Would you want to work with these people?
they posted a job ad including the phrases “The role will leverage all aspects of the offer matrix” and “ … will include presenting and evangelizing xxx’s offering …”
Does this kind of talk excite you, repulse you, or leave you unmoved? If otherwise qualified, would you apply?
Clarification added December 11, 2009:
just so you get the complete picture, the job posting is for a "Visionary CTO" , and was posted by the "Head of Awesomeness Assurance", whose background appears to be writing and PR.
Good Answers (6)
Bob K.
Writer, Director; Owner, Bravura Films, Inc.; Communications Consultant
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I would be pleased to apply for a role that leverages all aspects of the offer matrix and proud to present and evangelize the company's offerings, especially if the aspects are of the unique, cost-effective and robust next-generation aspect type.
At the end of the day, though, the matrix would have to be flexible, scalable and optimized in terms of metrics that deliver value added outcomes, and the offerings would, hopefully, be easy to use, world-class and unique—as well as focused on high performance innovations from a leading provider of new and improved feature sets. Heck, the bottom line is, I'd give 110 percent commitment—or more—to such a win-win partnership of all stakeholders. Wouldn't you?
Clarification added December 11, 2009:
Clarify? Why should I clarify? Can't you read English?
Kenny M.
Recruitment Services Director 07721034234
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I'd "leverage" my experience of years of listening to management bullsh*t and "evangelise" the benefits of clarity of speech and the written word, before any more "blue water" developed between the "thought-leaders" who "brainstormed" the ad, and the "target segment of talent".
That made me smile at the end of a long day. Thanks, Loren!.
Edward B.
Commodity Broker, C-Level Operations Consultant, Postgrad Business and Operations Instructor
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Profoundly YES they are so dumb & easily inflenced by Bla Bla they don't know which way is up any more.. you could talk your way through almost anything.. without actually doing anything.. nice job, where do I apply..
Rich B.
Talent Acquisition Consultant at MarTech Search
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I’m psyched! Where do I sign up?
Réna C. A.
Technical Writer / Content Manager
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1st thought -
Oddly stated sales job by someone who grew up playing sci-fi video games
2nd thought -
Oddly stated sales job by someone who hasn't grown up one bit and still plays sci-fi video games, probably breathes anime as well
3rd thought -
Is it as odd/bad/perversely entertaining as I think? I think I'll apply and find out ...
Nigel T.
Strategic Sourcing Manager EMEA at TGI Fridays
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I'd love to know what sort of KPIs they have in place to measure the performance of which ever poor bugger gets the job. How does one demonstrate excellence in "evangelising" ?
More Answers (31)
You'd be surprised at how motivated someone that has to pay a mortgage is. This will not attract the "passive" candidate, but to someone that needs a job, yes it will attract the person that needs employment.
Nina Y.
Business Attorney, problem solver, bottom line watcher, risk manager. Linking only with shared interests, please.
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>>Does this kind of talk excite you,
No
>> repulse you,
NO
>>or leave you unmoved?
NO, It makes me laugh
Clarification added December 10, 2009:
But I agree with Michael, people apply for jobs in spite of how specific language strikes them. But in this case, I would be wary of a culture mis-fit between myself and the company.
Judy B. M.
Business WRITER | Editor | Blogger | Strategic MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS | B2B | Web Content Creator | BusDev
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Corporate blather. You have to wonder what kind of 'writers' they employ who can roll out this kind of pap/crap daily. No wonder I'm finding it so hard to find a new job as a corporate communicator: I write in English.
it's so vague, I think I'd get lost on the way to the interview ;)
Rather than excite, repulse or leave me unmoved, this type of prose succeeds in conveying to me the impression the company wishes to portray to a specific audience of potential candidates, through the talented wordsmithing skills of their copywriter.
In this case, what I get is "we're modern, cool, articulate, movie-savvy, Googleesque and intense... apply if you are excited, don't even think about it if you are repulsed, and we definitely don't believe you'd be a good evangelist if you're unmoved."
If they had said, "in this job you'll be a jack of all trades" and "you'll be speaking to audiences that really need a kick in the pants to wake up," I believe it would have signified their intent to appeal to an entirely different category of applicants.
Mary L.
Relocation Services | Moving Links 4 You | ReloMary | USA
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I like when people talk human...somehow it's a little more enticing to think the people you're working for/with are human and talk like it.
Monica M. P.
Expertise: Operational Efficiencies & Margin Enhancements
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If the opening were for a communications role I certainly would as they apparently need a ton of help in that area.
Naunnie B.
