I never enjoy interviewing; I guess it may be because they are a bit of a charade: everyone on their best behaviour, saying the “right” things and generally not being themselves.
That’s the normal way, but not last week!
We only had 3 candidates to interview, and I had designed a brief test to check out their practical abilities.
Candidate No.1 – was an internal applicant. She works on the bank of desks opposite mine. She didn’t actually apply in time for the vacancy, but came to ask me about the job the following day after the deadline.
I didn’t sense much enthusiasm in her, and she seemed more interested in the extra cash it would pay. However, I thought why not give her a chance? Don’t close your mind and all that.
I told her to have a word with the temp, who is currently doing the job, to see if she was interested and to learn a bit more about it. This may seem like a bit unfair, her having the inside track etc. but, why shouldn’t a current employee gain a slight advantage?
Well, she didn’t gain an advantage. Her test result was woeful, despite being given some hints. Her lack of enthusiasm also shone through: the HR person made extensive reference to it. So she didn’t even go through the pretence of saying this was the job she really wanted!
Next
Candidate No. 2 – middle aged guy, who’s just been made redundant. Spent 30 years in the same place, vastly overqualified, clearly looking for a job to tide him over. Whilst I appreciate that he wants a job, I know that he wouldn’t stay more than a couple of months. Then I face this whole process again. He did get the test right though.
Unlike
Candidate No.3 – fresh out of college, no experience, but on paper should be keen.
Wrong.
Even less enthusiasm than our internal person! Test was an absoolute disgrace for soemone who’s just left college.
What disappointed me most about all 3 interviews was that none of them showed any interest in what the job involved. To me it’s quite a varied role, and I could talk it up all day long.
No-one asked any questions at the end! I thought everyone knew you had to think of at least one question to ask?
Has someone rewritten the rules of job applications and not told me?
I’m not sure what the next step is going to be.
I actually feel quite despondent about it. Does no-one out there want to show some enthusiasm any more? Even fake enthusiasm would do!
yea i hate interviews. haven’t been on one in a few years, but what’s worse is interviewing for a job at your current place of employment. you can’t blow up your image of yourself to people that already know you. makes me so nervous!
Me, me, me!
Hire me!! Plenty of enthusiasm! Pretty please?
G – I’ve done the internal interview thing. Horrible, hated it. People know what you’re capable of and have already made their mind up about you in my experience.
Sessy – you willing to work in accounts for a pittance? Do I still sense enthusiasm? Seriously for a second, the pay is around £14500 rising to £17000. Ideally I need someone with some/any finance experience. At the moment I’ll take the ability to count without resorting to fingers as a
Sound like you, or anyone you know? Let me know!!!!