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Question

I was contacted for an interview for a position outside of my normal realm of interest.  It was a zoom interview and I signed on 3 minutes prior to the start time. When the host entered , he highlighted that it was not quite 9:30am and there would be other people on the call. I wasn’t aware that it was a panel interview until he announced it on the call. Well, it wasn’t a panel interview but another candidate joined the call. The approach was definitely different for me and I just wanted to get some feedback from the FBG family...

Amalia Francalangia · Answer

I work in Talent Acquisition, and this is a perfect example of not adequately preparing a candidate.  It sounds like a very odd practice to me, but there could be a legitimate reason for having multiple candidates on a call (my mind is blanking right now...), but at the very least they should have let you know ahead of time about the situation.  I would be wary of this employer and keep your eye out for additional yellow/red flags. It may be a sign of the respect and consideration (or lack thereof) they have for their employees.

yvette finley PHR · Answer

Thanks Alicia! I do believe that having multiple candidates on one zoom call definitely saves time but there is going to be a negative impact made elsewhere.

Cristina Zuazua · Answer

That is certainly the first time I've heard of that approach virtually - and it's odd that they wouldn't give you a heads up first, but I'd just use it to build into your interview strategy and technique so you can be prepared to encounter it again going forward. For example, if part of the point is to see how you handle the competition, practice how you would greet the other candidate or how to acknowledge them during the interview in a way that stresses your people skills and accomplishments in a positive way. Even if that one doesn't work out, I think it is a great opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light going forward. Cheers!

Anonymous · Answer

I have seen some weird stuff during Covid interviews.  I have done a few zoom interviews where I wasn't told there would be a panel of interviewers, I had an in person interview which I was told would be with 1 person but ended up being with 3 in the same room which for Covid reasons bothered me and I had what turned out to be an automated interview with a freaking automated fake Max Headroom asking me questions.    I also had a third party screening interview where they had no idea about the job and the qualifications needed but had been hired by the company with the job posting to screen people because they had overwhelming response.

It's so disrespectful to us as professionals and I have no idea how to turn the tide.  Thankfully I am employed but my organization is facing some financial difficulties and I worry I could be out of a job soon.

Alicia Mason · Answer

Group interview situations are great for in person christmas casual sales type roles. However an online scenario without prior communication seems odd, nothing to gain from that. If this person was time poor then this doesnt help either!

Lisa · Answer

I have never heard of that type of interviewing. It adds so much more stress to the process. I would question how they operate as a company as it sounds very competitive. I would do some research online to see if it a right fit for you.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes, will the next interview involve arm wrestling or other competitive feats of strength?!? Maybe they just wanted to see how you would react to the unexpected.

Sarah Stadtherr · Answer

WOW, that's really odd.  It's like throwing you both into the ring to duke it out.  How do you feel it went for you?

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