Why So Many People Wont Talk to You, if You Arent a Wireless Phone (Part I)

Why So Many People Wont Talk to You, if You Arent a Wireless Phone (Part I) Why So Many People Wont Talk to You, if You Arent a Wireless Phone (Part I) Because of wireless technology, those who are far are near those who are near (say, in a shared elevator) are far.Youre at a bus stop, or on a train, with lots of time before yur long daily commute to or from the office is over once again, with a time scale comparable to a long thumb-twiddling wait in a crowded hospital waiting room.In the old days, i.e., when voices were identified with faces much more than with phones, the time might be pleasantly or comfortingly passed in harmless, maybe useful conversation with at least one of the strangers near you.The Near as Far, the Far as NearBut thats all changed Now most of those who, in the course of a day, are physically very near (e.g., the strangers next to you on the bus) are automatically socially very distant and irrelevant, whereas, those whom you already know who are physically d istant but already socially near are the only ones who have any relevance during your commute- thanks to the cell and smartphones and similar devices.Think about it Most of those who are physically near are socially far (because we dont already know them) others whom we know who are physically far are socially near (because we already do, even if minimally, e.g., only through Facebook or LinkedIn).This is a painful paradox as unfortunate as it is comic, because of the needless erosion and rejection of person-to-person opportunities and connections it sums up. It can indeed be characterized as ludicrous or tragicomic- especially in an age when so many live lives of seemingly unremitting, bedrngnis-so-splendid isolation, if not loneliness, or the more extreme kind of distancing- alienation.The extreme manifestation of this imbalance takes the form of a preference for or default to socially close, but physically distant relations- what I call conversationships, e.g., those based on Sky pe, email, mobile phones and/or social media.A less extreme form of this imbalance is motivated by the impracticalities and time limitations of busy modern life, rather than by a preference rooted in the relative inexpensiveness of long-distance conversationships of the kind discussed below, e.g., their smaller time and financial investments required.The Office as Humanizing SanctuaryTo add a layer of irony to the shroud of paradox, it should be noted that one aforementioned milieu, in which the person who is near is recognized as being a whole person, is frequently stereotyped as being a highly impersonal environment the office.True, a lot of customer and client service is conducted remotely, e.g., through call centers. But much- very much- is not, and, on top of that, most office staff interactions are face-to-face, especially in smaller organizations.Hence the irony the venue that etched its not personal, its business into our collective consciousness is the same venue that is on e of the last bastions of the wonderfully friendly bus-stop chit-chat face-to-face conversation-with-strangers-is-OK mentality (as the bulk of office-based business is, given a revolving, evolving clientele).The nagging question is why has this happened? Why is it that so many people will not talk to you these days if you are not a phone or someone they already know (to put it as vividly as possible) on that phone?Yes, obviously, they are still talking to their friends and acquaintances.But because long-distance conversation is mediated by the phone, because their voices are directed at the phone, because these people will not speak to a stranger unless their lives depend on it (as opposed to their more customary assumption that staying alive will depend on not talking to that stranger), one may be forgiven for forming the impression that these xenophobes would sooner talk into a new phone than directly with a new person.The Age of the PhonophileAs suggested above, it may be that ma ny of them talk to their friends as an excuse to use or flaunt their gadgets. They are not merely xenophobes, fearful of or hostile to strangers. They are also phonophiles in love with their smartphones, oblivious to the reality that a modern mobile phone is largely an advertising platform designed to promote consumerism.However, the allure of digital technology and stranger-danger angst do not fully account for the displacement of nearby humans by distant phone-equipped cyborgs (in the form of a human firmly clutching a mobile phone, which makes it as permanent as a cyborg implant).No, its not merely a question of feeling safe with those who are familiar, however distant nor is it merely the novelty and convenience of the digital devices.