There were two types of interviews we could attend. One was a group interview where we had to assess the applicants working inside a group. The other interview was an individual interview where there was approximately three people interweaving one applicant. I was a part of the individual interviews which was actually the one I would have preferred to be in. I don’t really know why I rather attend the individual interviews but somehow it felt a better fit for me. Even though it would have been very interesting to sit quietly and watch a group try and solve a question or problem within an assignment, when the actual point is to observe the applicants personality and way of working.
The reason I wanted to be involved in the process of
the entrance examination for my school is because I wanted to know how the
system works. I was intrigued and wanted to experience it myself. I applied to
Haaga-Helia at the Haaga Campus in Helsinki, so I really had no clue how the entrance
examinations worked in HH Porvoo Campus. I also wanted to learn something new
and know how it feels to be on the other side of an interview or application
process. I’ve always been the “applicant” until this experience so it almost
felt powerful to see things in the eyes of someone who is actually “in charge”
of someone’s future. We did have the opportunity to fail unsuited applicants
which was a scary thought. What if I give points to someone who doesn’t deserve
it as much as someone else? What if I don’t fail someone who obviously shouldn’t
get in and takes the place of some who should? It might not had been that
drastic actually but you get the point, intimidating isn’t it?
The
day started like any other. Everyone involved in the entrance examination
interviews met in a class. We had some salad for lunch and a brief introduction
in what were we getting ourselves into. We split into the people conducting the
group interviews and the people conducting the individual interviews. I
was an interviewer at the individual interviews so my
team consisted of two other interviewers.
After that we met with the team that was assigned
to us, who with we should conduct the interviews. I was lucky to have such nice
and experienced people to work with. It felt safer to be a little “out” and confused
with the situation and even be a little nervous. We had 5 people to interview
of which one was a no show. The time passed very quickly and before I knew it,
the day was over and I was driving back to Helsinki.
Overall I think that the whole day went well. We had
four very successful interviews even though I froze at one of them. I’m glad
the people who were interviewing with me were pushing me to ask questions and
were patient when I forgot what I was supposed to ask from the applicant. Mostly
I did feel I asked good, valid questions and gave the applicants much appreciated
insights about the school.
This was a
great opportunity for me to learn recruitment skills, because someday I wish to
be doing that in some part of my future job. It is so wonderful to meet new
people especially when they surprise you in the most positive ways. It was
inspiring to see so motivated people do well on their interviews and I was sure
to pick out some good points from them for my own job or other interviews for
the future. I’m grateful for this opportunity, it was fun and I hope to be a part
something like this in the future.
