Have you ever embarked on a job hunt in Kenya? If so, you'll undoubtedly concur that the experience can be akin to an odyssey, often evoking the sense of a high-stakes endeavour. It's a journey that leads you into interview rooms resembling solemn courtrooms more than inviting job prospects.
The interview room, however, is often a stark contrast to the inviting reception. Candidates find themselves face-to-face with interviewing panelists, each wearing a stern expression that could rival a judge's in a courtroom.
Their gazes are so intense that candidates feel they are on trial for crimes they haven't committed. Questions fired at candidates are rapid and probing as if they are cross-examining a witness. It's an intimidating experience.
Candidates often leave interviews feeling like they have just faced a firing squad rather than potential employers. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident in Kenya's job market. It's a recurring theme.
In many interviews, the panelists look like they have never cracked a smile in their professional lives. Their demeanour is so severe that it often feels like they are robots programmed to evaluate job candidates. The cold, impersonal atmosphere makes it challenging for candidates to present their true selves and skills effectively.
It raises questions about the hiring process in Kenya and why it often resembles a high-stakes courtroom drama. Are employers trying to weed out potential candidates through an ordeal of seriousness and sternness? Are a friendly demeanour and a warm smile too much to ask for in an interview room?
This is not to suggest that professionalism should be abandoned during the hiring process. Employers certainly have the right to assess candidates rigorously.
However, it's important to understand that a touch of friendliness and a welcoming environment can bring out the best in candidates. After all, a job interview is not just about evaluating a candidate; it's also an opportunity for the candidate to assess the potential employer.
The hiring process should be less about creating courtroom drama and facilitating professional conversation. And, in Kenya, change is needed. Panels can greet candidates with smiles, put them at ease, and ask questions with genuine interest. It's a change that could revolutionise the interview experience, making it more positive and productive for all involved.
Ultimately, the hiring process need not be a matter of life and death. While professionalism is essential, a touch of friendliness can make all the difference.
To all the interviewing panels out there, a friendly demeanour can help you and your potential employees find the perfect fit. It's time for interviews in Kenya to change for the better.
