PREPARING FOR A JOB INTERVIEW 3

 In the last two weeks, our content dealt with the why of failure of the both parties that prepare for job interviews.

This week, as we conclude the content on Preparing For A Job Interview, I wish to share my personal experiences. If you have been following the postings on this blog, you would have noticed my continued reference to the Nigerian Malady - NEPOTISM.

Before I share with you three or four experiences each as a  Candidate and as a HR Manager, I'll like to make a pervasive statement to the effect that "No Nigerian HR Manager wanted to hire me but for the intervention of foreigners with superior authority devoid of the Nigerian Malady".

I dare say, I usually prepared very hard for job interviews, no wonder I always came first, but selection was a different kettle of fish.

AS A CANDIDATE

Firstly, I attended a job interview in a manufacturing company where I came first, but a "powerful" man in the company decided to employ the candidates that came 4th and 7th. I was only employed on the intervention of the foreign CEO.

Secondly, In one multi-billion naira chemical company, I met a General Manager(Personnel), who was practicing witchcraft. I had an urgent call from my office to attend to a matter, so, I obtained a two weeks postponement of my interview. When I went back in two weeks, the Personnel Director, had retired and new man, his successor walked me out saying that he has cancelled all the decisions made by his former boss.

Thirdly, In an interview at a Consultant's office, one of the interviewers asked a question which was related to the first lecture I attended in 100 level in the university. When I gave him the answer, the gentleman was not only surprised but shocked. He then asked me where the answer came from, I pointed at my head.

Fourthly, I attended an interview in a company several states away from my state of residence. I went a day earlier and left a day later due to delays at the actual interview. At the end of the interview, a Supervisor from the HR Department gave everybody the same amount of money irrespective of where you came from. When I asked whether the company was still as callous as ever, I was told that was the amount approved for each candidate.

AS A HR MANAGER

I set out because of my experience at the first interview, that I was going to employ only Nigerians irrespective of their origin.

Firstly, In a manufacturing company, I invited candidates from across the country while staffing a new factory. Every candidate who came from outside the city of  the world 🌎 interviews, I refunded their return transport. In addition, those who could not go home, I arranged overnight hotel stay.

Secondly, In a Group of Companies, candidates who attend interviews and stayed till lunch hour, were all served lunch. In addition, all those  who came by air had their return tickets paid for by the company.

Thirdly, In another group of companies, I moved the interview venues to the candidates states of residence because apart from the convenience to candidates, it was also cheaper for the organisation.

Fourthly, In a personal services company, because I was involved in the job analysis and descriptions, at interviews, I usually asked one and the same question, so that all that got employed till date have not forgotten that question. The simple question was, "what is the difference between a half empty cup and a half full cup?"

When I attended or conducted interviews, I operated under the principle that I was dealing with human beings ,for whom actions have meaning.

I am sure, some of you like my CIPMN Professional diploma students of 2007 to 2009 are saying, all the above is too fantastic to be true.