Wednesday, February 17, 2010

How Rude!


I had to go to the post office this morning. Always an adventure. Today’s entertainment was supplied by the gentleman, yes, using that term very loosely, in front of me.

While standing in line, he placed a call to an establishment where he had apparently completed an application for employment. True, there’s nothing wrong with a follow-up call. Sometimes that can even be beneficial. I wouldn’t, however, recommend this guy’s technique.

To begin with he never bothered to greet the individual who answered the call in anyway. I’m not suggesting getting all chummy but a polite hello wouldn’t have killed him. Instead he began by asking what’s up with his application. From his half of the conversation, I could tell he didn’t get the response he wanted. After a huge, dramatic sigh, he spit out his name. Again, not the desired reply because he turned downright surly and just plain rude.

Now I know the person who answers the telephone in most any business isn’t also the same one responsible for doing the hiring. But often they are the ones who accept applications. And they are always the ones who people within the company speak with. See where I’m going here?

With unemployment levels still hovering around nine percent there are many more applicants than there are positions available. It might be advisable to make at least a minimal attempt with everyone you come in contact with. A good impression is never a bad thing. And yeah, you can believe if I was that receptionist I would have made it known what a total jerk that guy was

Oh after he ended the call, again not bothering with a simple goodbye, he swore very loudly about the woman he spoke to and also berated the company overall for not hiring him instantly. His tirade lasted eight minutes. Yes, I timed it. It’s been an entire month since he applied and I gather he’s tired of waiting. Hmm, my guess is that he really shouldn’t hold his breath at this point. I’m willing to bet that whatever it was that is one job he will never get.

3 comments:

Regina Carlysle said...

First off, I feel really sorry for people who answer phones. They are often subject to all kinds of rudeness. But at least she has a job which is more than you can say for Mr. Rude Ass. No doubt, he will be unemployed this time NEXT YEAR. What company would want someone like that?

Molly Daniels said...

I don't get why people seem to have forgotten 'Hello, how are you' and 'Goodbye'. I've heard kids answer their phones with 'What?' or when the other person answers, it's 'Here's what I need you to do...' and end with '(sigh...) Whatever.' or just 'Okay. Thanks.' and click.

Whatever happened to courtesy on the phone?

Anny Cook said...

Nope, he won't get that job. Ever. Even if he was the last man on earth. Won't happen.