Job Seekers Also Report Surprising Employer Behavior
Comedians Tripp and Tyler Parody Best Practices

Unemployment may be low, but so, too, is the behavior of some job applicants. A new survey by Express Employment Professionals of business leaders reveals the shocking and bizarre behaviors witnessed during job interviews.
 
“On the way, without asking, he grabbed a donut, brought it into my office and proceeded to eat it during the interview.”
 
“A person wanted to show me they could do the splits and a back handspring.”
 
“A lady showed up wearing bunny slippers.”
 
Certainly, such behavior is the exception, not the rule. But there are plenty of unprofessional behaviors that interviewers witness regularly.
 
Express asked respondents, “Which of these behaviors have you witnessed from a job candidate during an interview?” Respondents were able to choose multiple answers.
 

• 85% report a job candidate “showing up late.”
  
•  83% report a job candidate with “inappropriate clothing.”
  
• ·49% report a job candidate with “inappropriate language.”
  
• 48% report a job candidate “eating or chewing gum.”
  
• 39% report a job candidate “responding to text messages.”
  
• 37% report a job candidate “answering a phone call.”
  
• 31% report a job candidate “bringing a child into the interview.”
  
• 31% report a job candidate “bringing a friend into the interview.”
  
• 26% report a job candidate “bringing a parent into the interview.”
  
• 24% report a job candidate being “under the influence” of drugs or alcohol.
  

 
Comedians Tripp and Tyler parody how to improve interviewing for jobs on behalf of Express, but these tips aren’t just applicable for job seekers. Shocking interview behavior is a two-way street. Express also surveyed job applicants, and they report some surprising behaviors from interviewers as well. Respondents were also able to choose multiple answers.
 

• 63% report an interviewer “showing up late.”
  
• 58% report having an interviewer with a “lack of preparation.”
• 51% report an interviewer “answering a phone call.”
• 39% report an interviewer “oversharing.”
• 30% report an interviewer “asking discriminatory questions.”
• 28% report an interviewer “wearing inappropriate clothing.”

 
Express experts have witnessed many of these behaviors in their careers.
 
Express experts offer a few basic and simple rules for job applicants to present themselves professionally during a job interview, including: showing up early, dressing appropriately, doing some research on the employer and turning off your cell phone.
 
Also, a simple follow-up after an interview, whether an email or a call, can help a job applicant stand out and show an employer they really want the job. Further, preparing and tailoring answers for the specific job is important.
 
Job seekers need to be aware that the interview starts the minute you enter the building or call the office, so treat everyone professionally and with respect.

Job applicants—and interviewers—must remember that in an interview, everything will be scrutinized. Express provides Job Genius, a free video-based program for students, to help the future workforce with everything from interviewing etiquette to soft skills for career success. 
 
“An interview is an opportunity to show your future employer your full potential,” said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express. “If you don’t show you care about the interview or respect the time and influence of the person who will hire you, no one will believe you’ll care about doing a good job. If you answer a phone call during an interview, you might as well tell the caller you didn’t get the job—because it’s a pretty safe bet you won’t. Interviewers need to be self-aware, too. In this tight labor market, the smallest thing could turn off a qualified candidate, and that’s not something you can afford.”
 
The survey of 310 business leaders and decision makers was conducted in June 2019 through the Express Refresh Leadership blog. The survey of 212 job seekers was conducted in June 2019 through the Express Job Journey blog.
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The Durango Express office is located at 321 So Camino Del Rio and serves the Four Corners. Local businesses and applicants are encouraged to stop by, visit Expresspros.com or call (970) 403-8780.

Why did you open the doors to your business? Today's business owners often say it's because they want to make a difference, fill a need, solve a problem, or support their community. There's little doubt that business ownership isn't just about making money; it's about making a difference. What role will your business play in supporting, molding, and developing our community? That's left up to your goals.

