HOW TO GET ON OFF-HAND.
(A New Way With Employers.)
The applicant for work is usually thrown into a state of nervous prostration by the difficulties that beset his task. By a perusal of the following hints he may learn to acquire an invulnerable calm, and if he follows the directions given he can reckon on surprising results.
Suppose the application is for clerical work.
When you are shown into the office of the employer he will probably be engaged with his correspondence. Do not stand meekly in front of him till he looks up and addresses you. This is playing into his hands. Instead, be perfectly at your ease. Make yourself at home. You might ring up one of your acquaintances on the telephone and have a little chat until the employer is disposed to interview you.
Possibly, however, he himself may be using the instrument. If so draw a seat to the desk and write any little note you may wish to. You will find writing materials handy. The stamps are usually kept in one of the small drawers to the right of the desk.
Either of these proceedings will show that you are used to an office and will create an impression on the employer. If you look at him you will see that it has done so.
If he stares at you and continues to stare, say pleasantly, "What a glorious sky this morning! I believe we are in for a long spell of fine weather."
At this he will probably grunt out gruffly, "Ugh!"
Sympathise with his tonsils. Recommend any simple remedy of which you have heard, or point out the advantages of several spots on the Sussex coast. Ask him where his favourite holiday resort is; whether he goes there alone or if he is married, and if so how many children he has. Ask if they are all well at home.
Remember politeness costs nothing.
This method of leading up to business is much better than the old one, in which you stand and are bullied by a man who has no sort of right over you except that he has employment to offer and you want it badly.
Therefore converse with him as if he were an equal, though possibly he may be your inferior.
He may not answer your kind enquiries, but look you up and down from the welt of your boot to your scarf-pin. All employers have learnt this method of scrutiny. They have learnt it from their wives.
Should he examine you in this manner, smile agreeably and walk a few yards to display your profile. Then change the angle and afford him a back view. Say easily, "This collar fits neatly, does it not?" or something like that.
Turning, you can show yourself pleased with his own style of dress.
"Excuse my mentioning it," you remark, "but your taste in neck-gear is exquisite. I have similar ties myself."
This will flatter him, and those men are very susceptible to flattery. Also he will be led to speculate favourably upon the stylishness and extent of your wardrobe.
After this interval of mutual admiration you draw a chair to the centre of the room and say, "I believe you have a vacancy in the office? What is it you want me to be? I presume you think of still managing the business yourself? I will gladly listen to your terms and we will discuss my prospects."
It is now his move. Lean back in your chair and light a cigarette, regarding him with a reassuring smile.
You will find that he will have listened to you attentively, looking hard at your face. As you finish he will push his chair back, rise and strut across the room.
Now is your chance to decide your fate one way or the other.
When he has gone a few steps produce your watch and exclaim in a mildly vexed tone, "How annoying! I had almost forgotten. I have another appointment at eleven. In the short time remaining at our disposal it is impossible to deal adequately with any offer you may make. May I propose an adjournment?"
The suggestion of independence thus delicately conveyed will usually have the desired effect and result in an immediate engagement.
Should the employer fail to be impressed he simply pushes the bell and you are shown off the premises with great promptitude.
"Wanted, strong Willing Girl, age 18, to wait on trained nurses and assist third housemaid upstairs."
Advt. in "Morning Post."
We should give the third housemaid one more chance and then, if she still can't get upstairs without assistance, dismiss her.