Case Study

• Group members: Le Thu Ha, Nguyen Thu Ha, Nguyen Ngoc Mai, Bui Son Tung, Duc Thang.

OB in Action Case Study

Job Offers Are Won and Lost Base on Interviewers’ Perceptions of Responses to the Question “What Are Your Weaknesses”.

Answers for Discussion Questions

1. Which of the perceptual errors listed in Table 7-2 are affecting recruiters’ perceptions in this case? Discuss.

In this case, halo effect affects recruiters’ perceptions. Because of an avalanche of resumes  Worldwide Panel LLC received for the four vacancies, the officials rejected numerous applicants just by asking them “What is your greatest weakness?”. The recruiters formed an overall impression from the applicants’ responses and used that impression to bias ratings about them. For example, the one with the answer “I’m a perfectionist” made recruiters think he was not a good delegator and was not chosen. Another is an interviewee’s comment that he was confident that he could do it all. The interviewer, M.s Klaus thought he lacked awareness of his weakness and doubted he would not be able to take critical feedback. However, after the second interview he was picked for the top job.

1. What negative stereotypes are fueling recruiters’ perceptions?

“A stereotype is an individual’s set of beliefs about the characteristics or attributes of a group”. Based on this definition, in this case, we can clarify the interviewers are stereotypes and the interviewees are the group who are believed to have some certain characteristics or attributes. Some of the negative stereotypes have been shown in the case which are: (1) Any candidate who can’t point out what their weaknesses are, will be considered as being incapable of delegating or lacked awareness of his/ her weaknesses. (2) Interviewers often judge candidates’ nonverbal cues when they’re nervous instead of considering their true credibility.

1. To what extent do the Pygmalion effect, the Galatea effect, and the Golem effect play a role in this case? Explain.

In this case, the author solve the problem how to answer the question “what are your weaknesses” to get job.

In the situation of a candidate in San Francisco, when he answered too confident that he could do all aspects of the job, according to the Pygmalion and Galatea effects, the board members thought he lacked awareness of his weaknesses so hardly can he take critical feed. Then, he may have a bad performance. Therefore, they didn’t want to report him a duty.

However, they perceive his qualify before, this perception determined them to take him another chance  for a fuller explanation of his weak spots. Because of high expectation for his ability of interviewers, he performed well and got the job, according Pygmalion.

Oscar Adler advised interviewees how to use body language to attract interviewers. If candidates hunch over, glance furtively around the room or wring their sweaty palms, interviewers could think they can’t handle this question. According to the Golem effects, their perception was not good and might let the candidates depress. Then following the process, the candidate may not be accepted.

However, if candidates maintain eye contact, regular breathing, and a broad impressive smile, they can gain high expectation of the Broad for the preparation. The process and explanation are the same as the pausing before responding.

1. What lessons about perception did you learn from this case? Explain.

From this case, we can see that it is important to evaluate interviewees against the standard rather than your beliefs of their behaviors or answers in a particular situation. This lesson can also be used in our daily life or workplace: people, instead of judging by beliefs, should see one’s performances in a specific period of time in order to get the right understanding and decision making toward others.

1. How would you answer the “weakness” question? Explain how it can be perceived by recruiters.

I do not think there is a flaw that would hinder my ability to be one of your colleagues. I think that all of us have things we need to improve. A weakness, when portrayed in a positive light, can be perceived as a growing experience.