Jokes on You
For Managers Only - The punch line for Monty Python’s video clip is that the vacancies were filled weeks ago. After “deliberately humiliating” the candidate the hiring manager annouces that the job is no longer available.
So why did he bother interviewing the candidate? First for clarification, I understand this is a spoof on the interview, but I see nuggets of learning for managers and candidates.
Managers who interview for sport should not be interviewing. Gimmicks are inappropriate, period. Scaring candidates, asking questions with “code” is inappropriate. Most managers are too busy to interview people for sport, but I know there are some out there who enjoy putting people in “the press” to see how they will respond under pressure.
I am a tough interviewer. But there is a method to my madness. When I ask questions, I am listening for specific information. I am listening to what I call “out of alignment experiences.” I am looking for depth in the answers. Being tough is fine, appropriate pressure is fine, but gimmicks and inappropriate antcis is not.
For Job Seekers - You may walk into an interview with an unsavory interviewer. The person or people may be playing games and creating an environment that is difficult for you. The first thing I want to say to you is - you must maintain yourself in the face of any given situation. Some people will be testing your mettle. It may feel unfair and it maybe unfair, but you are not in control of the environment. You are responsible for how you respond in the sutuation you find yourself.
Second, remember that just like you are being assessed to determine your skills and abilities and to determine whether you will be a fit in their organization. You are EQUALLY responsible for determining whether the organization is the right organization for you. If the person or people involved in the hiring process are people you don’t want to work for. It is ok to walk away from the experience and cross them off your list. Don’t say “yes” just because you got an offer. If you were uncomfortable in the interview, walk away and keep looking until you find the right place.
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POSTED IN: Coach's Cornor, For Managers
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