3.02.2007
Interview # 444
THE COVER UP
CANDIDATE: Amanda
POSITION: Administrative Assistant
Amanda was NERVOUS!
Even the candidate can be conscious of these visible signs.
With Amanda it was none of the above. It was Blotching:
blotch (blch)
n.
1. A spot or blot; a splotch.
2. A discoloration on the skin; a blemish.
In an interview it's the slow creeping of redness that spreads over the candidate's Neck, Face and/or Arms.
Now don't get the wrong idea; I have never failed to offer a person the job because they went Blotchy. I have hired some terrific Blotchers in my time at the desk. Many of them went on to higher positions of Leadership and Success. My observation is to make sure that you consider this question before the interview. Are you a Blotcher?
Let's say you are. How do you know? Was there someone who cared enough about you to tell you at some point and time? You may have found this out by simply looking in the mirror during or after a stressful situation. It has to do with what's called your "sympathetic nervous system", which over reacts when you're in an anxious situation.
How do you fix this reaction?
There is quite a bit of information on the web for ways to combat this condition. Some Medical Forums will even suggest a form of medical treatment called, ETS (Endoscopic Transthoracic Sympathicotomy). I don't recommend you go this far in order to "get the job".
There are books and articles you can read for tips. I suggest "Coping with Blushing" by Dr Robert Edelmann (Sheldon Press).
Easiest tip I can give you is to wear clothing that does not reveal as much of your skin - cover your arms and make sure your shirts go up to your neckline (turtlenecks are not necessarily suggested).
When a candidate starts turning color in one of my interviews I don't feel uncomfortable anymore, but the truth is that there are some Staffing and Employment Professionals that do get uncomfortable when a candidate starts to Blotch.
Amanda is most likely going to be offered the position. Her skills are strong, she has a great work history and her personality is positive and pleasant. A good interviewer will get past the nervous reaction ...but you should probably cover up just in case!
See you next time,
After The Interview 
THE COVER UP
CANDIDATE: Amanda
POSITION: Administrative Assistant
Amanda was NERVOUS!
Want to know how I could tell? The usual signs are simple to see:
- Trouble with complete answers
- Dry mouth
- Fidgeting in their seat
Even the candidate can be conscious of these visible signs.
With Amanda it was none of the above. It was Blotching:
blotch (blch)
n.
1. A spot or blot; a splotch.
2. A discoloration on the skin; a blemish.
In an interview it's the slow creeping of redness that spreads over the candidate's Neck, Face and/or Arms.
Now don't get the wrong idea; I have never failed to offer a person the job because they went Blotchy. I have hired some terrific Blotchers in my time at the desk. Many of them went on to higher positions of Leadership and Success. My observation is to make sure that you consider this question before the interview. Are you a Blotcher?
Let's say you are. How do you know? Was there someone who cared enough about you to tell you at some point and time? You may have found this out by simply looking in the mirror during or after a stressful situation. It has to do with what's called your "sympathetic nervous system", which over reacts when you're in an anxious situation.
How do you fix this reaction?
There is quite a bit of information on the web for ways to combat this condition. Some Medical Forums will even suggest a form of medical treatment called, ETS (Endoscopic Transthoracic Sympathicotomy). I don't recommend you go this far in order to "get the job".
There are books and articles you can read for tips. I suggest "Coping with Blushing" by Dr Robert Edelmann (Sheldon Press).
Easiest tip I can give you is to wear clothing that does not reveal as much of your skin - cover your arms and make sure your shirts go up to your neckline (turtlenecks are not necessarily suggested).
When a candidate starts turning color in one of my interviews I don't feel uncomfortable anymore, but the truth is that there are some Staffing and Employment Professionals that do get uncomfortable when a candidate starts to Blotch.
Amanda is most likely going to be offered the position. Her skills are strong, she has a great work history and her personality is positive and pleasant. A good interviewer will get past the nervous reaction ...but you should probably cover up just in case!
See you next time,
After The Interview
copyright 2007 Human Dimensions of Michigan
¶ 03:17
