Vietnam's Hiring Culture: Job Interviews Feel More Like Interrogations

In Vietnam, many job seekers endure interviews that feel more like interrogations, often facing disrespectful questions and excessive demands for self-validation. Despite these negative experiences, they often accept such treatment with the resigned thought that "having a job is fortunate," especially in the face of high unemployment. This situation highlights deeper issues within Vietnam's hiring culture and how companies perceive potential employees. Interviews are not just a platform for companies to evaluate candidates; they are also an opportunity for candidates to assess potential employers. However, the strong "job-seeking" mentality prevalent in Vietnam often leads applicants to adopt a submissive stance. Consequently, they may tolerate inappropriate questions or excessive pressure to prove themselves, prioritizing employment over expressing discomfort. The author points out that the feeling of having undergone an "interrogation" after an interview is a crucial indicator of a company's culture. A positive organizational culture is suggested by an interviewer who listens attentively and engages in equal dialogue with the candidate. Conversely, feeling suspected of one's character more than one's abilities, or being subjected to accusatory questioning, should prompt serious reconsideration of a job offer. Many students report experiencing interviews filled with intrusive questions about their family life and appearance, or confrontational inquiries that prioritize imposing demands over assessing capabilities. At such moments, their primary concern is securing the job, rather than questioning the company's approach. An outdated belief that applying strong pressure during interviews is effective for "testing" candidates persists in many places. However, this is not always accurate. The most skilled individuals are not necessarily those who perform best under intense interview pressure. Companies risk overlooking highly qualified personnel by relying solely on pressure tactics to assess candidates. Modern recruitment trends are shifting from a "filtering" mindset to a "connecting" one. Employers should aim to create positive candidate experiences, ensuring that even unsuccessful applicants leave feeling respected. This fosters a sustainable employer brand. A healthy work environment inspires employees to strive, rather than instilling fear to assert power, the author concludes.