Quality Progress - American Society for Quality

ExxonMobil Research & Engineering
alex.t.lau@exxonmobil.com
17047 Re: Letter: What About Executive Compensation?
ASQ Staff
Sep-22-03
JOHN DEW'S RESPONSE:
The taxonomy offered in the article is a work in progress. I think Ms. Kirley makes an
excellent observation, and with her permission, I will include this very useful perspective
on entitlement in future discussions on this topic.
Dr. John R. Dew
Director for Continuous Quality Improvement
The University of Alabama
17046 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Letter: Thoughts on Lack of Training in Latest Quality
Systems?
Jennifer Kirley
Sep-22-03
Sure it makes sense, Wes. You're not deluded at all. 1) Career specialists advise to only
apply for posts where requirements are matched, degree for degree, certificate for
certificate. If job searchers don't do this, they are likely: a) Desperate enough to try for
even a long shot, feeling that maybe their resume will be so alluring that the lapse will be
less important. b) Unaware of the HR managers' vexation at being bombarded with
resumes from "unqualified candidates" either through a lack of training or concern. c)
Thinking that the pool of applicants is unlikely to be large enough or appealing enough to
overshadow their other qualifications. 2) This should be true. It is an unknown,
however, in many younger systems in which misunderstanding and mythological
thinking rules, particularly outside the QA Department. This is why many people I have
read like to go around the HR door, and penetrate the department they are trying to be
hired in. 3) Correct, but the candidate should do the footwork necessary to get some clue
about the company's level of progress. This isn't always possible to nail, but it is helpful
for preparing the resume, cover letter and interview. Please keep in mind that I am
basing my comments on a rural labor market, where quality practices can be a good 15
years or more behind their more urban counterparts. It requires a different approach and
certainly a different set of expectations. The hiring employer can ask for experience and
certificates, and not have any real idea or what they mean or even any intention of using
them.
Jennifer Kirley (Would like to be a Quality Engineer again)
17044 Letter: What About Executive Compensation?