RESPECT: The Way Forward

I attended an interview once wherein the manager who will be conducting the interview sent me a message that he will be canceling the appointment due to urgent matters, this was 20+ minutes before the interview. Things like this do happen, so I didn't mind it. What I did mind was the fact that my time was not acknowledged there was no hint of "Hey, I know we have set this up, but hey sorry I'll find time for you". So we set up another meeting, this time the guy was late for 5 minutes while I was already in the meeting room when he showed up. I was all smiles seeing him as I really wanted the job and I can't wait to share to him what I can bring to the table. He had I think 2 to 3 questions for me and then he just ended it with "do you have questions?". So I then went on asking him how his experience was in the college he attended to with the objective that I want to know more about his background too, that was all. He replied by saying "it was good". He then bid goodbye, I left the interview quite disappointed for the following reasons:

1. He didn't try to know more about my competencies. He asked a few basic questions and that was it. While I understand that it must be their company's standard line of questioning, it didn't float my boat because I just felt like I still had more to share!

2. He was lifeless and dull all throughout the interview. His aura was a far cry from the colorful ads his company had. I came in with no expectations about the interviewer's demeanor but damn, subjectively speaking I felt like he just wanted to end the freaking interview hahaha

3. I asked for a feedback, I never got a constructive one. They just simply said the classic "unfortunately, you didn't make the cut". I then ask on what else I can work on so I can maybe make the cut next time. But as expected, I never got any response.

I spoke with a friend about my experience, he simply shrugged it off by saying these things happen all the time and he said "don't take things, personally" I laughed hysterically because I never took it personally. Haha. I never said the manager was a bad person. All I said was facts. He was not punctual, he didn't personify whatever the company was taking pride on and that he was lifeless as a log and not genuinely interested with the candidate. My friend's take on "it happens all the time" is a classic way of accepting the norm which is not suppose to be the case. The world thrived because people challenged the conventional way of how things work and the workplace is no exception. Respect to each other's time, empathy and genuine curiosity are basic foundations of a good leader. Situations and timelines change but the attitude towards how to handle canceled meetings by notifying all parties involved to respect their time and to acknowledge that they have prepared show an individual's true character.

I am posting this not to bellyache but to probably just send out a message that if you are applying for a job make sure that you get the same amount of respect for your time and effort from the company you are applying to. Do not accept anything less than that as whether you are a newbie in the corporate world or a seasoned veteran, you deserve to be respected. Respect will always have to be earned though and one way of gaining it is by learning how to respect everyone in the workplace

Peace out!