As a CEO at HappiLabs, I have to manage the growth of the company, which includes hiring.
We are only a 5-person company, but we’re growing and, currently, I receive about one resume or inquiry per day. Each resume is guaranteed about 5 seconds of my time, as I do a quick glance to evaluate the organization and style. If you make it beyond that, and I have time, I’ll spend about 3 minutes reviewing the resume and scanning your name on Google.
I’m sure I am not the only hiring manager at a small business who feels this way, but I will not hire you if….
1)…you have no online profile. As a small business owner, we don’t have the resources to do numerous extensive background checks. The more we can find online about your history, the more likely you’ll receive an interview (or be quickly eliminated). If I have to make phone calls or emails to your references, that takes more of my (and their) time.
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date. Be careful what you post on Twitter, Facebook (if your profile is public), or anywhere else where Google documents your name.
The one exception is if you are recommended from a friend.
2)…in the first interview, your questions are not strictly focused on the job or HappiLabs. DO NOT ask about days off, benefits, or how convenient the parking is. I want to know that you want the job, not because you need a new job, but because you want THIS job.
It is your responsibility to ask questions about the position to make sure it’s something you’d like to do, and then convince me you want it.
3)…you do not follow up with an email the day before your interview and within a few days after. I LOVE the reminder email the day before an interview. It shows you’re thinking of HappiLabs, and my schedule is constantly changing, so it gives me an opportunity to shift things +/- 30 minutes.
This is a “duh” statement, but if you don’t follow up after the interview, I’ll assume you have no interest and eliminate you from contention.
4)….in any of our first 4 interactions there are spelling errors. Take your time and double check emails. Especially in this job as a Virtual Lab Manager, errors are not tolerated.
A lot of this is common sense, but we all need reminders. If you’re interested in working for HappiLabs someday, send me a resume! Otherwise, I hope these tips help you find another job.
Tom Ruginis
CEO of HappiLabs.org
Twitter: @letUbeU
Tom
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Virtual Lab Manager
