Last week I interviewed someone and one of my last questions was about availability for the job.
The person answered “according to my contract I need to give one month notice…” and then hesitantly added, in a lower voice – “but because of the relationship it would be fair if I give 2 or 3 months notice”.
You can imagine that the candidate felt uncomfortable to say the last part, because he/she thought that I would prefer that she/he would be available as soon as possible (which is, technically, the case, as we are looking for immediate employment).
I responded directly by saying “you’re absolutely right and I understand”. And I moved on.
What the person doesn’t know, is that adding this sentence made him/her an even better candidate, because for me – it reflects on her/his (good) values.
I know that many of you reading this, are looking for a job right now and I can relate to how hard this might be, but don’t compromise on who you are. A place where you want to work, is a place that shares your values.
*Oscar Wilde