(On the other hand, those who like to make prank, obscene or other phone calls to strangers could be called xenophonophiles (stranger-on phone-lovers)- including telemarketers, who seem to be the only people who never tire of calling complete stran gers.)There is more- much more involved here that needs to be noted, if the near is far far is near paradox is to be understood and, just as importantly, addressed. Fundamentally, what is involved here is not just a shift to a new technology, but also a shift to a new perception of what it means (to cease) to be human.The Roots of PhonophiliaIn thinking about this issue and challenge, Ive identified a number of factors underlying this modern xenophobia-phonophilia nexus. Heres the main list, to be explored and developed in Part II (as the continuation dots suggest)The rise of the cyborgs The machines have spoken- they are more interesting than we are in and as the flesh. So an mobile phone trumps the stranger.Stranger danger Time on a mobile phone is perceived as a safer choice than time chatting with a stranger (most of whom are dangerous, according to the news and movies on your smartphone).Time stress work, family and other time stress and tradeoffs leave little to no time for st rangers- anywhere, anytime.Victory of the machines in stimulation wars Digital communications technology and entertainment platforms have made the prospect of talking with a stranger generally unintriguing, unstimulating, unexciting, and neither exotic nor adventurous.Homogenization and trivialization of human assets Although the kind of tribal groupiness that Facebook thrives on suggests homogeneity and sameness of formats and interests, being special remains a predominant goal of social media, even if it means being special only within ones group or being a member of a special group. Discovering that a stranger has all your toys trivializes them, you and others who have them. So, talking with strangers pays no dividend.Customization of strangers Ironically, concurrent with the boredom or trivialization caused by mass homogenization of tastes and lifestyle toys is the chore of dealing with the reverse situation- customization, especially those of strangers, when trying to relate to them and their idiosyncratic hobbies, preoccupations and tastes would be too much of a chore.Increased machine-based conversational control Because we can turn off social interactions more easily by phone, e.g., by blaming bad reception, wireless interactions are more easily controlled and limited than face-to-face interactions.Superiority of digital to face-to-face information flow Some forms of digitally transmitted information are more precise, reliable, informative and compact than face-to-face, e.g., seeking hotel information while on holiday with an iPhone or text messaging, which despite all of its limitations and flaws is at least free of the endless Im likes of oral-aural conversation between anyone under 45.Diminishing marginal utility of strangers Ive said it before and will say it again (having first said it when I was a teenager) People are like fractions- the more you multiply them, the smaller they get. The greater the population densities to which we are exposed in any given situation or city, the less value each additional stranger has in our perception of and interaction with them. Indeed, beyond a certain population density point, their diminishing marginal utility morphs into negative disutility, e.g., annoyance with them.A Small Step for an PhonophileIf you are a phonophile and still hesitate to talk with strangers face-to-face, despite whatever consciousness-raising reading this has sparked, you may take one small, safe, compromise step toward bridging the abyss that separates you from them Get strangers in an elevator to read this articleon your smartphone, or theirs._________________Next in Part II the detailed anatomy of phonophile xenophobia and its impact.