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Our members make a difference in many ways. There are countless ways and opportunities to support our community, give back, or open doors for those living here. We've seen members take on incredible challenges or offer simply support.

Creating Important Jobs
Your business is already doing so. For example, you're creating jobs for the community, which ensures that people can find a way to support their families and to work towards reaching their financial goals. Sometimes, the jobs our members offer can provide new opportunities not otherwise present in the community.

Empowering Employees
Our members also empower their employees. Imagine the opportunities to learn, grow, and expand. Some help to support the educational goals of their employees by supporting flexible scheduling, tuition reimbursement, or continuing education access. This can change the future path of an individual, allowing that individual to achieve his or her goals. Many times, they come back to the community to use those new skills to better it as well. It's comprehensively worth the investment from all sides.

Contributing to the Positive Culture of the Community
Our members also contribute to the positive culture of the community in many ways. As an independent local association, we help facilitate opportunities to do this by communicating needs. However, many of our members find ways to contribute on their own. They may help to support a sports team by contributing financially or purchasing uniforms. They may help to sponsor an event taking place to raise money for a charity. Though some do so through well-recognized events, festivals, and programs, others do so behind the scenes. They contribute because they believe in supporting the efforts of the organization, residents, employees, or just the community as a whole.

Are You Building a Legacy?
Some entrepreneurs build their businesses themselves as their legacy. They work hard to grow and scale. Others view their greatest impact as what they leave behind within the community. It is the steps they take to make the community better than they found it. Do you hope to leave an imprint? Do you plan to achieve incredible goals?

Many of our members look to find the good and praise it. They volunteer, give away their time, providing discounts on products or services, or simply give their knowledge. They work to support charities, children's activities, and seniors. They listen, learn, and act to help others in our community to achieve their goals or meet their needs.

As the Chamber of Commerce, we're proud of the business's efforts to take these steps. We encourage every member to take another look inside to find out they can build a legacy.

Economy // Talent // Workforce
The talent shortage is affecting businesses across a variety of industries. As our world has moved firmly into the digital age, more and more businesses are looking to hire employees who have digital skills, including web design, digital marketing, social media and more. However, many businesses are finding that there just aren't enough job applicants who possess the required skills, resulting in a talent shortage.

It is not that recent graduates aren't getting quality educations, but rather that educational institutions have not yet incorporated the needs of today's job market into their curricula. The end result is that there are numerous jobs available in the digital areas of business, but those applying for the jobs don't have all of the skills required.

If you have children, of course you want them to have the best possible chance of success in their future careers. Particularly in the digital space, it is important not to rely solely on formal education to develop the skills needed to be successful in the modern business world. Until the world of education catches up with the rapid pace of growth in this area, students may need to take it upon themselves to learn these crucial skills.

Encourage your children to expand their knowledge outside of traditional outlets. The more experiences you can expose them to, the greater their chances of discovering where their passions lie. Take the time to sit down with each of your children individually to discuss their goals for the future. Then, you can advise them on which skills will be most desirable to employers.

Of course, finding employment is not the only goal of getting an education, but it will help your kids find a way to get paid for doing what they love. Encourage your kids to think outside the box in terms of career opportunities and courses of study. When your child finds what he or she is truly passionate about, you'll know which avenues of education make the most sense and which areas may need to be studied independently.

Talent shortages are not uncommon in the business world and most often occur after rapid advances in technology and techniques. The current workforce must act quickly to adjust to the latest trends, and those just entering the industry are in the best position to make the most of the latest developments. Because they won't be bogged down by the way things were done in the past, your children can focus on driving future development and growth.

If your grown children are struggling to find employment in today's rapidly changing business environment, don't let them get discouraged. With a bit of creativity and effort, they can find a suitable job that makes the most of their innate talents and personal passions. Taking some time to further their education with the most in-demand skills in today's market is often a better choice than trying to force-fit themselves into a job that isn't quite right. Although we may never be able to eliminate the skills gap entirely, our children have the chance to minimize it as best they can.