Minorities should also seek out companies that actually practice affirmative action. Aside from talking with people in the company, look for minorities and women in executive positions. Then phone and arrange an interview or two and ask frank questions about the company's hiring and promotion policies for minorities and women. You don't want to join a company where you'll be running in place.
Robert Brocksbank says it better: "Work for a company where you'll be happy, one that encourages you to do your best, where you don't have to take off your skin before you go to work."
Go for It!
Recently a 50-plus professional woman interviewed for a job she really liked and wanted. She left the interview feeling that things had gone well and that she was right for the job.
She was concerned that her age might be a problem because of her resume and extensive past experience. When she got home that evening her husband asked, "How did it go?" She replied she thought everything went well but feared someone else might be hired.
"Do you really want that job?" her husband asked.
"Yes, I do," she replied.
"Then pick up the phone tomorrow morning and tell them."
After some convincing, the next morning, with some trepidation, the woman called the human resource manager who had interviewed her and said, "I think I am the best person for the job, and I really want to work for your company." The result: The personnel manager called her in for another interview and she got the job.
This story is a classic example of making things happen.
You can't afford to be bashful. If you want the job, ask for it.
That doesn't mean every time you say you want the job you're going to be hired, but it does increase your chances of success.
Procrastination doesn't pay in love, war, or business.
If you lack confidence - a common ailment for people of all ages - you'll have to overcome this drawback. To succeed in business and in life you must believe in your abilities and be willing to take the initiative when the situation calls for it.
Even if you fail, as you will on occasion, you will increase your confidence and enhance your reputation because you were willing to try something new or different. Too many mature men and women are afraid to take a chance unless circum stances force them to do so.
Taking Charge
In the course of your job search it's very possible that you'll meet some interviewers who are unqualified or inept. In such cases you can't sit back waiting for something to happen. Sometimes you have to take charge of the interview, depending on the situation, and initiate questions about the job. What responsibilities does it have? What is expected of the person who fills it? What other people in the company are involved? Although such interviews can be difficult, never show impatience or indicate that you are annoyed about the unprofessional interview. Be polite, stay cool, do your best, and follow up with a thank-you note and a telephone call.
If you think the interviewer's ineptness might prevent you from getting the job, you can write to the human resource manager or the interviewer's boss saying you didn't think the interview went well and you'd like another chance to discuss your qualifications for the job. This can be a delicate situation, but you can say that the chemistry between you and the interviewer was poor. You really want the job and feel you are eminently qualified for it. Do this diplomatically, without casting blame, and you may get another chance with a different interviewer.
