So the interview sessions on BBC The Apprentice last night - what do we think? I know it's just for TV but does anyone seriously think that those questions were destined to elicit anything other than a sweaty top lip and trembling chin?
It is enough to put you off even considering venturing onto the job market if you thought that the interviewing technique was going to be so one-sided and aggressive. Had to laugh when they complained about the candidates not listening - as if any of those interviewers seriously listened to the answers they were given or gave the candidates any opportunity to develop a line of response with evidence etc.
It is such an old-fashioned approach starting an interview process with the sole purpose of catching the candidate out - the "Let's find out what they did wrong!" school of questioning. I'm sure we hope that perhaps more enlightened interviewers would give candidates the opportunity to show what they are good at, where they could add value to an organisation and shine.
I'm not saying that "deliberate oversights" like Lee McQueen's manipulation of college dates can be let to pass unchallenged - of course not, and as a Recruitment professional it was a definite own goal for him to do such a thing - but the job interview process needs to allow both sides to get their message and requirements across.
But, hey it's only telly and they edit it heavily obviously! However, people do believe what they see on the 32" plasma so we need to be careful what image we portray at times otherwise the candidate populace will be gearing themselves up for a 10 round fight rather than a balanced presentation of their skills and achievements.
Tonight we'll finally get to see which one of the remaining contenstants who survived last week's grilling will get chosen by Sir Alan to be the newest Apprentice.
Whilst I agree that last week's interview process was completely one-sided and obviously staged for TV audiences, I also think it highlights the danger of manipulating your CV. Year after year, the show's contestants continue to embellish (or outright make up) details on their CV...and year on year, surprise surprise, they continue to get caught out on it.
Applicants would do well to bear in mind that companies are NOT looking for a fanciful CV that ticks all the boxes. They are looking to see the skills and abilities that you do have, and how you would best make use of these in a new role.
Focus on the positives of what you can do, not the fanciful, and you're less likely to come undone at the interview stage.