What the? – Tales from the Job Search Front

A Very Unique Interview Indeed

 

I’ve spent over half my “career life” in the executive search business placing sales professionals.  In preparing candidates to interview I would always tell them, “The sales interview is one of the only interviews where you are constantly demonstrating your skill set and touting your wares.”  They can be challenging, frustrating and filled with obstacles.  But, one I heard about this week left me at a loss for words.

The job seeker in question went in for a third round of interviews for a position with a nationally renowned sales training organization.  As one of three candidates in contention for the opening, she was asked to do something rather standard: prepare a presentation for a group of people at the company.  So, she shows up on interview day prepared to do what it takes to get the job.  That was when the process to a turn – to a place I have never seen before.

When she arrived, the other two candidates were there too.  Not completely untypical, but a less than kosher when it comes to maintaining privacy in the job search (since she is currently employed).  Then comes the “what the?” moment.  She and the other two candidates are informed that they will be giving their presentations together – all in the same room, in front of one another, one after another.  If that isn’t enough, they are included on the panel of employees and able to ask questions of the other candidates – their competition.  Have you ever heard of such a thing?

While wrong on so many levels, my primary beef is that the privacy and confidentiality of each job seeker was compromised without their consent.   What do you think?

Do you have strange tales from the job search?  If so, please share them with us at ezine@careerattraction.com. (note – we will never reprint your story without your express consent).

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Interested in learning how to uncover the “hidden job market?”  You can listen to my 5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search. 

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Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!    

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