Dear SafetyXChange Members:

The Crypt Master returns. Here's another tale from the interview crypt. This nightmare is scarier than the kinds you see on TV because it's true. It actually happened to an ExecuNet member. There are also tips on what you do to recover from such an ordeal.

By ordeal I'm referring not just to job interviews but critical meetings, sales presentations and other occasions when your personal and professional credibility is on the line. The secret to handling these tense situations is being prepared. Sharing the harrowing experiences of others isn't just amusing but part of the preparation process. So, without any further ado, I present to you:

The Bloody Shirt Nightmare

Andy K recalls a memorable interview that he had shortly after undergoing stomach surgery. "My wife urged me to wait until I felt better. But being (not that I really am) 'Joe He-man,' I told her that I'd be fine."

"I had some crisp new white shirts custom made when I was in Hong Kong and was raring to go!" continues Andy K. "I got to the interview and was sailing through when the interviewer asked, 'Are you feeling okay?' I said, 'I feel great; never better! Why do you ask?'"

When Andy K looked down he saw that his shirt was covered in blood. "My stitches had popped! I had to leave the interview and head to the local hospital to get sewn up."

"Visible blood loss is certainly one way to make an impression on your interviewer!" says Linda Dominguez, principal of Executive Coaching and Resource Network.

The Recovery

Let's assume the rest of the interview went well and that Andy K is still in contention for the job. Let's also assume that he's regained his health. Now the challenge is for Andy K to recover from the interview and get his candidacy back on track. How should he do it?

"The tone of the interview and approach of the interviewer should dictate what kind of reaction is appropriate," says Dominguez. "If the interviewer was an engaging and talkative type, Andy K could follow up with a glib comment like, 'I'd like to finish our interview, and this time I promise I won't bleed!'"

"If the interviewer was serious and direct (short blunt questions and statements), he should follow up with, 'I must apologize for the distraction during our last meeting. I'm truly on the mend, and would like to complete our interview.' Follow with statements related to those issues that went well, such as, 'We had agreed that my experience in fork lift driver training was on target for your goals with X Company, and I'd like to explore this with you further.'"

"What Andy K will have to address, though, is his physical condition," says Dominguez, noting that it's inappropriate for the interviewer to inquire about the surgery. "Andy K should be proactive by sharing what is appropriate, such as, 'My surgery was minor, and I am fully healed and ready to get to work.' Then move on to those unique qualifications to present yourself as a perfect match to their requirements."

The Last Word

Dominguez says that there's another important lesson to learn from Andy K's tale: "Always listen to your wife!"

Next week: The Inquisition

Wishing you career success!

Lauryn Franzoni
ExecuNet
www.execunet.com.

JOB QUALITY AROUND THE NATION

A new study shows that the quality of jobs around the U.S. is in a slow but steady decline. The results are broken down by state. Some highlights:

The States Ranking Highest in Job Quality (in order):

1. Washington, D.C.
2. Massachusetts
3. Maryland
4. Connecticut
5. Delaware
6. Virginia
7. New York
8. New Jersey
9. Illinois
10. Colorado

The States Ranking Lowest in Job Quality (in order)

1. Nevada
2. Hawaii
3. Mississippi
4. South Dakota
5. Vermont
6. Montana
7. Iowa
8. Arkansas
9. Florida
10. South Carolina

Source: Study by W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, http://wpcarey.asu.edu.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT SAFETY

By Gary A. Bennett

I developed a passion for safety during my 14-year career as a police officer, EMT. Investigating all types of accidents and picking up broken bodies in accident after accident tears your heart out after a while. I knew that with just a little more safety on the part of the injured party or one of the vehicle drivers this accident would probably have been avoided. Seeing risky behavior is a big part of being a police officer. But delivering death messages in all hours of the day or night does take a toll.

I went to the autopsy of a 14-year-old boy who was killed in an accident in his own yard. I found it to be a life-changing event. There had to be something I could do to make a difference. After a career change I began taking occupational safety and health classes with like-minded people. I became good friends with other safety professionals including an OSHA compliance officer. I came to realize that becoming a competent safety professional was a lifetime journey of personal growth and development and not to be thought of as a career destination.

In the profession of safety, like so many others, if we are not going ahead with our education then we are falling behind. In safety there is no standing still.

Gary A. Bennett, Safety Director
The Sheridan Corporation
gbennett@sheridancorp.com
www.sheridancorp.com

Editor's Note: This is the final installment of our series on the passion for safety. Thanks to all of the members who contributed. If you have a story to tell, don't fret. Please send it to us and we'll print it at an appropriate occasion.

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