the cruel reality in recruitment

Today, I went down to Palais Renaissance (whatever the spelling) to hand deliver my job application. Cos today was the last day. Depressingly, there were a number of applications in the letterboxes, not including those from the last 4 days. So much competition. Retail and Training Executive for Elizabeth Arden. Hey, I am really interested in this job. This is the second job so far that I am interested in.

I asked JJ how he got his current job. He went for an interview for HR executive. There were many other applicants, but he was the only one who got in. How on Earth did he get the job? He's not outspoken, he's not outstanding in his credentials either, HOW DID HE GET THE JOB???!!!!

My conclusion -- the female HR manager who conducted the interviews loves his face. I am 100% sure. Oh, by the way, she admitted that she only wanted to hire male ones as she would be working very closely with who she hires. Basically, she's hiring a personal assistant. She finds girls too sensitive. And I bet she is attracted to JJ's appearance. Hey, not because he is my boyfriend that I say he looks good. That's the opinion of many girls, including my friends, family etc. Guys do not share the same view though, but this is not the point.

The point is, I know that the recruitment process in Singapore tends to be much more unprofessional and irrational, often based on gut feelings and personal preferences. I heard this from the HR people at a reknown hotel giant and many many other sources. There are just way too many applicants to consider for the same job. You could be marked down for your hair, your clothes, your voice, your whatever, or be given credit for the same.

When I went for the interview at a reknown property company a couple of months' back, the interviewer feedback that she is "definitely looking for someone who looks pleasant". (Does it mean that I am pleasant looking which fits part of her criteria or I am not? *Shrug* In anyway, she doesn't look pleasant. I look a lot better. )

I don't know what that means, but I didn't get the job cos I was too passive during the interview. Anyway, I wasn't interested in the job, just wanted to go for an experience. What an awful experience. I went Lau PaSat alone to eat a huge bowl of noodles and walked about alone feeling lousy about myself, feeling lousy that I gave someone a chance to think that I am not good enough.

Sales and Marketing people are always looking for pleasant looking individuals. That's a euphemism to cynical me. They just want goodlooking guys and girls, cos customers (plus pple in the company itself) love to deal with goodlookers. Character and Credentials are important too, but we can't deny that the extent to which these two elements are important, can be compromised. Whatever lah.. Aaarghh..

Why am I pissed?? I don't really have this problem in the past. A few months' back, I would think my looks is to my advantage. But, my face is in a horrendous state now, horribly scarred such that make-up could do little help.

I want an experience of working as an executive/ a professional, that is why I am subjecting myself to this GAME and some humiliation and lotsa rejection.

I think my internship company would be glad to hire me back, but the company sucks. None of the 6 of us (interns) want to have anything to do with that company again.

Whatever..

******

I had my first lesson of Pool today. This is the second time I tried Pool - not bad. To think I have condemned the game for years.