原来 interview 那么伤，比想象中还难。。。

2 weeks ago, I was shortlisted for a pre-interview briefing session at a civil sector organisation "DBE". There were about 14 people (8 girls 4 guys) at the briefing where we were given more details about the organisation & the job scope. The DBE officers there are rather friendly and open (unlike the stern look on mass media). We had a private 15/30 mins or so with an assigned DBE officer who talked to us about his/her experience in DBE & address any queries we had. Then we had to write 2 essays, one was about our knowledge of the organisation & the job scope, the other one was about our expectations & aspirations. Earlier, we were told that only successful candidates would be selected for an interview, but the highest ranking officer in the room recommended that all of us be interview the following week so that they can know more about everyone of us.

My interview was at 2.30, but waited until like 3 plus. (I was the first to be interviewed) At the waiting area, I met 3 others whose appointment is at 3 and 3.30 respeectively. Among them was a fellow econs fresh grad 'Huixian' (She looked a bit like that gal from CSS2 when she smiles) who also faced difficulties finding a job. (Is it a universal problem or just MY problem?) She mentioned that her other econs grad friends are mostly into contract-based jobs (about 6 month term)

There were 6 people chairing the interview, but only the 3 higher -ranking officers spoken. (The manpower head seems familiar, I kept wondering where I saw him before during the interview) The questions were very direct and "in your face", like "your past job applications didnt succeed, dont you think there's something wrong with you?" "You only got a 'good' in conduct during NS, which was not so good a grade, do you think its justifiable?" "Did you ask them why you got such a rating?" I felt that my replies to the last 2 questions are the best among all the other questions, which says a lot about my performance in the interview.

From what 'Huixian' told me, hers isnt much better. She got questions like "Jiafeigou and you have the same qualifications. Who do you think we should pick for this job?" She was also persistently questioned (or rather, suspected) about her suitability & capability for this job (me too!)( The key word is 'persistently')

The co-ordinator (sorry, I dont recognise his rank, but it looks like 2 diamonds) overheard our conversation & told us that its the norm. The interviewers want to know how we would react to such (wierd) questions to better evaluate us. Perhaps to them, this is the best way to reduce assymetric information. I agree. No one can prepare themselves adequately to these type of questions, which would (inevitably) disclose more about our personality and character than those 'normal' questions.

To further reduce assymetric information, two character referees is a must. (I feel this adds to the assymetric information though) "Huixian" got her friends, me too. Really thanx a lot to 'JQ' and 'rubbish bin' for bailing me out. ( I really hope DBE wouldnt call them) I didnt want to ask "上手san" despite the the fact that I took her modules for 2 years consecutively. Why? I used to like her, but after what happened during the last module, I began to have doubts on her teaching methods & her 'carefully-crafted statements'. And I believe both 'JQ' and 'rubbish bin' are able to give a more accurate & reflective description / opinion of me than her. At the very least, I am sure they would not be so honne / tatemae to the extent of saying that I am good in my spoken Japanese (unlike someone)....

My bum is hurting....

It has been like 3 months since I last went down to East Coast Park. Used to cycle when I am there, but this time a strange though entered my head- why not try rollerblading?
I figured I might need at most 15 minutes to familiarise myself with those wheels, based on the fact that I had done it before when I am in secondary school. (on flat ground, not humps or slopes) Sometimes (or rather most of the time), reality is vastly different from past experiences. I struggled and struggled, fell and fell....Not that my 'coach' isnt good (I only remember his 'v shape' and the fact that the steps and movements are 'natural'), not that being a saturday the human traffic flow is more busy (its just more 'obstacles'), the main reason is that whenever I think I am going to fall / will fall, I always fall. It doesnt help that the blades keep moving outwards (my 'coach cant explain why it happened)
This episode reminds me of the time "princess" leant riding a bike. The 'trauma' and 'panicking' are comparable, but she had two (good) coaches. (erm..maybe not...I think I also keep emphasising that its natural too) But at least in the end, she managed to overcome the difficulties with her mental strength and could cycle quite well. Me leh? I saw so many young kids learning to blade but despite falling down many times, they never gave up. (or rather, I didnt witness them giving up) This is where I think I should learn from them....