Unfortunately I couldn’t finish my question in the subject line. Are there professions, other than those that deal with minors, that require lengthy site observations as part of the job interview process?
I work with children, usually, and it’s fairly typical to be asked to come and observe the program after a job interview to see how you interact with the kids, and to see if you like what they do. I’ve been asked to come in for two hours on more than on occasion, and a residential program for teens asked that you spend two shifts there (That one, fortunately was paid. Two hour observations are not.) I would say that approximately one-third of the positions I’ve interviewed with since 1999 have asked this of interviewees.
However, I’m curious if this sort of thing is limited to positions with minors, or if it’s more widespread and I’ve failed to hear about it. If other professions do ask it of job seekers, which ones, and what are job seekers expected to do during their observations?
So no one else is subjected to this, then?
Just so you don’t feel all alone in this big, echoing thread…
I haven’t heard of any other type of job requiring such a thing. I don’t think there would be any benefit to it, for most jobs. But, I do think it makes sense for positions where interaction with other people is the bulk of the job, especially minors, who can be so annoying and so vulnerable at the same time. Seems to me it would make sense for positions involving custodianship of animals, too. I wouldn’t hire a petsitter without seeing how they responded to my pets, and vice versa.
Applicants for a job as a professor are almost invariably asked to give a lecture and sometimes to teach an ordinary course. Not quite the same thing, but close
Applicants to where I work spend 1/2 a day, 4-5 hours, talking with everyone they will be working with (8-9 people) as a second interview. The first interview is over the phone.
The manager prints up a schedule and ‘handles’ the person, dropping them off at the next person’s desk, picking them up.
Each person can either quiz the applicant, making them solve possible problems, to see how they work. Or they can just talk to the person and find out about their background. I don’t do it, but I know others that take what they are working on at that moment and basically give it to the person to work on.
The applicant is not paid for the hours, but usually gets a free lunch.
FWIW, at the end of the day we all gather round and discuss the applicant and give a final thumbs up, down or don’t care (thumb pointing to the side).
Ooops, the profesion is either Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer or Software Engineer, depending on which position the applicant is applying for, working for the defense industry.
In my industry, SandWriter’s process isn’t out of the ordinary, but not de facto either. When I’ve gone on interviews, I’ve always made it a point to request a tour “regardless if you’re seriously considering me.” One, this shows an interest; two, it’s pretty cool; three they’re generally going to want to show you one eventually; and four, it gives you a chance to ask real questions about the process and generally show yourself off.
My industry involves the manufacture of automobiles and I’m speaking for salaried positions. It’s been three years since my last interview (since I’m cozy where I’m at), and this isn’t exactly the same as a OP, but until you can be seen in your environment, it can be difficult to distinguish yourself amongst the rest.