Learning to have a positive attitude goes a long way to being hired
LEARNING how to have a good attitude can give jobseekers the competitive edge they need when so many workers are vying for the same jobs.
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ATTITUDE training is being hailed as a key weapon in finding employment, with jobseekers being taught basic manners and how to be “fully present’’ at work.
In a competitive employment market, The Training Store spokeswoman Danielle Peters says it is vital that jobseekers have the personal attributes needed to stand out from the crowd.
“It’s not just about being polite, it’s about being genuine and being authentic,’’ Peters says.
“We often bring our baggage to work … (so the training focuses) on being fully present and not thinking about everything else or focusing on what you’re going to do tomorrow.
“It’s really about showing employers that you have that ‘care factor’.’’
The Training Store has introduced a 45-minute online FISH! Job Seeker course that teaches a set of practises based on Seattle’s successful Pike Place Fish Market, where staff are so energetic that large crowds come just to watch them work.
Peters says the training is designed to create positive attitudes around work and is used by some of the biggest brands around the world, including McDonalds, Microsoft and Starbucks.
“When you go through the course you get back to the basics,’’ she says.
“It’s about looking at the ways people interact with customers … because if you teach these skills to people entering the workforce then they’re going to be more sought after.’’
Entrée Recruitment general manager Megan Nicholson is surprised how many jobseekers fail to observe basic employment etiquette.
She says turning up late and failing to turn off mobile phones are two common mistakes people make at job interviews, with employers concerned these habits will carry over to the workplace.
“There’s also things like dressing for the role that people just don’t seem to realise – often people will come into a job interview and they’re in casual dress, (carrying) their shopping bags … and they don’t realise the impact that it has,’’ Nicholson says.
“No one wants to employ someone with a bad attitude.
“So things like just coming in (to work or a job interview) with a big smile on your face, and being optimistic, can make a big difference.’’
Year 12 student Jessie Dutton has undertaken FISH! training to help her chances of securing a part-time job and says recognising she has the power to change her attitude has been eye-opening.
“I was always the person that, if I missed the bus this morning, would have my whole day ruined,’’ Dutton says.
“Now I know I can change my attitude … to help create a more positive workspace.’’