Just a quick tip to prospective hires: in an interview when you’re asked what strengths you have or what sets you apart, don’t say you have a strong work ethic. It’s cliche, and it doesn’t make you stand out.
I’ve interviewed hundreds of people, all wanting jobs. I’ve never had any of them say they didn’t have a strong work ethic. They’ve all said they are hard workers, that they have a strong work ethic. 90% of them were lying. Or deceived. Probably delusional.
Instead, say something like: I show up on time, every day. I have backup plans for my kids. I take care of myself so I don’t get sick. Now, showing up on time to the interview is key when you state this. If you don’t show up on time to the interview, you’ve just proven yourself to be a liar.
Be honest with yourself, and with your prospective boss. They’ll appreciate it, and your chances of getting hired are much higher. If you say you are detail oriented, but have misspelled words in your resume, you’re not detail oriented. If you switch jobs every three months, sorry, you don’t have a strong work ethic. What it actually says is that you can’t stick to anything, and I’ll waste my time training you to do the job.
In short, be who you are for better or for worse. It’s better to be upfront in the beginning and show all your cards than to waste 3-6 months of your life in a lie. It only makes everyone miserable. So be honest, and expect the same of your interviewer. I promise, they’ll respect you for it. And if not, you really don’t want to work there any way.
DaveGrigsby.com 