We've all heard those eerie stories that give us the shivers while also making us chuckle. Tales of job interviews shared by colleagues and friends. Sometimes these stories stick in our minds, even after we've secured a job and are content. Sharing these unsettling experiences is a way to bring people together and teach them something important about how to improve the selection process, ensuring they don't end up in similar nightmares.
But what can we learn from these spine-chilling stories? They serve as a reminder of how essential the selection process is and how we can avoid mistakes. Let me share some tips and guidelines to assist in such situations:
Don't keep candidates in the dark
Candidate: You take a day off to attend an office interview. Throughout the day, you solve problems on the whiteboard, meet three different teams, and people don't even introduce themselves. They enter the room and immediately start with the questions. You're eager for the job and doing your best, but you sense that something isn't right, and you're not performing well.
During meetings with the selection team, candidates are nervous, trying to present their best selves. Often, they can't discern whether the meeting is going well. Be honest with them by explaining the process steps, what to expect, and the purpose of the questions and tests you provide. Lastly, providing feedback on the interview is crucial because everyone wants to know how they fared.
This brings us to another hair-raising story of fear of the unknown.
Your interview starts with the assurance that you don't need expert knowledge of a particular technology. However, it turns out to be decisive for the position, and you need more knowledge to tackle the problem. You try it, but your manager hovers over you, wanting to know your every thought. You give up and leave.
The hiring team should clarify how long the interview will take, its components, expectations, and when you'll receive feedback. Feedback, even if negative, is always better than radio silence.
And thus, one of the most chilling stories involves absurd interview questions.
Blue or green, choose one. Or how many basketballs can fit on a bus?
Pre-interview preparation makes it easier to select suitable candidates. Pose questions that provide insights into solving real problems, challenging candidates to think and provide real examples from their experience.
Mysterious encounters with frightening interviewers
Candidate: You spend two hours crafting a CV and cover letter, detailing your background and suitability for the position. Yet, the interviewers haven't read a word. They act unprofessionally and rudely when your answers fall short.
Take time to review the candidate's information and be respectful, even when a candidate struggles to answer questions. Time is limited, and it should be used effectively.
Endless waiting and nightmarish tests for candidates
You receive an email with detailed instructions for a technical project, with a two-week deadline. You invest 50 hours, striving for the position. You're confident you'll secure an interview, but the feedback is negative.
Technical tests, tasks, and projects are often overly extensive, assessing knowledge that doesn't necessarily gauge suitability for the position. It's crucial to evaluate a candidate's practical skills and provide access to the resources they use daily.
A voice in the wilderness
Five years pass, and you call to inquire about your hiring status. Apologies, but you didn't pass the patience test. We won't proceed with your application.
Some processes take time and require approvals, but it's essential to keep candidates informed of their application status. Don't leave people in the dark; all information is valuable.
Advice for candidates in a challenging hiring process
Carefully research the companies you wish to join. Ask questions to gain clarity about the process, expectations, and everything you're curious about concerning the company's role, team, work culture, and practices. You also have the right to provide feedback to the hiring team, helping them understand areas for improvement.
One of the most vital aspects of a successful hiring process is ensuring alignment between the company and the candidate's interests. Let the selection process be professional and concise. This is the selection mantra we adhere to at VSG Bulgaria.
