Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Okay, I’m an old man. Nevertheless, can persons in the workplace show some respect to one another?

As I write this, I remain unemployed. There is always hope for a 50-something with a few job skills (advanced degrees, certifications, books published, etc.), but it is tough.

One request for those interviewing the unemployed:

Show some respect.

For example,

• arrive on time
• offer a cup of coffee or other beverage
• comb your hair
• shave
• straighten your shirt
• pull up your pants above your knees
• act like a professional (you do have a paying job)

“Come on old man, this is the 21st century. These are the fashions…”

Don’t give me that excuse. Go out of your way and do more than you “have to” that shows some respect.

Now to the “do not’s:”

• usher people into phone booths called interview rooms
• read from a script
• ask meaningless questions
• talk in circles
• promise things you won’t do

And so on, but please, just show some respect.