You've Got To Be Kidding

    Have you ever found yourself looking for  a hidden camera because the person you are interviewing is just so outrageous.  I've been interviewing dental assistants this week.  I'm dismayed to report that this is the worst group of respondents I've ever had.  I keep hoping it's some kind of joke, but unfortunately, it's reality.
    Here's what I'm looking for in a candidate.  When I ask for a resume I want to see a well written, concise cover letter that contains proper grammar and correct spelling.  If not, we won't go any further.  I want the resume to be relevant to the position being offered and I want the candidate to tell me how their past experiences will be an asset to them as a dental assistant.  I want all this to be neatly typed on a clean sheet of paper that doesn't smell like cigarettes. 
    When the candidate comes to the office for the interview I expect them to be on time.  To me, five minutes early is on time.  I want to open the door to find someone waiting that is dressed neatly and professionally.  I want them to look well groomed and not to smell of cigarettes or perfume.  When they smile, I want to see healthy teeth and gums.  When they speak, I expect the same proper grammar.  I want them to have some questions ready to ask me.  I want them to at least be able to tell me why they want to be a dental assistant.  When I ask them questions I want honest answers that make their personality become transparent.  I am trying to find someone who wants to give our patients great care and who wants to have the opportunity to learn and become part of a great team.
    Here's what I'm getting.  Young women dressed in spandex-y clothing that is either too tight or too skimpy.  My feeling about spandex is this - Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.  Spandex is never appropriate for a job interview.  A recent interviewee had gingivitis and was sporting tattoos on both wrists and multiple piercings.  When I showed her a room that had been set up for a root canal she said, "You need an Isolite."  When I said that an assistant wouldn't have much to do with an Isolite she replied that they'd have a lot to do.  They could input information into the computer.  Another young lady wanted to know if I'd take a look at her teeth and before she left, tried to sell me make-up.  Another told me that she plans to go to hygiene school next year.  When I said I wouldn't want to spend the time training someone who wasn't planning to stay for more than a year, she replied, "What else is there to do besides suction and talk to people."
    All in all, I'm disappointed, but I still have hope.  I'm interviewing someone tomorrow who sounds nice.  But, I'm probably just being a sucker.  After all, they all sounded nice or I wouldn't have given them an interview to begin with.  If the young woman I'm interviewing tomorrow disappoints, I may just have to consider the Isolite after all.  Nah, that would be giving up, and I know that there's someone out there with the character and work ethic I'm looking for.  It'll be worth the effort in the end.  My friends and co-workers are enjoying the stories in the meantime.