Black In Business

I am an executive recruiter. I own Global Recruirters Network of Oak Park. www.grnoakpark.com. I was at one time a senior recruitment manager for Abbott Diagnostics Divison. My company wanted me to help them find more diverse candidates for hire. I keep in touch with some of Abbott’s management and they are still looking for more diverse management. A friend ,and black business owner that was employed by Ross Laboratories mentioned that being black could be a benefit in business. A white engineer mentioned, being black is an advantage in business. My friend that was a major player on Wall street , told me the black traders and money managers that knew how to take advantage of being black, made 7 figure incomes. My wife has said often, we need to stop blaming the white race for our own issues and problems. Recently, when I met best sellting author Stedman Grahame, he said race is not a factor in business,

I am starting to catch on, yesterday I said, racism is a reality but we must deal with it and not let it keep us from winning, living good is the best revenge.

Part of my business is understanding what makes employees get hired. It is not who is best qualified but rather, who is best liked. We as blacks in bussiness will get oppottunities to interview but how do we become likeable?

A few suggestions; dress approprate, research the company, tell a story with real life examples,how you can contribute to company growth, men, wear a watch , class and wedding ring only, (I tend to wear a lot of jewerly, but not for interviews or important busines meetings.You should often smile, not like sambo but  to be likeable.Please do not have a drink to calm your nerves or smoke prior to interview. In every interview there is a point where you will be asked,” do you have any questions?” “How much will I make, or how much vacation time do I get?”, While important, should not be your first questions.Have some well thoughtout questions to ask. ” If you offer me and I accept this position, what can I work on first to ease your workload?” That is a good way to close the deal. Questions about compant strategy, the interviewers  success story, ex, “My hope is to some day be in a role like yours, what steps have you taken to contribute to your success?”

The interviewer may or may not try to make you relax. As a black in business it is our job and a absolute must, that we have the interviewer relax. Notice a common bond in their office you can comment on. family photos, indications of hobbies, the view, any thing to break the ice.

Thers are jobs out there, check out this web site.http://www.workplacediversity.com/