subject: An Environment Of Case Interview Protocol For Employment [print this page] These are tough times for employers and applicants, so the case interview style of meshing the best is sometimes used. The technique requires fast thinking, quick problem solving and presentation. Writing the resume to perfection allowed for contemplation and re-write. This type of interviewing leaves no time to fake the answers. Even more disconcerting, they want to know why you came to your conclusion, there may not be a "right" answer.
Use this idea as an example: You have just submitted an application for a job listing from a long term assisted living residence. You feel qualified for the position of dining room manager. Shortly afterward you receive notice to come for an interview. Though you arrive early a staff person escorts you, very quietly, to a board room.
There, faces expectant, four manager sorts stare at you from the far side of an over sized table. They've left a single chair across from them. Within some awkward moments they introduce themselves. After the first attempt you realize that apart from sprawling across the table, shaking hands isn't possible.
They begin by confirming details in your resume. "You graduated with a degree in Business Management." Yes. "Ah, and we see you volunteer time coaching kids' hockey." Yes. You wonder why there's four people required to ask these resume echo questions. Abruptly, the woman who is probably the boss of bosses says, "We'd like to present you with some possible scenarios we could have here so that we both see the responsibilities of the job in the same way." You smile as though you expected the questions.
"Let's say we've planned a big Valentine event, " she smiles, and on that morning the individual plate sized heart cakes arrive late. The invoice slip total is approximately 35% higher than the bakery quote. What will you do now."
Money is a big one, mention that one first. You say you'd check the budget, contact the bakery, negotiate with them later. You tell them that the people would be too disappointed if the event was canceled. They nod, scribble on their papers.
"OK. Thank you." "Perhaps at lunch time one day one of the residents begins yelling that his food is unacceptable, that he won't eat anything on his plate. How will you handle this man's problem?"
None of your research about this position had mentioned hysterical residents. You tell them that you would calm the man, find him another food option, and thank the server for her patience.
"That seems reasonable. If this man, over-wrought, suddenly has a heart attack, then what will you to do? They are staring at you, looking for panic, their pens ready.
In a flash you realize that it's been a long time since that last CPR course. You begin to think about the position again. Late valentine baking and screaming residents weren't mentioned in the job description. Nothing about them dying in dining room either. It's decision time. As you stand up you say, "I am so pleased that you considered me for this job, but I have changed my mind. The case interview method can be useful to all concerned.
