Lately, more and more job candidates are coming to interviews with a support group, like their mom, dad or even a senior colleague.
We talked about this new trend in our team chat. Here’s what some people said.
N Lewis:
Yes. In HR-we’ve seen it often. It is an unfortunate part of the Helicopter Parent Syndrome… wanting to save their child from any discomfort and solve all perceived problems or challenges.
Of course this is impossible to scale over the course of life and definitely on the job…unless the company hires both ppl! While we understand it might be their 1st corporate job oppty and 1st professional interview outside of intermittent or informal summer jobs, a better method parents is to do mock interviews and prepare your child to succeed by interviewing with confidence. It takes practice. Until this aspect is grasped…we are in for an era of ill-equipped workers. Calling mama (or mama figures) when a crisis arrives on the job is not the new SOP for corporate…gotta get back to critical thinking and a level of preparedness.
George Ndolo:
Bringing a parent or guardian to an interview is not a common practice, but it has been observed in certain contexts, especially among younger candidates. Few reasons why this might happen:
Support and Comfort:
Some candidates may feel nervous about interviews and bring a parent for emotional support. This can be particularly true for recent graduates or those entering the workforce for the first time.
Cultural Factors:
In some cultures, it’s customary to involve family in significant decisions, including career choices. Parents may accompany their children to interviews as a sign of support and involvement.
Perception of Guidance:
Some candidates might believe that having a parent present can help them navigate the interview process or provide additional insights.
Trends in Youth Behavior:
As career paths evolve, some young people may feel more comfortable seeking assistance and guidance from their parents, reflecting changing dynamics in family relationships.
What do you think – do you agree with our experts?
