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« Back | Home » Staying safe in a job interview
Staying Safe During A Job Interview
In light of recent attacks on job-seekers at interviews, it’s important to put your safety and security first. “If we all listened to that gut feel more we wouldn’t need to go out into the world scared and timid,” says Tania Bownes of non-profit employment agency DreamWorker in Cape Town. “While most people are honest and good, the few bad guys spoil it for everyone.” So try these tips to get the upper hand at your next job interview.
1. “Common sense is fundamental in life and however desperate you may be for work, you need tobe street smart and sensible,” says Cape Town-based Recruitment Specialist and owner of Vega Recruitment Liz Cowell. “Always do your homework. Check out the website and credentials of the hiring company. Is there a logo? Does the location seem appropriate for the kind of business? Is the building well maintained and does it have proper signage? Are there other people around? What time of day is the interview and where?” Ask yourself these questions before committing to an interview.
2. Not all companies or businesses will have websites, however. In this case, find out if they have a legitimate phone number and address, and try speak to them verbally first. “Find a reason to call or have them call you as this will add another dimension to their authenticity. If necessary, tell them you would like a phone number in case you get lost, and then use the number to confirm the appointment before leaving,” advises Cowell. Adds Bownes: “Rather risk making a fool of yourself or be upfront and say, ‘Sorry to have to ask you this but in the light of recent events, I need to have XYZ information before coming to the interview’.”
3. “Preferably do not deal with an intermediary or third party unless it is an established agent with proper credentials,” says Cowell.
4. Never meet at the interviewer’s home – even if they do not have secured or formal business premises. Rather meet in neutral public spaces.
5. Always tell someone where and when you are going for an interview, including the time you expect to be finished. Take a charged cell phone with you with enough airtime in case of emergency. But, notes Bownes, keep your valuables to a minimum. “We heard of a person having their belongings stolen at an interview recently. Yes, take a cell phone and some basic money but as few personal belongings as possible. And keep your belongings on you at all times.”
6. Try to take someone with you if you feel worried. They obviously cannot sit through the interview with you, but can wait in a nearby coffee shop or downstairs lobby.
7. Bownes also recommends being bold and upfront to deter any would be rapists/attackers. “Look the person confidently in the eyes. Ask for a business card upfront. Anything that makes you appear strong,” she suggests.
8. Always ask to schedule your interview during the day. If this is not possible, meeting in a public space or taking someone along with you becomes even more important. “If the interviewer or employer thinks that the candidate is worthwhile and really wants to see the candidate, they will shift their diary accordingly,” says Cowell.
9. If the interviewer asks to continue the interview over dinner, politely refuse. Also be cautious of accepting drinks if you are not 100% comfortable and confident with the set-up, cautions Cowell.
10. You should also refuse any offers for a lift from the interviewer. Says Bownes: “This could be a trap. I think the only exception would be domestic workers being met by a female future employer. It may appear silly at the time but it could mean you miss the job yet save your life!”
11. Don’t give away all your personal information, especially your financial details. There is no need for a potential employer to have these details before you get the job.
12. If the job comes with accommodation, check the accommodation before you accept the job – and take someone along with you when you do so.
13. As a single person, take some pepper spray with you and be really sure how to use it confidently, suggests Bownes. Also be careful that your attacker does not grab the spray and use it on you!
14. Candidates tend to forget that they are as important as the job advertiser. An interview is a two way exchange of informationand candidates must receive professional treatment at all times. Exchange of information and questioning should be done by both parties. If the candidate is not happy with any part of the process he/she is not obliged to stay.
15. If the job seems too good to be true – it probably is. Be wary of jobs that offer huge amounts of money. “The advert to which you respond should also have a degree of formality to it,” explains Cowell. “Job-seekers read many ads and should be able to pick up if there is one that does not seem quite right.”
16. So trust your gut! “Your first impression is usually the right one so if there is a red flag anywhere in your mind about an interview, examine the reason for this and don't go unless you are convinced that all is okay,” says Cowell.
17. Finally, people setting up an interview need to practise caution too. Says Bownes: “Also, for the employment of domestics or gardeners etc. rather meet to interview them first at a public place like a library or better still, the police station. There is more likely to be security cameras in these places. And always do a reference check beforehand.”
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