I am sitting here, with two laptops open reading all the ‘buzz words’ and ‘key internal value phrases’ so that I can tick an imaginary box to tell a group of strangers whether I am competent enough in how I work with others to take on this job, as well as completely brainwashed into their ‘organisation ethos’. I have, seriously, had HR meetings where they have shown mr colour charts of urine to remind me to drink water. As opposed to paying me, they are educating me and almost usurping the role of the caregiver.
I am sitting here a nervous wreck because of the synthetic pressure I put on myself to deliver, not only for myself but for my family and to be honest with the way wages are going, I can’t afford to not get this.
One key insight I’ve had throughout the build up and the process is that perspective is important and overwrites any fight or flight you may have. There are so many worse things going on in the world now that absolutely trivialise the need to undertake such a weird and often times useless endeavour. Most interview panels have decided who they want ahead of time and are just covering themselves in case of tribunals. It’s all just a power play and a stress test, which let’s be frank we could all do without!
There is maybe something to finding a better way of assessing candidates after the resume submission phase. I have ticked the boxes and I’m now having to tell you the same again in a frankly antiquated way.
I’ve also learned that when it boils down to it all, yes we need jobs (for now) but we don’t need all this extra stress in what is already a trying timeline, so keep your caffeine intake low, sleep well and stay calm everyone. Anyway that’s my two pennies on the situation coming at you from a position of self ware ness!