Professional Recruiter
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Uh Matrix, wasn't that a movie? Loved the movie but I don't think I want to work for these people especially if they are in some other stratosfield.
Of course they could be doing this specifically by design so that only other self centered ego maniacs apply. :-)
Todd R.
at TriMedx
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I'd have to see it in context. But, as a general rule, I'm not one to get very excited about an advertised job in the first place.
I would be very wary of this company. This sounds like an unoriginal company that is more worried about looking right than being right. I prefer substance over style.
If thats all they said then they did not say anything. but as someone has already stated having to make mortgage payments will incentivize you into applying for most anything these days. So as long as I did not have to share an office with the person who wrote that I would consider it. :-)
Martin T.
Crisis Management§Interim Executive
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Barf! There's no point in applying the company and I would hate each other on sight.
Sahar A.
Diversity& Inclusion|Leadership training|Social Media Marketing|Social Media Training|Public Speaker|Culture Competence
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Loren:
If your question has been posted at any other time I would have said these people really to smell the coffee as obviously they dont have the right people in the right places their lines dont make any sense so that reflects on the whole organization culture
But in these very difficult times you will be surprised how many people even if repulsed by the statement will apply and hope that they get it as long as it pays a salary. a lot of people have been out of work for a long time trying to support their families so any income is more than welcomed
When things get better they will have a chanvce to look for another job, basically these companies will just get someone now that will leave as soon as they can
Jeff W.
Engagement Manager at ProSource Solutions LLC
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Loren,
There are two different standards. Candidates are expected to be knowledgeable, skillful, well mannered, articulate, educated, connected and highly recommended. They must be able to write exceptionally, speak professionally, communicate effectively in all mediums and be able to prove performance above all others. The companies who seek these individuals don't have to do any of that.
Good luck!
Jeff
Kristen F.
Sr. Recruiter, resume expert, former career advice columnist, aspiring novelist and networker *extraordinaire*
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It's "job descriptions" like this that leave candidates frustrated and annoyed at the whole application/interview process.
It saddens and frustrates me that this sort of dribble exists in this day and age.
Bushra S.
Holistic Coach & Practitioner at Independent
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Keeping all the bias apart, I think this need not get anyone offended or be put-off. The whole world talks cyber and this is just another term.
We need to move with the change, else every other word might seem bizzare.
Elsabe S.
The Intuition Coach
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If the ad contains so much corporate speak, I can just imagine the culture of not using your brain, and toeing the corporate line at all costs.
Been there, done that, and grew up and out of it. I am unmoved.
Just look at all of the Thought leaders, evangelists, gurus, and such on LinkedIn. There will be plenty who think that job description is their nirvana in a cube.
Kate B.
Kate Bacon: Communications Genius | Helping businesses standout online
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What an earth does it mean...plain English please!
Emily K.
Sales Administrative Assistant at Tableau Software
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I agree with some of the other folks here that to someone desperate to get a job and paycheck, this is exciting only because it's an opportunity for employment. For others who can take their time, no - this type of wording is much like "peacocking" (when a male peacock tries to impress a mate by puffing out its feathers and dancing around). It's not substantial, but to some, it's the bright shiny object that will distract them from what is, most likely, a fairly boring job.
That said - if one did answer this post and went in for an interview, the conversation could be entirely different. Which is another red flag. The conversation should be consistent from start to finish. So the wording in the job description should be a good indication of the working environment and atmosphere. In this case - lots of peacocking.
Links:
Trish C.
@trishrc - Expert in Consulting, Staffing, Recruiting; Marketing, Communication, Change and Engagement and BizDev
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My take is that companies will get the best candidates when they express the deal breaker requirements and what will be necessary for success in the role. So often job descriptions have lines like those above and things like "team player", "great work ethic", etc. or the job description was written from the last position holder's resume...that does not tell anyone anything - every company wants product evangelists and things like that - what is most important for the hiring manager is to relate what is necessary for success and for the candidate is to relate how their particular background will lend success to the role citing examples of how success has been reached in the past. That in addition to the personality fit is a better recipe for a successful placement.
Paul F.
AML Investigator/Educator-work led to convictions & cessation of $350+ million in laundering, theft, fraud & govt waste
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Has me going right on by. I want nothing to do with pompous windbags. Some years back, I was in a brainstorming session and this lady was jotting some of the comments onto a flip chart. She kept saying she was "scribing" our remarks. After about the fourth time hearing that, I just wanted to scream "Lady, you're just taking the freaking notes. Get over yourself!"
I don't care how big of a mortgage I need to pay, I believe in being true to myself and comfortable in my surroundings. These people would make me want to "cause grievous bodily harm."
