job applicant’s likelihood of success in that company. But humans are social beings, and there is no substitute for sitting face to face with someone and looking them in the eye. Don’t try to “game the system.” Answer the questions truthfully — if you do so, and the computer doesn’t think you’re a good fit, you don’t want to work there anyway.
We have a new colleague who’s a hugger and a kisser. He hugs people good-bye when wishing us a good weekend. If we go out for drinks he hugs and kisses people good-bye. We think it’s harmless but also a little inappropriate. How do you politely tell someone to stop doing that without hurting their feelings?
If you feel it’s harmless, I’m assuming he isn’t trying to French kiss or grope you. I have to say that close colleagues often do give a friendly hug and cheek kiss when saying good-bye at the end of an event or night out, so I don’t agree that the act in and of itself as commonly exhibited in general is inappropriate. It’s the intent and how the recipient feels about it. If you don’t like it, you need to tell him, “Listen, I know you mean no harm, but I’m not a hugger . . . A wave of the hand or handshake is friendly and warm enough.” Or the next time he approaches for a cheek-to-cheek embrace, step back and stick out your hand offering to shake instead. And if he doesn’t get the message, you can always don a hospital mask on Fridays and when you’re out for drinks.