I’m a member of a very popular online business group through Yahoo called BNC (Business Network Chicago) and just saw an excellent question from another member that I had to answer. Below, you’ll find the question and my response. Would you have given more/different advice to Jon?

To all,

I have recently gone through a couple of interviews and I am in the running with one other person now for this position.  Both of the interviewers agreed that I am technically able to perform the work and wear more than one hat, but the lady that interviewed me the second round referred to me as being “aloof”.  I know what the word means, but I have never, in my life, heard anyone regard me as such.  I have never heard it in the context of an interview.  I was informed of this yesterday by the “headhunter” on the feedback she received.  Unfortunately, I am still fuming about this. I can not get it out of my head as I prepare to meet one of the presidents sometime this week.  I would agree that I can sometimes be seen as someone who is synonymous with that word, but the delivery and use of the word aloof bothers me more in this context.

I would love to hear a response from anyone and everyone on what mental image they see and/or what words they think of when they hear someone regarded as being aloof.

Your participation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jon

Well…nothing positive comes to mind when I hear the word ‘aloof’, so let’s do some damage control! Here’s what I wrote to Jon:

Hi Jon,

I would follow up with this woman ASAP in an email with the following (insert accurate information, since I don’t know the industry or position you’re pursuing…)

Dear Ms. Smith,

I wanted to very sincerely thank you and your colleagues for the opportunity to interview for the management position at your Chicago branch. This is exactly the type of position I have been working towards my entire career; I couldn’t be more excited at the prospect of joining your team.

One thing from our discussion that keeps coming back to me is the upcoming marketing project that you mentioned. I had a few more thoughts about other strategies that could be implemented very successfully/easily/inexpensively. These include web 2.0 tools such as a Facebook site or group created for your company’s loyal clients and even daily Twitter postings (offering discounts, contests and other immediate events that create instant chatter). These are just a few things that come to mind…you can see that my brain is working overtime, which suits me just fine!

I truly hope to have made it to the next round in your recruiting process and await your call.

Very cordially,

Jon Candidate

There’s nothing aloof in this response to the interviewer. Best of luck to you, Jon! I hope we hear good news from you very soon.