The Decay of Interview Etiquette: Alarming Trends and Their Implications

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A message from a friend triggered this post. 

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In recent years, there's been a noticeable decline in the professionalism and decorum of job candidates during interviews. The tipping point for this blog post was hearing about a candidate using foul language with an interviewer, but this is just one example of a broader trend.

Unprepared and Sloppily Dressed Candidates

One of the most disheartening trends is the casual approach many candidates take towards interviews. Showing up in casual or inappropriate attire, being unprepared, and displaying a lack of basic knowledge about the company or the role are becoming disturbingly common. This lack of effort reflects poorly on the candidate and raises questions about their seriousness and commitment.

Inappropriate Questions and Demands

Candidates are increasingly prioritizing personal perks over professional responsibilities. I've heard stories of candidates, before even committing to an interview, demanding information about gym facilities, crèches, and round-the-clock gourmet food options. While these amenities can be attractive, making them a focal point during the initial stages of the interview process is inappropriate and reflects misplaced priorities.

Romantic Entanglements in the Workplace

Perhaps one of the most shocking inquiries is candidates asking if indulging in romantic relationships with colleagues is permissible and non-punishable. Such questions not only display a lack of professional boundaries but also suggest a potential for future workplace conflicts and distractions.

Ghosting After Job Offers

A particularly frustrating trend for employers is candidates accepting job offers and then disappearing, using the offer as leverage to negotiate better terms with their current or other potential employers. This practice wastes the time and resources of the hiring company and disrupts their staffing plans.

Organizations' Role in the Problem

It's important to acknowledge that companies are not blameless in this situation. I've witnessed organizations making candidates wait for hours past their scheduled interview time, showing a lack of respect for the candidates' time and causing unnecessary frustration. Clear role definitions and respectful treatment of candidates are crucial steps that organizations must take to improve the interview experience. Oh yes, there have been stories where candidates not offered even a glass of water in the 5 hr process of interview discussions. 

Adapting to New Generations

Organizations also need to recognize and adapt to the behavioral tendencies of Gen Z and Alpha generations. These younger candidates have different expectations and values, emphasizing respect, dignity, and work-life balance. Recent incidents where companies have mistreated candidates during college recruitment drives have led to some colleges blacklisting these companies, illustrating the serious repercussions of not respecting candidate dignity.

Where Are We Heading?

These incidents, though they may seem like rare exceptions (perhaps 1 in 1000 interviews), have the potential to set a dangerous precedent. Bad habits can spread quickly, with candidates believing this behavior is acceptable or even expected. Both candidates and organizations need to establish and adhere to norms that respect the interview process and ensure mutual benefit.

Personal Experiences and Additional Stories

1. A friend of mine recounted an interview where the candidate not only showed up in casual jeans and a t-shirt but also took a phone call mid-interview.
2. Another incident involved a candidate who, during the interview, was more interested in discussing the company’s vacation policy, perks and remote work options than the actual job role.
3. A colleague shared a story about a candidate who, after receiving a job offer, vanished without a trace, only to reappear weeks later trying to negotiate a higher salary based on a counteroffer from another company.

These stories underscore the need for both parties to approach the interview process with respect, professionalism, and a clear understanding of expectations. If not, both candidates and organizations risk losing out on potentially beneficial opportunities.

The onus is on both candidates to present themselves professionally and on organizations to treat candidates with the respect they deserve. Only through mutual effort can we hope to improve the current state of interview etiquette and create a more respectful and efficient hiring process for all involved.

Regards

Karthik.

I leave you with some images which happened in Real interviews! Please be ready to face these!!