Psychologists on the most important workplace dynamics

Psychologists on the most important workplace dynamicsPsychologists on the most important workplace dynamicsWhile every company wants to be financially successful - it shouldnt come at the cost of your employees. Busy seasons, stressful deadlines, demanding clients and endless meetings all contribute to raised levels of anxiety in the professional sphere. Though ansicht experiences are to be expected, there are ways that smart leaders can guide the environment of their workplace to be positive and supportive.One strategic avenue to explore is the psychology behind why we feel the way we do when we walk into our office day-in and day-out. Does your team feel dread on Monday? Or are they hyped for projects and interactions? Here, the most important dynamics to prioritize in your company to make everyone feel valued for their contributions and excited to be part of your businessRespect the difference between introverts and extrovertsIn the most basic terms, an introvert needs alone tim e to reboot, while an extrovert can use the company of others to gain inspiration. Every company needs a little of both to maintain balance and complete work - but all-too-often, their needs are managed together and judged the same. This is a miss, according to Dr. Chandler S. Chang, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of The Therapy Lab.Introverts are the folks who dive into an impossibly difficult task on their own, even as others lose momentum On the other hand, the extroverts may thrive on planning team interactions and collaborations and benefit from workplace chat, he continues. Each style is equally productive, but its key for colleagues to appreciate the differences and for managers to match employees to the right tasks. This may mean leaving an introverts door closed or notlage interrupting them when they have their headphones on. It could also mean pairing together duos you know will work cohesively together, even if they arent energized in the same way.Prioritiz e trustThink back on the worst job you ever had. Was it waiting tables at the local BBQ joint in your hometown? Or an entry-level gig with a babo who had a supersized ego? Whatever the case, you probably felt unsettled because you didnt value the thought leadership of those who were leading you. Like any relationship, having trust is essential to progress. When your employees dont believe you have their back, they wont follow your direction or respect your decisions, according to Dr. Judy Ho, board-certified clinical and forensic neuropsychologist and author. Not only is this bad news for your company, but the health of everyone on your team will suffer, too.Lack of trust in your superiors leads to a number of physical and psychological schwierigkeits, including poor diet, lack of exercise, increased risk in cardiovascular disease, obesity, and high blood pressure, and increased risk for anxiety and depression, she continues. This likely relates to the feelings of helplessness that one feels to affect their own work-life if they cant trust their boss to look out for their best interests.Be flexible with environmentSure, you probably cant redesign your entire office based on one piece of feedback - but it is worth analyzing how you could change some areas to improve productivity. Much like the differences between introverts and extroverts, founder and CEO of The Genius Within, Dr. Nancy Doyle says many people have adverse reactions to their environment. While some are hypersensitive with noise, others react to lights differently. In whatever way you can, help people get into their groove by optimizing their desk and working area. And perhaps, the time they clock in daily.We can accommodate this with noise-canceling barriers, headphones, seating in quiet zones, booking out meeting rooms for reports that require concentration find the compromise that fits the role best, she urges. This is why some people are more productive when working from home or on flextime, whether coming in early or staying late when its quiet.Facilitate deep workIf you arent familiar with deep work, its when a professional blocks off time in their calendar to zero-in on a project. Usually, the work requires their full attention, sans interruption. For those who are booked in back-to-back meetings for hours every single day, the possibility to sit at a computer screen and focus seems impossible. But with the help of upper management, it can be a reality for all employees. In fact, its the top recommendation from Dr. Don Vaughn in the psychology department at UCLA.Give permission for employees in these roles to block two to three consecutive hours to eliminate distractions in the form of meetings or even simple requests on Slack, he continues. Protected time is essential because the prefrontal cortex- which controls goal setting and attention- can be derailed by something as innocuous as a 30-second question. After even a minor distraction, it can take 15 to 30 minute s to get fully back on task.Manage the boss with strategic communicationYep, you read that correctly junior employees must manage their senior leaders by understanding how to approach conversations effectively. As Dr. Chang explains, sometimes younger (or more inexperienced) employees tend to update their boss too often or too little. While tone is important when speaking to someone above you, so is your frequency. Every update you give to the person writing your check every two weeks should have meaning and more often than not, a solution or a specific ask.If your persistent optimism and rosy outlook on the workweek instills anxiety in your manager, aim for a more measured report. If a problem or challenge is being identified, it should always be accompanied by possible solutions. Even if theyre not viable, having a few ideas will start the conversation and create momentum, Dr. Chang recommends. Observe and reflect on your managers and your teammates personalities and manage your communication with intention and not in a haphazard way.Create the opportunity for communityNo matter if youre a heads-down type of workforce or you have bagel Wednesdays until 11 a.m., people are more likely to stay at a company if they have a sense of community. Strict rules, lack of communal spaces or an overbearing, micromanaging c-level team can make employees feel anxious or alone in their work. Think about a kid who is bullied at school or a fourth wheel that was kicked out of a three-person friendship. It doesnt feel good - and it shouldnt be the way your team describes their jobs.As most people spend a good amount of their waking lives at work, the workplace should be one of the primary communities that you can feel supported by, Dr. Ho explains. This does not involve a lot of extracurricular events, nor does it mean you are standing around the water cooler talking all the time, but even the idea of implicit community - knowing that your co-workers are there for you in th e event you want to take a break with them, shoot the breeze, or brainstorm about a work problem - can improve your quality of life at work.

Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec wakes up thinking about business

Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec wakes up thinking about businessShark Tank star Robert Herjavec wakes up thinking about businessRobert Herjavec talks to himself as part of his morning routine.When I wake up in the morning, Im thinking business but Im thinking opportunity, Herjavec, whose estimated net worth is about $200 million, told Ladders. I used to say this thing in my head when I welches first starting out I used to say, Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make it happen. And yes, I really do talk to myself.The Shark Tank judge and CEO of cybersecurity firm Herjavec Group is a truly self-made man. Fans of the show will already know that he was born in communist Yugoslavia, and emigrated to Canada when he was a child. His father, who was an entertainer back in what is now Croatia, had to work in a factory sweeping floors. In the 90s, Herjavec worked a series of minimum-wage jobs before he got into the tech field.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines o n Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe first thing I learned is there is no job thats beneath me, Herjavec said. I come from a really blue collar background. My dad worked in a factory. My mom was a receptionist. Ive worked as a waiter. Ive loaded trucks. Ive cleaned warehouses.As a result, he may be one of the most down-to-earth Sharks. I always try to treat everybody with the same level of respect, Herjavec told Ladders, while in New York City plugging a survey about business travel for La Quinta by Wyndham. Every job is a means to an end for something. I never doubt why youre doing that job. I never look down on people, and I try to find something interesting and unique about everybody.Now that hes spent a decade on television and written three books in addition to his CEO duties, work keeps Herjavec on the road about 100 days a year. The nicest Shark came prepared with facts and figures from the inaugural La Quinta Means Busines s national survey.My favorite stat of the entire survey was we asked people would they rather have WiFi or clean underwear? he said with delight. And what did you think people said?WiFi, obviously.Yeah, which is what I said too. I think it was 64% of people would rather have good WiFi. He went on to extoll the hotel chains 24-hour gyms and readily available coffee.Travel was hard, he said, especially being away from his family he met his wife Kym when she was his dance partner on Dancing with the Stars but if you want to get ahead and you want to create great things in life, you got to sacrifice some things.The Croatian-born businessman and investor is also a relentless optimist who, in business and investing, has always relied on a strong sense of intuition. If you dont have that natural sense, he says, you can develop it by listening closely to yourself.We all have a sense of intuition, but as we get older, doubt starts to creep in. No is a conditioned response. But I think ever ybody has a good gedeihlich feel you just have to listen to it sometimes. But that doesnt mean blind faith. Youve also got to plan it out.On Shark Tank, for example, he picks up subtle cues about whether or bedrngnis someone would be a good investment that have nothing to do with their business pitch.Little things. Like, do you come out and are you standing there confidently? Are you standing up straight? Or are you hunched over? The tone of your voice if youre soft and meek, he says. I want you to exude confidence. Im giving you money and I really like my money. I want to invest. I want more of it to come back, but the first thing I want to do is invest in the person.After binnenseeing hundreds of pitches, Herjavec says there are some basic but fatal mistakes that first-time entrepreneurs make. One of the biggest is loving what you do but not loving the business end of things.Running a business is really hard, Herjavec said. Lets say you want to open up a hair salon and you love cutting hair. Its not enough to love cutting hair. Youve got to love running a business.Another novice entrepreneur mistake is not getting a feel of the market beforehand to see if theres a demand for the product. Most entrepreneurs we see on the show dont ask paying customers whether the idea is good or bad, and from that, its a lot of operational expense.Hes learned similar lessons about investing as hes gone along on Shark Tank.We used to invest in stuff we understood, he said. Now we only invest in things that we think consumers are going to buy.One mistake Herjavec admits to in his own business experience I havent invested enough in scale in order to have it go big. So the business gets to a certain size and people are like, Well, why did you do that? You knew it was going to be big. Im like, I actually didnt. To relax and to clear his head or to prepare for a big meeting Herjavec exercises, which has a number of benefits for him.Its not that Im vain, he told Ladders, althou gh Im probably pretty vain. Ive been on TV for 10 years. I like to look good and all the other stuff .. but for me, its mental and it just puts me in the right place. Its just as mental as physical. A good sweat clears my mind.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Pros and Cons of a 30-Hour Work Week

