I hate the reputation that “Temp Agencies” have. That being said, apparently we deserve it. I borrowed the following excerpt about a bad interview experience from a job board––and then unfortunately lost the link so am unable to give credit to the author. When I read stuff like this it only serves to strengthen my resolve to build a company that is exactly the opposite of this.
I would like to comment or addenda with a personal anecdote that happened to me with a “Temp-agency” in North Dallas. This was for a very low paying “programmers job” that just happened to get. They were not accustomed to dealing with Technical Professionals, which at times, can be prima donnas. I am no exception, I am damn good at what I do, and by no means, apologize for it or having said so.
Premise established … Stage is set for a train wreck.
I am sitting in front of me asking me the standard drivel. While I am talking to her, she takes about 5 phone calls and they all could have waited, Some of them were obviously personal in nature because she would say “I cant talk about that right now, I am doing an interview” … I was seething ! … No you are not … you are doing your other job of gossip columnist right in front of a technician you are supposed to be interviewing.
Next … she is so accustomed to dealing with “pink collar” “data entry” …this idiot is going to give a programmer a typing test. Incredulous !!! Have you lost your mind. Programmers must type well because program code requires syntax. You cant code without accuracy. But contrary to most people, I guess, we have discovered the “backspace” key and we cant live without it … not even for a typing test. Using backspace during a typing test destroys the test.
While doing this banal task, I heard her in the back office talking on the phone, she shoud have shut the door … it was very distracting. I figured she got all her “CRAP” done while I got all my “CRAP” done.
It gets better ! ! ! !
I called to her and let her know I was done .. and sat in front of her desk … 15 min goes by. I should have gotten catheterized before this interview. I heard a toilet flush .. shes in good shape.
When she finally came back out, her phone would ring every 10 sec … no exaggeration. I heard her book “lunch” 4 times for next week. She was up to Fri and booking for the following week.
I WAS LIVID!.. Have you ever gotten so angry … that you started seeing spots before your eyes. This kind of anger is really bad for your personal well being, when it starts making physiological changes to your body. Needless to say, I am in no psysical or emotional state to continue.
Not to be anti-climatic.
While she was still on the phone booking December 2015, I stood up, tossed the paperwork in front of her, and said (literally), “Give me a call when you get some time.” (Im surprised I wa calm) .. She hung up immediately, stood up, started gushing, begged me to wait.
I was in no condition to continue. I probably shouldn’t have tried to drive.
Summary for all “HR Types”:
This story is true and I don’t care if I changed any names to protect the STUPID.
An interview is not supposed to be harrowing.
You do NOT have any power over me … “YOU LITTLE SNOT”
I was looking for a job when I walked in here … I will continue and I will succeed (PERIOD)
You do yourself and esp the company you represent, not just a disservice, but you are a wrecking crew in acquiring and sourcing talent.
You think you “think outside the box” but are willing to say something huge stupid like “That the way we have always done it” Uh … Excuse me … at least raise your head out of the box when you speak to me.I know this was a worse case scenario, but it really happened without embellishment.
This has happened in lesser extremes many time.Interviewing has always been easy for me because I am so confident in what I do. I truly feel sorry for the un-skilled applicants … They are applying to the most humble jobs … being interviewed by persons that don’t have a clue … working with the most petty of people. Its tragic.
Mis-spellings contributed for your entertainment.
Rob