Cue the upbeat theme music and grab your suitcase full of CVs – we’re about to embark on a journey through the bustling streets of the job market, 80’s style. In this edition of our recruitment blog, we’re turning our attention to possibly the most beloved British sitcom, Only Fools and Horses, to draw parallels between its iconic characters and the candidates hiring managers encounter. So, without further ado, let’s meet the job-seeking counterparts of Peckham’s finest!
1. Del Boy – The Smooth Talker: In the world of job interviews, there’s always a Del Boy – the charismatic charmer who could sell sand to a desert. This candidate has a smooth answer for every question, and you can almost hear him saying, “This job is a guaranteed cushty deal, my friend.” But is it all smoke and mirrors? To avoid buying a bottle of Peckham Spring Water, ensure you ask this candidate to provide evidence of their claims and get them to give you specifics!
Suggested Interview Question: Where do you see yourself this time next year?
Important Follow-Up Question: How will you become a millionaire, and what steps will you need to take to get there?
2. Rodney – The Eager but Inexperienced: Meet Rodney, the wide-eyed and eager candidate with little experience but a heart full of enthusiasm. He might not have the polished resume, but his determination and willingness to learn make him a contender. As this person may not have too much experience they can draw on for competency based interview questions, throw some hypothetical questions in there to see how they do.
Suggested Interview Question: Imagine that you are awarded a prize in an Under-15’s art drawing competition and you are asked by a work-mate to cover-up the lie to get the prize, would you come clean or take the trip to Mallorca and become a “lifelong member of The Groovy Gang?”
3. Uncle Albert – The Seasoned Veteran: Uncle Albert, the wise old sage of the job market, has been there, done that, and probably got the T-shirt. This candidate has a wealth of experience and a knack for storytelling. “During the war…” This is the individual who is perhaps resistant to change or cannot admit when they are wrong.
Suggest Interview Question: What would you do if you confused the coffee and gravy granules and accidentally served a jug of gravy for a board meeting instead of a pot of coffee?
4. Trigger – The Eternal Optimist: Trigger, the eternal optimist, has been in the game for ages, yet somehow he manages to keep things light-hearted. This candidate always sees the glass half full, even if it’s filled with three decades of job-hunting experiences. Beware of that enthusiasm clouding their judgement and comprehension of facts.
Suggested Interview Question: If the broom you use for your job has had 17 new heads and 14 new handles, how many brushes have you used?
5. Boycie – The Suave Professional: Enter Boycie, the epitome of sophistication in the job market. Impeccably dressed with a resume to match, this candidate exudes confidence. Beware anyone that considers themself a yuppie or boasts about their wealth – are they willing to roll up their sleeves and work with people at any level?
Quote: “You know the problem with the French? They don’t have a word for ‘entrepreneur.'”
As we wrap up our Only Fools and Hires adventure, it’s clear that the job market is as diverse as the characters of Peckham. Whether you’re dealing with a Del Boy, a Rodney, or a Boycie, each candidate brings a unique flavor to the hiring process. So, hiring managers, brace yourselves for the unpredictable journey of finding the diamond in the rough, and remember: “He who interviews, laughs – preferably not alone.”
With a bit of humor and a sprinkle of nostalgia, navigating the job market becomes a more entertaining endeavor. This time next years interviewers, we’ll be millionaires!