| February 15, 2009 | Posted By: Trevor Wilson | Category: Speaking |
At least once per day I overhear a conversation and cringe. It could be with a co-worker, a friend, or a stranger on the street, but it happens every day. The problem is not what is being said, it is the language that is being used.
For the most part I like to advocate a firm barrier between one’s professional and private lives, but the unfortunate fact is that the way many of us speak in our personal conversations is destroying our professional credibility and even our ability to communicate with others.
While this example isn’t a “job hunting” example, it draws an interesting parallel. Even though current business trends seem to point towards an integration between business and social media (as evidenced by the number of companies popping up in Twitter), it doens’t mean that business isn’t conducted in a formal matter. Sadly, a lack of formality could cost you a job.
During my time in University, I had a Professor who gave a long talk on the abuse of the word “Like” (which is documented in my book). Some people have a tendency to use it as a filler in almost every sentence. For example:
So I, like, went to the mall with some friends.
Like, what do you want to do tonight?
You know, like…
Someone once described this to me as “Valley Girl talk”, but its use is bleeding into our everyday conversations. If you listen hard enough, the word is everywhere. Unfortunately, using it in this way destroys your credibility and your ability to be persuasive.
The point that I am trying to make is that you need to be extremely careful about your language and how you use it, particularily when you are looking for work. Overusing “filler” words, or using popular slang will ensure that you never land a job. Stay on top of your language and you will be more successful at showing your professional side.
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I agree use of language is critical as is professional presentation. But for the vast majority of the positions I’m trying to fill, I can live with a few filler “likes” and other small language quirks, if their use of language in a big picture sense shows that they are aligned with my organizations mission, values and goals.
When someone complains, blames, uses outdated language for our industry–those are the language blunders that are ‘deal breakers’ in my book.
Thanks for your comment! I always like hearing from recruiters/employers/hiring managers!
All else being equal, would you give the person with the filler “likes” the same amount of consideration as someone with more polish?
As a translator, I gotta say this attitude would absolutely get me fired. I agree that if a position requires working with clients, the ability to communicate in a strictly professional manner is necessary, but the use of a certain type of language during other situations can be a cultural thing and doesn’t necessarily reflect an employee’s worth. If an employer were to use minor language use as a ground for not hiring someone, I don’t think that would be a good environment to work in.
For example, this is a good blog despite the blaring spelling error.