Pros and Cons of a 30-Hour Work WeekPros and Cons of a 30-Hour Work WeekAround the world, different cultural norms and employer expectations dictate the number of hours that employees work. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported in 2018 that Americans work an average of 37 hours per week, trailing the 43 hours per week put in by Mexican workers. Germans work the fewest hours per week, coming in at 28. This includes all types of working arrangements, from part-time and full-time to contract and side gigs. Since 2016, Amazon.com has been using a 30-hour workweek for some groups. In exchange for a mora flexible schedule and reduced work hours, the employees agreed to a 25%pay cut but could retain all of their employee benefits. Companies like Deloitte and Google also offer employees the option of compressed workweeks. The Origin of 40-Hour Work Weeks According to popular history, the notion of eight hours of work, eight hours of leisure, and eight hours of rest each day came from Welsh industrialist and labor rights activist Robert Owen. The idea stuckverzierung in the post-Civil War U.S. and became the standard for the modern work week. Later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted the New Deal policy that made 40 hours a week the American standard to reform previous labor abuses that happened during the Great Depression. Lets take a look at the pros and cons for both employees and employers of reducing the standard work week to 30 hours per week. ProsMore work-life balance appeals to millennials.Parents of young children appreciate the extra family time.Employees are less likely to suffer burnout.Work schedules can be more flexible.ConsEmployees would be paid less.Employers may need to increase staff sizes.Full benefits for fewer hours could increase costs for employers.Workaholic employees may struggle to adjust. The Pros and Cons for Employers Millennials have been the majority of the adult workforce in the U.S. sinc e 2017, and a 30-hour work week appeals to that age group. Millennials have been shown to be more focused on work-life balance than on attaining power at work. A 30-hour work week also could appeal to more parents who already struggle with the responsibilities of having a career and running a household. A shortened schedule offered to employees also can prevent burnout and disengagement in workers by offering them more time to recuperate and enjoy life. The overhead costs of running an office also could be reduced. The risk of injury, which has been shown to increase when people work more than 12 hours per day, could be reduced. In terms of potential negatives for employers, if the standard work week is reduced to 30 hours, this could increase the chance of paying overtime for more hours worked, depending on how overtime laws were adapted to the new standard. It also could leave certain times uncovered by employees during regular business hours, requiring the hiring of more people. Employees who already are working fewer hours may no longer see this as a benefit and start slacking off. The demand for employee benefits could increase as all workers who fall under previous limits tischset forth by health care reform would become eligible for coverage. The Pros and Cons for Employees For employees, having a set 30-hour work week could seem like a dream come true. They could choose to work 5 days each week, but each day would start or end at a more convenient time. They could take longer and more frequent breaks, which means commute times would not improve if they began and ended their shifts at the same times. Employees who already work from remote locations would experience the biggest benefit from a reduced work week. Employees may still have a tendency to work extra hours, as its a hard habit to break. They may be more rested and have more time for personal needs- but at a reduced salary which would remove some of their expendable income. Employees may fi nd it difficult to adjust and wont be as productive in a condensed schedule. The End of the Standard 40-Hour Week? According to Inc., millennials are the first generation that views work as a headspace and not a physical place. They are continually plugged into their mobile phones, in a never-offline and always-available way of working. Millennials have no issue with combining work and personal life. They bound out of bed in the morning already checking emaille and social media networks. They conduct personal business, like shopping, while they also are at work. They dont mind engaging with a manager in a text conversation over weekends. Its clear that mobile working options could influence the number of hours that the average adult works. A 2017 Deloitte Millennial Survey advised that Millennials who report working from flexible locations is up by 21 percent from 2016. About 64 percent now enjoy this perk. Its a matter of preference for each individual. Whether working in an of