Dear Hiring Manager and Other Bloopers

MissFit Mindset

Earlier this morning, I drove to my favorite salon, where I am a twice-a-week regular. On a regular day, a peppy young lady behind the counter who checks me in says, "Hi Dee! Number Four?". I say, "Yes,” we have a quick eyeball-to-eyeball connection, and I thank her. Then, when I leave, she says, "Hey Dee, have a great day!". I love that.

Today was not a regular day.

The girl behind the counter was new. She looked up at me, "What’s the name?"

Not "What’s your name.”

But “What’s the name.”

There was no confusion. I was alone.

Apparently, I'm a "the.”

It bugged me.

A few hours later, a favorite client called with a question about a letter she was writing. "Who should I address it to"? She asked. Acknowledging she didn’t know the hiring manager’s name, I reminded her that Google and LinkedIn are her friends.

At our core, we're human. Our emotions run rampant whether we want them to or not. Our brains release serotonin and dopamine when we hear our names. Those chemicals translate into good feelings and happiness.

The more times someone says your name, the faster you'll build rapport.

If it matters, say the name.