Happy To Be Here

Business Insider writer Jessica Liebman posted a now viral article about how she never hires anyone that doesn’t send a thank you email. It sparked a debate across the interwebs because in the “age of technology” it is almost impossible to find someone’s personal email address. Especially in the “don’t call us, we’ll call you” community we live in. There was a time where you could cold call a company and set up an interview and it showed initiative. 2019 is not that time. Not only is it not that time, but a simple thank you or follow up email can even be seen as an inconvenience to the interviewer. I’m not sure if age or privilege is Jessica’s problem. I do know the more I read her flawed argument, it further solidified my outlook on the job search and life in general. I’m tired of being happy to be here.

You know when a new artist gets invited to the Grammys and when asked how they feel about being nominated they respond with “I’m just happy to be here.” Eff that noise. We as people, especially people of color, spend so much time learning humility that we allow it to lead our lives. The expectation to be grateful just to be in the presence of a hiring manager, or someone else of privilege does everyone a disservice. It sets a standard that my time isn’t valuable or that I don’t deserve to be in this space. The point of an interview is to show job qualifications. When did it become commonplace to stroke the ego of a recruiter? No, I’m not happy that you simply allowed me to interview with you. I’m not honored to work for a company that barely pays over minimum wage.

Any job that stifles is not worth the time. During the job search, I utilize glassdoor.com like it is the bible. It is a website where employees of the past and present discuss the work environment and the interview process. I cannot tell you how many times I went on an iffy interview and had Glassdoor confirm my suspicions later. I spent three years in a job I hated, one that stifled and made me feel like I should have been honored to be in that atmosphere. Similar to Jessica Liebman’s respect me more than I respect you prerogative. Recruiters, don’t be like Jessica. Recruits, don’t let their expectation of humility overshadow your confidence.