I went for my intern interview at Weber Shandwick this morning. It went pretty badly.
First, CAO screw me up. The lady who helped me set up the interview for me didn't know anything about the company. She told me the company was doing events planning. And when I asked her about the job scope, she said she had no idea.
Anyway, I was asked why I decided to apply to the company (expected). I couldn't say that SIA withdrew and I desperately need an internship, right? So I told him that I was interested in PR and communications and would like to gain more knowledge about the industry (which is true).
Guess what the interviewer said? We are not about communication. Or marketing. Did you read about our company before coming? But that was what written on your website! Well, that's how I interpret it. Never mind. Maybe it's my fault.
Then he looked at my resume and said, "So you got distinction for your Chinese in O'levels and A'levels. Can you write in English? I don't like people with lousy grammars and vocabulary."
Excuse me! I may be good in my Chinese but that doesn't mean I am lousy in my English, okay? Why are you questioning my ability to write in English?! And aren't I conversing in English with you?
Interviewer: "Tell me your strengths."
I rattled on about how I am conscientious, pay attention to detail and blah blah blah. And he went, "That's what everybody says." And I am like FINE! So, I gave him an example and he gave those expression that says that he thinks I am making those examples up.
Interviewer: "Tell me your weaknesses."
I told him that I am a perfectionist. Sometimes too much. To the point where I like to pull all nighters to do my work and then used the subsequent time leading up to the deadline covering loopholes. And then he told me, " It shows that you have lousy time management."
I also told him that I am impatient. That's very true, right?! I like things done my way and as quickly as possible. And when things are not done properly, I get frustrated with myself because I think that I didn't communicate the information well to my group mates.
He just gave me those, "I think you are crap look."
Interviewer: "Are you good in doing research and giving presentations?"
I told him that I have taken 2 research modules and actually conducted a research from scratch. I did rather well for those research modules. And I also told him that I have received positive feedbacks from tutors, professors and friends about my presentations.
He just looked at me and smirked.
Then the interviewer asked me, "If you are interested in PR, why are you majoring in Finance?" It's an expected question.
My answer, "I am interested in Finance but I don't see myself working long term in the industry. Because it's highly competitive and stressful with little...."
Before I can finish my answer, he asked, "Are you saying that PR industry is not competitive and not stressful?"
I wanted to explain that it's not the competition or stressful situation that is putting me off Finance industry but it's the lack of interaction and communication with the clients that is putting me off. I know there's interaction too but as compared to PR, the interaction in the Finance industry is peanuts. And if you have known me for a very long time, I am a people person 90% of the time!
But I couldn't explain myself because he kept lecturing me. And saying that I am wasting his time and tarnishing the name of NTU. And he made it clear from the start that he thinks that my "explanations" are all excuses.
Throughout the whole interview, he didn't give me a chance to explain my answers. He likes to cut me off and shut me up. And he kept lecturing me. Going on and on and on and on about how he knows that I think that I am very smart and blah blah blah.
In the end, he made me sound like I am some arrogant bitch and some simple minded idiot at the same time. If that's even possible.
I have been through bad interviews and tough interviews.
But never have I been to an interview where I was attacked personally.
Anyways, the result of the interview will be out on Monday. Haa. What are the chances that I will get in? But here's to hoping?
I held back tears while talking to KL and scotchey about it but when Juan called, I just started crying. I am not worried about not getting the internship. But never in my life have I been reprimanded and told that I have single-handedly brought down the name of NTU.
And even though KL, scotchey and Juan said that it has nothing to do with me and it's totally the interviewer's problem, I can't shake the naggy feeling that it's my fault. And what he said is true. That maybe subconsciously I AM an arrogant bitch and a simple minded idiot.
I'm strong. I will hold back those tears and go for tuition. But comforting words are welcomed. If you can, bring me Ice Blended Sour Plum:(
But maybe I should grow up and learn to suck it all in and let it pass.
First, CAO screw me up. The lady who helped me set up the interview for me didn't know anything about the company. She told me the company was doing events planning. And when I asked her about the job scope, she said she had no idea.
Anyway, I was asked why I decided to apply to the company (expected). I couldn't say that SIA withdrew and I desperately need an internship, right? So I told him that I was interested in PR and communications and would like to gain more knowledge about the industry (which is true).
Guess what the interviewer said? We are not about communication. Or marketing. Did you read about our company before coming? But that was what written on your website! Well, that's how I interpret it. Never mind. Maybe it's my fault.
Then he looked at my resume and said, "So you got distinction for your Chinese in O'levels and A'levels. Can you write in English? I don't like people with lousy grammars and vocabulary."
Excuse me! I may be good in my Chinese but that doesn't mean I am lousy in my English, okay? Why are you questioning my ability to write in English?! And aren't I conversing in English with you?
Interviewer: "Tell me your strengths."
I rattled on about how I am conscientious, pay attention to detail and blah blah blah. And he went, "That's what everybody says." And I am like FINE! So, I gave him an example and he gave those expression that says that he thinks I am making those examples up.
Interviewer: "Tell me your weaknesses."
I told him that I am a perfectionist. Sometimes too much. To the point where I like to pull all nighters to do my work and then used the subsequent time leading up to the deadline covering loopholes. And then he told me, " It shows that you have lousy time management."
