I have spent the better part of the last three weeks interviewing candidates for a position within my company. Unfortunately, my good friend and colleague, L, is relocating with her partner to the US of A, ASAP. I have tried to convince her to abandon her fiancée and stay in Amsterdam for my sake, but somehow she’s just not taking the bait (go figure!) And so, we have now sat through at least a dozen of the most painful interviews. I’m at a loss; are there really no qualified candidates in Holland at the moment, are my standards too high, or am I trying to replace an “irreplaceable” colleague/friend?
I have to admit my CV screening has not been without some prejudice. If you send me a CV with a mugshot-esque photo that sends shivers down my spine, how am I not suppose to think of you as anything but an escaped convict? Not to mention the loads of cover letters with spelling mistakes in their first sentences, or better yet, garbled emails written in text-message lingo, example: “r u still hiring 4 the position...L8R” (no comment!!!) Obviously, all of the above have quickly made their way to my overflowing recycling bin.
The interviews have been equally painstaking. Everything ranging from salary demands within the first 5 minutes (“I don’t work for less than $$$”), to bizarre requests (“I am only willing to take this job if my dog can come to work with me” or “Can I hire personal assistants?”), to drama (one hour into the interview: “Actually, I’m not interested in this job AT ALL!”).
There does appear to be some light at the end of the tunnel –we’ve now had two second interviews with very good candidates. Although neither are ideal, there is hope, and some equally promising CVs in my inbox this morning. Wish me luck!
