Forbes reports that the number of unhappy workers outnumbers the number of happy workers around the world by a factor of two. When preparing for a job interview, you may be preoccupied with how to make a good impression on the interviewer.
Strong leadership, as described in Michael Lee Stallard’s book Connection Culture, is predicated on the fundamental human desire to belong to a community (which is in contrast to feeling unsupported, left out, or lonely). Cultures of control and apathy, on the other hand, are described in the book as being counterproductive to individual and organizational success, while a connection culture is seen as being conducive to both.
How productive, healthy, and happy you are in your role as a medical esthetician will depend on the atmosphere of the spa or doctor’s office you choose to work in. The most important thing to think about during an interview for your ideal career as a cosmetic laser specialist is whether or not the company culture is a good fit for you. You should learn whether the workplace culture is one of control, indifference, or connection.
Advice for Job Seekers: Fostering Cultural Connections
Pre-Interview
Before going in for an interview, it’s a good idea to research the company culture by reading reviews left by current and former employees on sites like Glassdoor.com. If your motto is “Get hired. If you want to learn how to truly “love your job,” glassdoor.com is a fantastic place to start. Remember that not all evaluations are reliable; for example, a former employee may write a negative review out of spite. If, on the other hand, you learn that most people working there are pleased with their jobs, you should put up your best effort in the interview in order to land the position.
Initial Impact
The receptionists’ attitude toward you upon your arrival can be a telling sign of the general atmosphere in the workplace. What does it seem like to you right now? Have you waited for several minutes in a waiting room where no one was there to greet you? Could it be that nobody is happy to wait in the lobby? Most likely, the culture of this workplace is one of indifference rather than one of closeness and support. On the other side, if you walk into an office and are welcomed by a kind, sympathetic coworker who asks about your day and hands you a water bottle because they know your name, you’re probably dealing with a connection culture.
Getting to Know You: The Interview
Keep an eye on your potential boss’s demeanor when you’re called into the back office for an interview. Do they acknowledge you by name, smile at you, and make eye contact? If you said yes, your prospective boss is likely more than just a task-oriented manager who pushes paper. This person is likely a leader who has established a culture of connection by prioritizing the well-being of employees over merely completing tasks.
At the end of the interview, after asking you questions about your work experience, education, and related topics, your potential employer may ask if you have any other questions. If they don’t, that’s cause for alarm; the leader of a genuine connection culture will listen to and act on what you have to say. It’s a red flag if the person you’re interviewing to become your boss does most of the talking and doesn’t encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas in an open discussion. Asking the correct questions when given the opportunity to do so might help you decide whether or not you will feel comfortable in a new culture. If you value your pleasure at work, you should never take a job without having this information first.
Post-Interview
Take the “What Culture Do You Work In” quiz on connectionculture.com after your interview to see if the company you’re thinking about working for has a connection culture. While answering the questions, it can help to put yourself in the shoes of the employer you’re interviewing with. Research the medical spa or doctor’s office’s connection culture after your interview to ensure it is something you’re comfortable with. If you have any further queries, please feel free to give us a call. Follow your gut impulses. If you feel like you’ve found a place where you can make meaningful connections, then you’re in luck. If a job is offered to you, you should seriously consider taking it.