fice or remotely, employers can establish a set amount of hours that are acceptable and prove to be most productive. Employees can choose careers that offer them the freedom to work when and where they feel they are at their peak of productivity. Working fewer hours also can help reduce burnout, but it could put added stress and pressure on people who dont manage their time well. Impact on Employee Benefits Under the Affordable Care Act, employees are eligible for group health benefits if they are full time, which is defined by working an average of 30 hours per week. Employees also have the option to be covered under a spouses employer plan, a private insurance plan purchased through their state marketplace, or a public health plan if they meet certain low-income guidelines. Some employers also offer limited benefits to part-time workers, including supplemental insurance, educational benefits, paid time off, and company discounts for travel, mobile phones, and technology.

How to Choose Job Title in Resume

How to Choose Job Title in Resume Characteristics of Job Title in Resume Listing the work title you want on top of your resume helps them sort you in the appropriate search and get your materials binnenseen by the ideal people. Located at the very top of your resume below your name and contact info, a headline permits a recruiter to see quickly and concisely what makes you the correct person for the job. Immediately below your contact information you need to tell the hiring manager what sort of position youre looking for. If you meet the requirements for over one open position, you might feel the desire to list both. For example, the title of manager can indicate a selection of things and be in any range of industries. Indistinct job titles and descriptions may impress some folks, but in addition they risk giving the impression your organization is overstaffed and that you are among the nonessential fringe-workers. leid only is capitalization one of the very first things you r employee might see, but in addition, it is important to highlight the essential sections of your resume like your prior jobs and education. Have a look at the requirements for a number of jobs you want to apply for, and build a resume profile title that contains the main requirements from each. For employees, lists of job titles will permit you to discover what other varieties of jobs you might be doing. When you submit an application for a mid-career or upper-level job, employers review your resume to figure out your career path and the way that track fits with their demands. The Ultimate Job Title in Resume Trick Based on the job opening, its feasible for an employer meant for an enormous assortment of resumes for only one specific position. When each position differs, each position will require a different set of bullet points. Depending at work, a work title can describe the degree of the position or the responsibilities of the individual holding-gesellschaft the positi on. Use the work title lists below to help you to get a feeling of what positions are offered in career fields that interest you. The Argument About Job Title in Resume Every time a possible employer makes background checks and reference calls, you are bedrngnis going to have to fret about misrepresenting your title or raising questions regarding your credibility. The aim of a resume headline is to sum up your abilities and experience into a quick phrase that will stick out and show the possible employer exactly what youve got to offer you. If you decide to forego an overview of earlier employment, its essential for your job changes to tell a story. In truth, its the job of a cover letter to find an employer interested enough in you as a candidate to take some time to consider your resume. Understanding Job Title in Resume Job titles change from one company to the next, and that means you need to decide on a title thats recognizable to the majority of employers and recruiter s. If your title is unusual, or very specific to the specific organization for which youre working, you should look for an equivalent title thats well-accepted and generally understood in your industry. It will not save you in the long run. Thus dont let your present job title hold you back. What Job Title in Resume Is - and What it Is Not The sales and marketing business is one predicated on your capacity to sell goods or services to the general public. You could also place your legal business name in case you have one. Resumes might be organized in various ways. Type of Job Title in Resume Employers would like to know that youre reachable at any moment, not just when youre at home. For instance, you may discover that your prior experience makes you stand out, but in the event the employer doesnt gain from your prior experience, you shouldnt include it. While there could not be regarded as a work shared, it genuinely is a substantial recon opportunity and establishes a co nnection which is frequently leveraged later on. Resume headlines are perfect for candidates with a great deal of experience. Getting the Best Job Title in Resume To assist you in getting started, have a look at the sample job descriptions below. