A number of years ago I went for what I thought was a standard job interview for an entry-level sales role. However, on entering the room, I discovered to my shock that instead of a one-on-one interview I had prepared for, I had walked into a full-on selection centre with more than 20 candidates standing around, waiting to be called up by the recruiter. To be honest, I was a little nervous beforehand but this experience was quickly drawing me into crisis mode.
To make matters worse, across the room was a competing candidate who looked completely at ease. He had a jawline rivalling one of the Hemsworth brothers and I was sure he was one of the top contenders. Sadly I then entered the "talk yourself out of it" stage, where I started to list all the reasons why I was probably not suitable for the role. My confidence started to spiral down and all was beginning to look bleak in terms of my interview performance.
The next thing I know, the recruiter came in and called out a name. The "Adonis" then called out in reply, and the recruiter asked for his CV. As he handed it over to the recruiter, I suddenly was amazed to see his document shaking like a leaf in the wind … This guy was so nervous he was literally shaking. I am ashamed to say that, at the time, this made me feel so much better and restored some of my confidence I had talked myself out of.
Stressful process
By the sheer nature of it, the recruitment process is one fraught with self-doubt and stress. We have to go up to complete strangers in the recruitment and HR profession (who, on many occasions are half our age), and say with a big smile on our face, "judge me stranger! Am I worthy?"
