A lot of guys come in to the office for our initial conversation with a CAN-DO! attitude. In other words they “can do” anything. They try to sell their skills for all jobs from turning flapjacks to raising the Empire State Building to flying a B52 Bomber and anything in between. They are ernest and excited about this pitch and they want our help in getting them any job at all. I have to start asking questions to get beyond this, to finding their real skills and their real passions. Usually the same guy does not want to turn flapjacks and also fly bombers. Usually.
Some folks come in, however, and they are more direct. They have some skills. They do not have others. As they chat with me they are honest about their lacks as well as their plusses. They know that not having a car is a stumbling block. They know that certain skills are important and they are proud to have them. They know that other skills are not important and they will say so: “I can not do roofs, but I can lay floor tile. I do not have skills in asbestos work, but I am certified in lead abatement.”
That second type of applicant impresses me. She knows she has made choices in her life and that choices open some doors and close others. This applicant does not want Construction Personnel Group to get just any job: he wants his job, one that fits and furthers his own journey. I’m happy to talk to this applicant because his application will be filled with direct answers to direct questions.