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often theyre utilized to secure new employment. If youre searching to customize professional, pre-formatted resumes, have a look at our absolutely free downloadable templates. You might even search and view resumes of unique candidates who have the sort of job youre browsing for to attain insight into the experience and skills employers value. For someone in the building and labor field, acquiring an abundance of skills and experience is vital. Everything on your resume ought to be accomplishments-driven. Details matter, and what exactly you say about your work history should match what your prior employers say. Read below to learn mora on what is included in work title, and the way you can use work title in your job search. Then start looking for skills you might translate from 1 job to another. You would like to land a great job which pays well. Whenever you are job searching, you can look for particular job titles based on what youre searching for in work. In some instances you could have a gap of a month or two or more between leaving a job and receiving a new job. By taking the chance to know the kind of job you will require and tailoring your work application accordingly, you can boost your chances of an employer getting back in touch. The very first step is to thoroughly review each job posting. You want to submit an application for a job for a network security analyst. No matter the kind of job application going for, attempt to tailor your work application to the work that youre applying to. Finding out how to tailor your work application will obviously supply you with an edge. After you determine the skills you wish to concentrate o n, do some research and see whether they line up with job requirements listed for the positions youre seeking. If youre targeting work outside the defense Earth, then you most certainly will need to translate your skills, experiences and accomplishments in the English Language.

3 Interview Questions to Ask Call Center Candidates - Spark Hire

3 Interview Questions to Ask Call Center Candidates - Spark HireWhen interviewing candidates for a position in your call center, the questions you ask during the interview process can either make or break your hiring process. Since your call center employees are directly working with your customers, it is of utmost importance that you hire the right person for the job.There are 3 behavioral style questions you should be asking any candidate you are considering for a position in your call center.1. Tell me about a time you were faced with a difficult customer.As with any behavioral style question, you want to have the candidate walk you through the situation and what made the customer difficult. Then, follow up with questions such asWhat did you do? Why?What was the outcome?Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?By asking these questions, you are looking for the candidate to help you understand their ability to handle difficult or uncomfortable situations with customers. Lets face it, when working in a call center there is a fairly good chance each employee will run into a difficult customer from time to time. You want to make sure that your employees are calm, positive, and resourceful when these situations occur.2. Describe a situation when you had to persuade a customer to see things your way.As with any call center position, there will be times when your employees are convincing your customers to stay with your company or try new products. The skill of friendly persuasion is a must have for call center employees. However, it is important that your employees are not too pushy, which can be a turn-off for many customers.When asking a candidate to explain how they persuaded a customer to see things their way, you want to be sure that you get a good feel for how creative they can be in these situations.Follow up with questions such asWhat was the situation?What did you do? How did you know to do that?What was the outcome?3. Give me an ex ample of a time when you had many tasks to juggle at once within a limited amount of time.In a call center environment, employees need to be able to multitask and juggle many different things at one time. Phones are ringing constantly, customers are on hold, customers have questions and needs, etc. Its important that the person you decide to hire has the ability to juggle many different things at once, while still remaining calm and positive.When asking the candidate for an example of multitasking, you want to pay attention to the tasks that the candidate was managing.What kind of tasks were you managing?What made it difficult to handle these tasks at once?How did you prioritize?Asking these follow up questions will help you to understand how the candidate goes about managing their day and handling many different things at once, while still remaining productive.What are some questions that you ask when interviewing call center employees?Images 3DProfi/Bigstock.comCheck out Spark Hir es FREE whitepaper8 Tips for Improved Call Center Recruiting with Video Interviews