The most original job interview procedure that you have ever seen

Posted by
February 19, 2013
Standard questions. Prepared answers. If job interviews are all the same, how to find the right talent among 1734 applicants? At Heineken they decided to do it completely different: an interview for which no preparation is possible. What would you think and do if the interviewer takes you by the […]

Standard questions. Prepared answers. If job interviews are all the same, how to find the right talent among 1734 applicants?

At Heineken they decided to do it completely different: an interview for which no preparation is possible. What would you think and do if the interviewer takes you by the hand like a child and walk you to his office? Or if your interviewer suddenly falls on the ground? Or if you suddenly need to assist in an emergency situation?

Next step in the selection procedure was to vote, by the Heineken Internet community, on the best 3 applications which were selected. The result? One winner! During the opening ceremony of Juventus Chelsea, which was completely sold out, Juventus announced who got the job. No shortage of drama at Heineken! While the winner himself – already participating in the ceremony – could watch the monitor, everything fell into place and it became clear why those absurd events were being held.

About Jacco Valkenburg

Jacco Valkenburg is an international recruitment expert, trainer and author (5 books). He has more than 20 years experience in global recruitment strategies and execution spanning numerous countries for leading companies. As founder of Recruiter University and Recruit2 he provides companies with recruitment training and consultancy. His mission is helping companies ‘from good to great staffing’.

2 Comments

  1. ann
    Posted February 21, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    Interesting approach and very enjoyable video. I think, to convince, we need to knwo how well Guy is doing 6 months, 12 months and 18 months into the job. Any plans?

  2. candidate
    Posted February 22, 2013 at 12:28 AM

    Interesting approach- but feels ever so slightly as if cnadidates are treated like circus animals – being trained and led for our own entertainment. I am unsure whether making inferences about ones capability and suitability for a position based on how they cope with completely unnatural situations (the hand holding, for example) is a fair assessment.