In general, do you think the selection process in most companies is fair?

Question

It seems that candidates need more than IQ, they also need EQ (emotional intelligence) experience and skills come thirdly.

Answer 1

The trouble is, it's very difficult to set up an entirely fair selection process.  Realistically, the best way to select someone must be to invite them in and give them a week's trial.  But how practical is that?

I would say in most companies it is as fair as possible and practical.  Obviously there are some employees who have got their jobs because of who they know rather than their own skills or abilities, but these are probably the minority.  Also there are some companies that will hire certain individuals in order to fill a diversity requirement, but again, this is the minority.

Buddha - I am a recruiter and I can assure you that all candidates are not set the same questions.  I identify questions for each candidate based on areas that I particularly want to probe.  For example, if I'm looking for someone with strong people management skills and it looks from the candidate's CV that they could do most aspects of the job but perhaps don't have the people management experience, then this will be the area that I focus on when I interview them.

Answer 2

No. In most large companies it's about being able to backup your choice with paperwork in case questions get asked. So it's all about making yourself look good on paper.

Answer 3

No.

Answer 4

In private companies yes. In public companies no.

Answer 5

I think it is ridiculous.  In the name of equal opportunities they set fixed questions for all of the candidates and the one who can spout the most gets the job.  They often end up with the wrong person.  I have been on both ends of this scenario both as a candidate and an interviewer.