"Is it normal?"
Vinod Hari
Board Member & Digital Strategist: International Committee for Marketing & PR, ICOM, Paris
#TheClaruzJournal
- Day 17
'Is it normal?'
So, today we had an interview for a Marketing Executive, at Claruz.
There were a few applicants, but a handful of them made it to the final round.
Just before the final round started, a young guy asked me, "Is it normal?"
"What?" I responded.
"Like, is it normal to do some work, before you actually interview people?"
I smiled, and said, "Yes, that makes both our lives easier.
You get to understand what you can expect out of this job and we get to understand what we can expect out of you, in this job!
Don't you think it is helpful?"
He too smiled, and said, "I wasn't really expecting that to happen today!"
Well, that's how we are!
I don't think it is anything new for the companies today to give actual projects, even before providing an offer letter.
But, if you are not doing that in your organization, I would strongly suggest starting it.
It helps!
I first heard about something like this, during the initial days of my career, when Google used to give assignments; which was like actual work, that took a few weeks to complete, before getting someone on board.
But today, it is very common.
Though not as extensive as Google, we too provide small assignments (not a regular test, but a miniature version of a full project under the specific role), which can be completed within a few hours while the candidate is in office.
If the task takes longer, we provide free lunch too, if that is a catch!
But then, we will let you know then and there, whether you are selected or not!
It is to that extent, that the extra few hours in an interview with us, will help you.
We never really want to keep you waiting, unless it is very much required.
A quick advise, if that helps.
If you are just out of college or attending interviews, make sure that you are ready for a practical session, along with a regular interview.
Do not talk about getting things done, which you are not sure of; it could backfire.
Talk about what you can actually do and also explain what are those things that would take some preparation and practice for you to execute.
If you are sure of something, go for it.
No worries, if you couldn't complete the project as you expected, we know that some of it can take longer than expected (if it really does).
Just make sure that whatever you have completed, showcases the best of your capabilities.
It also shows how you analyze the situation, provides a commitment and manages your time, resources, & effort.
Just be transparent and challenge-ready.
PS: If you really want that job, just take up the challenge.
?I am sure, with passion, you can get things done. People do recognize that!
I hope this helps and I wish you the very best.
Cheers!
Instructional Designer |eLearning Content Specialist |Former Facilitator|Team Player
5 年Good Read & interesting
Director of Strategy and Business Development
5 年Good one !
Board Member & Digital Strategist: International Committee for Marketing & PR, ICOM, Paris
5 年Thank you Sujatha for sharing your view. First, and foremost, I believe that there are no two people alike. There will be something that sets apart two individuals. Just in case we see equal good in both, we definitely will consider a next level of test/interview. To answer the next part. We don't really give full-fledged projects. But a miniature version of it, which can be completed within a couple of hours. If you compare the time and effort put into shortlisting, priliminary selections, first round of interviews and the presentations; it is easier and profitable for us to complete that project by ourselves, than conducting a recruitment drive. But then, if someone comes up with something that we never thought of, or could have never done, within that time period, the first thing I would do as a leader is to offer them a job! :) You really don't want to loose them. It is ideally a win-win situation for both. If we still go by the 'free work' logic, then a candidate shouldn't even answer any work related questions at an interview, for the fact that they are sharing their knowledge for free! :) Cheers!
?? Powerhouse Project Manager | Agile Project Leader ?? Healthcare & Technology Integration | Enhancing Efficiency through Cross-Functional Collaboration ??
5 年I appreciate the fact that they do the assignment as part of the interview and will know whether they are selected or not immediately. But from an interviewee's perspective is this not the same as getting a job done for free? What if you have 2 prospective interviewees who are equally good and have done an equally good job in both the interview and the assignment but you can offer the job only to one person? The other person has finished part of your project for free :) - Just my thought cause I have heard of such stories as well!?