Lots of reader questions lately have grabbed my attention. I want to share them for the common good. Perhaps other readers have found themselves in similar situations and positions. As always, your comments and thoughts are welcome and encouraged.
Reader Question: I have a question for you which I would appreciate your thoughts on. I have a presentation to make to an interview board followed by a job interview tomorrow for a position which I am afraid I will not be seriously considered for. I am not being defeatist; it is just that I am fully aware who is earmarked for the job. I have in fact been told as much. I do, however, want to give a good account of myself, but I am finding it difficult to motivate myself. What do you recommend?
My Response: Here's the most important thing you need to remember. Even if the position has someone else's name written all over it, organizations use internal job interviews in multiple ways - ways that you can take advantage of to further your career aspirations. Find more of my job interview purposes response for this reader.
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Hi Susan,
I agree with your comments here. Often managers don’t know their employees as they ought and the interview is a chance to wake them up.
You also asked why companies interview if they have earmarked someone. We do it to comply with equity and fair labour practice legislation in South Africa. But we also try to help managers understand that, although they are sure that AN Other will be ideal for the job, they must open and fair to each applicant and use the opportunity to dig for hidden talent within the organisation.
So letting it be known that there is an ‘earmarked’ candidate is a BIG no-no (but it happens!).
Take care.