Thursday, August 6, 2009

The Job Interview

Since I have been in this eternal "Groundhog Day" search for employment, I feel I must write a little bit about the job interview process. I firmly believe that Human Resource Professionals and Hiring Managers must have spent their childhoods burning insects with a magnifying glass, because they seem to enjoy making people squirm. It feels like the scene in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life". You remember when Mr. Potter brings George Bailey into his office and tells him to sit down in that chair that is so low to the ground he looks like an 8-year-old boy looking up at the desk. That's pretty much me.

And then as the interview begins I have to sit there and pretend I like this person who is asking me all these stupid questions. Because let's face it, this guy has the power to help me pay for my son's braces and my daughter's college tuition. So I sit there and do my best to answer the questions.

In my most recent interview the guy actually asked me "What is your favorite movie line?". "Huh? My favorite movie line? Did you say my favorite movie line? Let's see...hmmm. Okay, I got it! My favorite movie line is...WHAT KIND OF STUPID QUESTION IS THAT??? I'm not sure what movie that is from, but I am sure that at some point in cinematic history that line was uttered!!!

I didn't get that job.

So if you are someone who interviews prospective employees, let me say this. I get that you already have a job. And I get that for me to get a job with your company I will need to answer your questions. But do us both a favor and make the questions quick, relevant and to the point. Because I need to get back home so I can wake up tomorrow morning to my alarm clock playing "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Brad, it sounds demeaning and awful to have to go through all this. Even when you're angry, you have your sense of humor intact. Good for you. I'll bet you're speaking for a lot of people who feel exactly as you do. Glad you provide a voice for them.