Page 270 - Marky Stein - Get a Great Job When You Don't Have a Job-McGraw-Hill (2009)

Fearless Interviewing

respect for your ideas, and I think we really need
your input.” If Harry didn’t show some change after
our talk, I would probably have to bring it up with
our supervisor.

QUESTION: What if your boss continually gossips about one of your
coworkers with you and wants you to join in on the deroga-
tory comments?

Your reaction to situation number 2 would probably depend a lot
upon your relationship with your boss. If you know the boss well,
you might be able to say:

ANSWER: I really don’t feel comfortable talking about Sally in
this way.

If you didn’t know the boss very well, it might be risky to bring
up your discomfort. In that case, you might just have to listen to
the gossip but not participate by saying anything bad about Sally.

QUESTION: What if you have an important personal engagement that
involves several other people, has been planned well in
advance, and also costs a considerable amount of money,
but your boss needs you, just this once, at the last minute to
help her close a $3 billion deal before midnight?

This situation is probably the most common and the most diffi-
cult to deal with. Having to stay late at work when there are
family or social obligations is something just about every-
one has to face at one time or another. It’s a tough situation
because someone is bound to be disappointed no matter what
you decide.
First, tell your boss about the importance of your social
engagement, but also reassure her that you will do everything you
can to help close the deal. You might offer to stay a little bit later
and be late for your other appointment. You might also say some-
thing like “I would make myself available by cell phone all night
until 1 a.m. if need be, and then be on call at my social event.” If
you are particularly invested in your job and perhaps up for pro-
motion, you might just have to accept the consequences and

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