I also told him that I am impatient. That's very true, right?! I like things done my way and as quickly as possible. And when things are not done properly, I get frustrated with myself because I think that I didn't communicate the information well to my group mates.
He just gave me those, "I think you are crap look."
Interviewer: "Are you good in doing research and giving presentations?"
I told him that I have taken 2 research modules and actually conducted a research from scratch. I did rather well for those research modules. And I also told him that I have received positive feedbacks from tutors, professors and friends about my presentations.
He just looked at me and smirked.
Then the interviewer asked me, "If you are interested in PR, why are you majoring in Finance?" It's an expected question.
My answer, "I am interested in Finance but I don't see myself working long term in the industry. Because it's highly competitive and stressful with little...."
Before I can finish my answer, he asked, "Are you saying that PR industry is not competitive and not stressful?"
I wanted to explain that it's not the competition or stressful situation that is putting me off Finance industry but it's the lack of interaction and communication with the clients that is putting me off. I know there's interaction too but as compared to PR, the interaction in the Finance industry is peanuts. And if you have known me for a very long time, I am a people person 90% of the time!
But I couldn't explain myself because he kept lecturing me. And saying that I am wasting his time and tarnishing the name of NTU. And he made it clear from the start that he thinks that my "explanations" are all excuses.
Throughout the whole interview, he didn't give me a chance to explain my answers. He likes to cut me off and shut me up. And he kept lecturing me. Going on and on and on and on about how he knows that I think that I am very smart and blah blah blah.
In the end, he made me sound like I am some arrogant bitch and some simple minded idiot at the same time. If that's even possible.
I have been through bad interviews and tough interviews.
But never have I been to an interview where I was attacked personally.
Anyways, the result of the interview will be out on Monday. Haa. What are the chances that I will get in? But here's to hoping?
I held back tears while talking to KL and scotchey about it but when Juan called, I just started crying. I am not worried about not getting the internship. But never in my life have I been reprimanded and told that I have single-handedly brought down the name of NTU.
And even though KL, scotchey and Juan said that it has nothing to do with me and it's totally the interviewer's problem, I can't shake the naggy feeling that it's my fault. And what he said is true. That maybe subconsciously I AM an arrogant bitch and a simple minded idiot.
I'm strong. I will hold back those tears and go for tuition. But comforting words are welcomed. If you can, bring me Ice Blended Sour Plum:(
But maybe I should grow up and learn to suck it all in and let it pass.
9 comments:
Sheesh, that interviewer is too much... Maybe he's got someone to take the job already, and is just out to torture everyone else... But still, it's not the right thing to do.
I hope you're alright...
hey, thanks. I'll be okay. Just need to cry abit and all(:
nice words make me feel better too! so thanks!!!
love youu sweets...! huggs! i'll help u stab that jerk's eyes out. U're too good for them.
don't feel so bad over it. He's being the bitch not you.
thanks!
i'll see you on thursday! (: kbox!!!!
but i feel like clubbing too? hmm..
dance lessons during summer?
I hope this does not turn you off to PR! I work with the staffing team at another PR agency and we certainly do not conduct interviews like that.
Nope! I'm still interested in PR! Even more so after the interview! But I'll need to read up more about the industry! Any recommendations?(:
Sorry to hear about you interview. Have you found an internship? If not perhaps I can help. I run the social media practice at Weber Shandwick and I can't believe your experience. I'm following you on twitter we can exchange messages there. Let me know as I can probably help either way I will be sure to bring this to our recruitment team.
@bonin heys. Yups! I found an internship. But I am mostly doing administrative work here. Not learning much though. The interviewer holds quite a high position. I guess that's why he is so nasty? It totally damaged my perception of the company :S
Thanks for responding. Plus for the tweat letting me know you responded because it has been a long week and all the help I can get is appreciated and welcome. First let me say please don't let the actions of a few represent the goals of the many. I agree many times seniority comes with a sense of unwarranted arrogance. However, I can personally speak as a member (clearly the youngest member) of the global leadership committee of WS and an EVP that runs a global practice that this is not the sentiment of the majority.
Wow that sounds like a very corporate response but I'm watching the DNC so I guess I'm following in the tradition of positioning.
Corporate speak aside in my 2 years here I have seen an agency that cares about and cultivates young talent. From a business perspective it is just a smart decision. From my personal experience this has been a big growth opportunity for me because there are so many people here who are "real" and care about helping me grow. That is the most important benchmark I have which "is how have I grown".
I can't tell from the context of your response and posts, if your current admin responsibilities are a positive or a negative but at first glance it sounds like you are on the fence.
Let me say, I love Greg Tedesco, who currently acts as my admin, and my job is to make sure that I pay him tenfold for his service because I realize that I can't do what I do without him. However he is sacrificing learning’s that might come from an account role to help me in an admin capacity so I better make sure I make it worth his while. He's on twitter feel free to ask him about the sincerity of that relationship.
Between, you me and your readers, I have not read all of your posts but I did read the first page and outside of the general rant about presentation quality (which is uber important) your posts focus on a passionate insightfulness which is awesome.
Really, I just hope your current employer realizes and cultivates that. I deeply ashamed that we didn't.
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