Clever Man Flips the Script on Recruiters and Attends Job Interviews as a Hobby for Positions He Doesn't Plan on Accepting
This is a boss-level move, and we respect it!
Like in most things, starting is almost always the hardest part. This is true even with job hunting; the idea of participating in a job interview is a prospect that people do not relish.
In fact, job interviews can be so nerve-wracking for some folks that they trigger anxiety. There's nothing unusual about it; the idea that your immediate future hangs on how well you perform in a short meeting is not a relaxing thought at all.
You prepare in advance, research, and practice your talking points, but it's different once you're in the hot seat. In essence, everything about you — your clothes, your posture, and most especially your communication skills — is judged during the interview.
That alone can cause anyone's palms to sweat, but some people do not experience these manifestations of anxiety at all. What's their secret?
Some people actually attend classes on communication, resume writing, and confidence to overcome their "fears." Others are just naturally calm and confident because they know their capabilities and their worth, and that's enough for them to perform well.
For those of us who don't have the nerves of steel to "fake it 'til you make it" and those who don't have the luxury to attend self-help classes or read books, is there a way to hack a job interview?
One Reddit story might just provide us a solution!
While the OP (original poster) didn't intend for his methods to help others struggling with job interviews, it actually proved to be a clever solution! The OP says attending job interviews has become his new favorite hobby!
He applies for jobs and attends the interviews without any intention of accepting the position! The OP says he enjoys the ritual of dressing up, visiting new places, and keeping the companies on their toes.
He approaches the interview calmly and confidently because he knows he's in charge. Instead of the recruiters asking him why they should hire him, he turns the tables on them.
He asks them why he should work for their company, how they compare to their counterparts, what benefits they offer their employees, and the best part is the salary negotiation.
When the OP asks for the salary, he always states that it's not competitive for their area, and he acts impatient and walks out! His method has proven effective, and these companies have called him back.
Other Redditors have praised the OP for his approach, and some even found it helpful. It's a good method to measure your worth in the current market if you've been with your company for a long time. Plus, for job hunters, it's a great practice to hone your interview skills.
u/R_o_g_z
OP's full story can be read below:
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OP has helped at least one nervous job seeker through his post
Shmea
Our expert OP has additional tips to share, and you better take this to heart
R_o_g_z
It seems like the method does work
InYourAlaska
"Calm confidence always trumps nerves"
InYourAlaska
Getting rid of that pressure before a job interview is one of the toughest things to overcome, but it pays off extremely well when you do.
someonestopthatman
This hiring manager says that it's part of their job to ensure the candidate is calm and collected during the interview.
skatripp
OP's method works because it desensitizes you to the perceived expectations for a job interview through repeated exposure.
Then-Inevitable-2548
Is anybody keeping score on how many industries the Millennial generation has "killed" so far?
nonikhannna, oneangstybiscuit
It actually should be; some recruiters need to be checked because they can get too drunk on their power.
2020BillyJoel
Someone agreed with OP's initial assessment of himself, stating that his hobby can be considered valid, but he should keep doing it anyway.
winterfells_ghost
By all means, OP, please continue this service!
glieseg
Sounds like a dangerous game. I'm in!
Sad_Boy_Associacion
OP obviously loves these interviews, and he has mastered the art.
R_o_g_z
Those are definitely interesting hobbies, and now you can add interview hopping.
[deleted]
Some people have upped the ante and gone on overseas interviews for the all-expense-paid trip!
Hapi_X
Shhhh, don't let the corporations know!
AsianSteleotype
Turns out, OP is not too alone in this hobby of his, and people have actually landed great offers using this technique!
MyDogIsaGargoyle
While others are just starting out and using this method to find better career opportunities.
Beginning-Knee7258
OP used a cake analogy to simplify things, and it actually makes perfect sense! Remove all the stakes, and you'll be able to perfect it without worrying about the repercussions.
R_o_g_z
OP really should widen his audience outside of Reddit, as this commenter suggested...
BillyClubxxx
... and he has!
R_o_g_z
Due to popular demand, OP has created a YouTube channel where he posts interview "hacks" and updates on his interview hopping hobby!
Rogg
OP may not have realized how helpful his "odd hobby" was when he initially shared his story, but based on the positive reactions he received, he now knows how awesome this is. Reddit users are feeling more emboldened and empowered by this new discovery.
OP's clever method will help many new job seekers, and experts alike will actually benefit from this should they apply it. Keep doing you, OP, and check out his channel when you can!