J.T. and Dale: 'Fast learner' not what employers want to hear from prospective employees

DALE: I hate to say this, but I have a suspicion that any senior-level job applicant who resorts to “I am a fast learner” is eliminated from consideration. There’s nothing wrong with being a learner, of course. The problem is that most managers don’t have time to be teachers. Plus, when applicants are making a transition, there’s that doubt: Can this person really do the job? By hiring someone with the exact experience needed, that’s one less risk.

J.T.: You have developed an expertise in IT management, Ben. You are a specialist. Nobody is going to pay you to “catch up” your business experience. For instance, say you want to hire someone to do your taxes. You have a neighbor who tells you that she’s been a teacher for the past 15 years but wants to get back into taxes. Would you hire her? Maybe. But here’s the tougher question — would you agree to pay her by the hour as she teaches herself all the new tax laws?

DALE: However, that doesn’t mean you should not or cannot make the transition; you just need to evolve into the new role. For instance, you could go to a company whose business is IT — and therefore, that is where the line between the business side and the IT side gets blurry.

J.T.: Or, right now, start volunteering for projects in your current organization that would let you get more involved on the business side of things. When you can show an employer that they’ll get more for their money by moving you, you will make a graceful transition without having to take a step back in level or pay.

Dear J.T. & Dale: Two weeks ago, I had a job interview for an HR job, and it went well. However, I was astonished by the reason I didn’t get hired. During my interview, I mentioned that I was taking courses in computer programming at a career college. The classes only meet on Saturdays. When the human resources director called to tell me I did not get the job, she said that she wanted to hire me but the top boss turned me down because of my being enrolled in school. He said he wanted someone for the “long term.” How should I talk about my part-time education in future interviews? — Khoi

J.T.: I am sorry to hear that you didn’t get the job, but I understand the CEO’s thinking. He was assuming that as soon as you get your degree, you will leave the company. I wish he would’ve had the foresight to think, “Once Khoi gets his degree, maybe he’ll move into computer programming and be a real source of knowledge and expertise for us.” 

DALE: Going forward, I wouldn’t mention the classes unless they are somehow relevant to the company or position. Given that most employers have lots of candidates to choose from, they want to give the job to someone who not only has the exact background and experience, but someone who also delights in the work. No one wants to hire the guy who is unfulfilled in his current role and is daydreaming of another.