"Employers Study Applicants’ Personalities"

I enjoyed reading the article titled “Employers Study Applicants’ Personalities” because it made me think about and anticipate future job interviews. I like that companies are trying to decipher individuals that are genuinely interested in a job offer from the rest. I feel that it is important to hire people who will have a strong commitment to a company or firm. This is easy to say but definitely harder to do because people can try to hide their true personalities at times. I enjoyed reading about the interview process at Rackspace. I agree that having an all day interview would brush away one’s superficial persona and allow one’s true personality to be revealed. Nine or ten hours would have to be draining for both parties. At KaBoom, the manager is not afraid to turn applicants away even before the interview. I like the manger’s statements revealing that he is looking for future employees who “are constantly looking at themselves to excel, not just cross the finish line, but blow through the finish line.” It is vital for companies to raise their expectations of employees because the companies are delivering a product to the public; and therefore, they desire for their service and product to be almost flawless. Several job interviews are now very challenging but what an accomplishment to be obtain the desired job.

Dual Coding Theory

Being an elementary education major, I am familiar with the Information Processing Theory that we discussed in class on Monday. However, I did not know anything about the Dual Coding Theory. I think it is interesting how these two theories work can together in the marketing world. Excellent marketing is an art that is most effective when script and visuals are combined together to portray an idea. At first glance, words are just words, but when accompanied by a picture, words can rapidly activate an emotional response in people.

After flipping through a few magazines, “Everyday with Rachel Ray,” “All You,” “Glamour,” and “L.L. Bean,” I discovered how images when accompanied with words are extremely persuasive in advertising. Marketers market perfume adds perfectly because they include words, images, and smells. The Estee Lauder advertisement for Pleasures Delight has a large image of Gwyneth Paltrow smiling with her long blond hair flowing in the wind. People are initially interested in this image because of her beauty and fame. As the viewers look more closely at the advertisement, they will see that Gwyneth is offering luscious deserts of red strawberries, vanilla cookies, and strawberry iced cupcakes to the viewers. She looks very kind and welcoming. Marketers are targeting viewers’ sense of taste through the food images. As the viewers flip the page, marketers grasped the viewers again by targeting their sense of smell through the sweet aroma of Pleasures Delight. I love how the advertiser writes on the fold out for the sample perfume, “Experience Estee Lauder Pleasures Delight”. What a captivating and inviting line. The marketers of Estee Lauder are evidently well-versed in using the Dual Coding Theory. Now I even want to go out an buy this perfume.

Reflection on Group

Working on the Habitat for Humanity Web site Proposal has been a learning experience. I have enjoyed working with the other group members within Team Fix-it to create a new Web site for Anderson’s ReStore. I have learned that it is important for all members of the group to pull their own weight evenly because it allows the group’s goals to be successfully achieved. Having a group leader that is organized, prepared, and enthusiastic about the work is wonderful. Rochelle did a superb job as group leader! The group did not have many miscommunications except for meeting times. We tried to send out e-mails reminding group members of the time and place. Perhaps calling members a day before the meeting as a reminder may be beneficial in the future.

Our group was successful in brainstorming ideas throughout the proposal process. Members listened to the ideas of others with respect. It is important to acknowledge that not all members will have the same views, thoughts, and opinions; however, valuing others comments is vital. I enjoyed the personalities of the group members. Each individual brought a different yet positive aspect to the group meetings. A few examples include promptness, caring, respecting, and praising.

To improve in Phase 2, I think it will be beneficial to look at the proposal again to insure that appropriate formal business communication is present and uniform throughout our work.