It’s a question of professionalism
YEARS ago, when I worked on the evening newspaper in Blackpool, journalists would go for interviews for another jobs just to keep their hands in. On rare occasions, they found one that appealed and took it.
I should imagine it’s still a useful thing to do, to stay abreast of interview techniques and any odd questions that may be thrown at you to test your intellect and ability to think on your feet. Even if you’re sitting down.
These days, applying for a position has been complicated by social media because prospective employers often check out applicants through their Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram postings.
Editing your profile and contributions, and removing that mad week in Magaluf and the drunken nights captured in the local, might be useful before sending your letter/email.
The internet provides plenty of advice for job seekers and also provides examples of what not to do. Here are some of the most unusual and unedifying interview blunders bosses reported in a survey by HR firm CareerBuilder.
Unless the company you are hoping to join projects an easy going dress-down image, it’s probably wise to opt for a suit, and not arrive in slippers, a Darth Vader costume or a tracksuit. The latter applicant explained he was going jogging after the interview. Jog off, then, was the advice.
When asked his personal philosophy, one candidate said: “Fake it till you make it”, which didn’t go down very well, while an unfortunate chap pulled out a bag of drugs with his keys, and another admitted they took too much valium. One hopeful acted out a scene from Star Trek, while another burst into song in the middle of the interview. Then there was the one who asked for a hug. Bless.
The final one failed to impress when he was asked who was his personal hero and he named himself.