I was just sitting in front of the computer and was reflecting on how some people complain about what they must do to get a Provider to extend an invitation to come over, or agree to go out with them. I know, I have waaayyy too much time on my hands. Nevertheless, if you look at this objectively I think you will see the similarities between seeing a Provider,and applying for a job outweigh the differences.
The Interview:
Why do you apply for a job? Because unless you are independtely wealthy and are volunteering your services, the Employer has something you want and need,ie Money! The Employer uses the Interview to determine if the applicant is the type of person he or she wants to trust with his or her business. To determine this, the Employer looks at various things, such as educational background(are you qualified to do this job?), What have you accomplished professionally in the past? Past employment, and why are you no longer there? This can, and often does include references from past employers. The more experience you have on your resume, and the more positive references you can provide, brings you that much closer to your goal, A JOB!
Why do you set up an appointment with a Provider? Because, unless you are a Hermaphdodite, the Provider has something you want and need,ie sex. The Provider uses the interview to determine if you are the kind of guy she wants to trust with her LIFE! To determine this the Provider looks at various things such as current employment(can you afford her, or are you a wannabe?). Have you seen anyone else? If so,who,and if not why?
For all she knows you are a raging lunatic. Your review list(either on a web site such as this,or verified verbally)serves as your resume. The more entries you have on your review list, and the more positive references you can provide brings you that much closer to your goal. If you don't know what that is you should be on another web site, or doing your homework!
Making that first Impression:
Having spent much of my professional life in a service related industry, it never ceased to amaze me how some people were dressed for that first impression. It's a proven fact that people who are serious about making a good first impression come dressed in a manner appropriate for the job in question. For example an individual applying for for a professional, or office type job will come dressed accordingly.The same goes for a skilled tradesman type of job, perhaps not as formal, ie a skilled carpenter, plumber, or auto mechanic would not necessarily appear in a suit, but in a manner appropriate to that type of occupation.This is just one of many things an Employer looks for to determine if the applicant takes pride in themselves, and will reflect positively on the firm. In addition, fellow employees do not want to work with a slob.
The Provider expects the same. She may not expect you to come dressed in Armani (or yes?). She will however, expect you to present yourself dressed in a neat and clean manner. come dressed as a skid row bum, and you can expect the door to be slammed in your face. Lets face it Providers don't want to work with slobs either.
Personal Hygeine:
When an applicant shows up for an interview smelling like the local land fill that's a death knell to any chance of getting the job, because quite frankly it's unfair to the other employees.
When a potential client shows up for an appointment smelling like the local land fill he's likely to get a well placed boot heel up his ass as he sails out of the Providers apartment. Why? Because like like an ordinary employee who won't work WITH a walking talking land fill, a Provider will not work ON! a walking talking land fill!
Punctality:
A potential Employer expects an applicant to show up for his or her interview on time. Why? Two reasons. First, it's likely that the Employer has more than one applicant to see that day. Second, absent extenuating circumstances an applicant who shows up on time for the interview will be, in theory at least, on time for work if hired.
A Provider expects a client to show up on time to avoid a conflict with any other appointments she may have that day. Even if she has no other appointments that day, she does have a life, and other commitments that SHE has to be on time for. Therefore, don't be surprised if you show up late and you are told that you have forfeited your time, or at best are only allowed a shortened session.
Following Company Policy:
An Employer has a vision as to how he or she wants the business run. Consequently, the Employer sets down policy that he or she expects the employees to follow. The employee is informed of these policies upon his orientation. If the employee chooses not to follow these policies, the employee is fired, plain and simple.
A Provider has a vision of what she will, or will not do. The client is usually informed of this just prior to commencment of the the session. If the client chooses not to observe these restrictions, the client will hear the door slam as he sails head first, out of the Providers apartment.
Attention to detail:
An Employer loves an employee who shows attention to detail. This shows the employer that the work is being completed correctly. An employee who shows attention to detail reflects pride in his job, and as such will reflect positively at promotion, or raise time.
A Provider absolutely loves a client who shows attention to detail. This shows the Provider that the client takes pride in attending to the Providers needs as well as his own. A client who shows attention to detail during a session shows that he cares about who he is with, and that will reflect positively in whether or not the Provider extends an invitation to return. Because Gentlemen, that is what it is, an invitation.
Lastly, the Employer is not required to hire the applicant. The Provider is not required to see the client.
In the final analysis, the only difference is who is compensated. The Employer pays the employee, the client pays the Provider.
Agree, or diagree, I just thought that this little comparison puts things in perspective.
-- Modified on 8/27/2003 10:40:38 AM
