Blog Post: The "receptionist" holds the keys to the kingdom...

I'm a sales guy, and I am unapologetic about it.  In fact, I am very proud of my profession and I am pretty darn good at it.  Of course, I am saddened by many stories I hear of - and personal experiences I have with - individuals who presume to call themselves "sales professionals," but are nothing of the sort.  Anyone can get a job in sales, but that doesn't make one a sales professional.

There are a number of characteristics that are distinct among sales professionals, the most obvious of which is the percentage of time he or she spends talking during a sales call.  The lower the percentage, generally speaking, the better - or at least more consultative - the sales person.  But there is an often overlooked indicator that I'd like to share today: how they treat the receptionist (or the person who answers the phone or door in your business).

A "sales professional" understands that the person answering the phone or the door is a company insider; someone that knows more about the inner workings of that organization than the sales person does.  As a result, the true professional holds this person in high regard and treats them with respect if not reverence.

Ok, Peter, you've talked about sales people, but how does this relate to my employment search?  Glad you asked - the bottom line is that the "receptionist" holds the keys to the kingdom for you, whether you are a sales person or a person wanting to join the company.

Just as sales professionals understand that the person on the front line of any business - in this case the receptionist - is an insider with information they want, the best job seekers understand that this person is the first step in the interviewing process.

There are companies that instruct their front desk workers to pay close attention to the behavior exhibited by candidates as they wait for their interview.  Many organizations train their reception teams to engage the candidates, ask some questions, and get a feel for the person.  They can make or break the decision to hire you.  All they have to do is report that you were rude, discourteous, or otherwise not a fit and you're probably done.  Why?  Because these employees are trusted and you - the job seeker - are the outsider looking in.

In closing, it doesn't matter if you are applying to the janitorial department or to be the next Executive VP, each person you contact at a potential employer should be treated as if they - not you - are the one with the keys to the kingdom.  Those who fail to do so will remain among the ranks of the often unemployed.