I have been out of work in the traditional sense of the term for 2 months now. My general 9-5 position was terminated. The owner of the company found a “yes” girl to go along with all his ideas. So I was was shown the virtual door. I’ve never been a “yes girl” and I never will be, so in my eyes I may have dodged a bullet there. I wish them luck in the future.
I’ve had several interviews. Nothing has come of them so far. However, some have been entertaining. One phone interview was for a position doing all operations for a construction company. I was doing well, all business, then they got creative…
“Will you be personally offended, or have hurt feelings, if the contractors use foul language, or call you names?”
Being that I’ve spent the last 4 professional years of my life working directly with contractors, vendors, and I’ve also worked with several moody company presidents… my auto pilot response came flying out:
“No. Will they be personally offended, or have hurt feelings, if I dish it back to them?”
While one business partner thought that was hilarious and laughed about it for several minutes, the other business partner was less than thrilled with my response. I’m sorry, did I step on toes? Did I call you out on a pattern of behavior already? Both partners had spent the last 15 minutes telling me they needed a “pit bull” to come in and run operations and “whip the contractor team and customer service division into shape”. Two skills I have become successful with over the years. However, they want me to back down to foul language… What am I missing here?
I’ve worked in male dominated industry before. This is nothing new to me. I have realistic expectations. Majority of boys, men, contractors tend to swear or use foul language when they’re: happy, sad, frustrated, excited, tired, alive, bragging, or when they’re not doing well personally. It’s their chosen language, for better or for worse. It’s how it is. If I respond with sugary sweet strokes to their ego they walk all over me or they think I’m being demeaning. I’m not showing that I’m fluent in their language. If I respond fluent in their language- I all of a sudden “fit in” some and can effectively communicate and make things happen.
It’s been three weeks since this interview happened. I have not heard anything. I’m assuming the partner that didn’t find my answer entertaining pulls more weight. It doesn’t change anything in my work search. I know my worth, I know my strengths, I know my skill set. I’m an asset, even if a company doesn’t recognize it right away.
Eventually I’ll find a great position, or my social media management/photography business will find a new contract or two. Either way things will work out as they should. I’ll be hired for who I am, what I’ve accomplished, and the strengths or skills I bring to the table.
SIDE NOTE: I’m not implying that male communication is better or worse than female communication styles. I’m simply stating there is a difference, on a highly generalized level. Don’t go and get all equality warrior on me just yet.
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