More than pipes and wires

You never know when you’re being observed during an interview process…

At the end of a protracted interview for a Senior Procurement Specialist position at a California utility, the interview team and senior staff invited me to dinner. Nice upscale restaurant with an ocean view. Light and engaging conversation with cocktails all around (iced tea can look like a mixed drink).

I acted no differently than I usually do in any social setting: “please” and “thank you” for the wait staff; finish eating in time with the others at the table; cutlery held American style.

I passed that final test. I was offered the position. But for reasons not pertinent to this story, I had to decline their offer. Six months later the offer was again extended and this time, I was pleased to accept.

Later, I learned that a subsequent candidate was also taken to that restaurant. However, he treated the wait staff horribly and exhibited poor manners at the table.  The candidate never knew what his behavior cost. The next day his hosts decided not to offer the position: if he acted that way with the wait staff and in a public setting, how would he act with team members in a stressful office environment?

The old saw is true: “manners maketh man.” And you are being observed.