HRM textbook

CHAPTER 7 INTERVIEWING CANDIDATES 241
2. How is it that some organizations succeed during a recession?
3. Evaluate Gawker Media s practice of recruiting new writers from the people who
comment on its sites. How would you suggest the company improve its recruiting
practices overall?
Video Title: Employee Testing and Selection (Patagonia)
SYNOPSIS
Patagonia strives to select employees whose values are in sync with the philosophies and
values of the company. The interviewing process is a multi-faceted one, in which candidates
take part in several group interviews. These interviews follow a very conversational
style, in an attempt to reveal as much about a potential employee s interests, passions,
and personality as possible. It is important that those hired by Patagonia not only have
an interest in outdoor activities and the products the company produces, but also are
passionate about preserving the environment, which is the mission of Patagonia.
Discussion Questions
1. If you had to create a talent management type job profile for the average
employee at Patagonia, what would the profile look like in terms of its specific
contents?
2. What traits does Patagonia look for in its future employees during the interview
process?
3. In what respects does Patagonia s employee selection process reflect a talent
management approach to selection?
4. What is the employee turnover rate at Patagonia? Is this higher or lower than the
industry average? What reason can you give for why Patagonia s turnover rate is
as you described?
5. Describe the interview process used by Patagonia. How is this process similar to
others in the industry? How does the process used by Patagonia differ?
Video Title: Interviewing Candidates (Zipcar)
SYNOPSIS
Zipcar is a company that allows customers to share a car for a fee as small as a short
cab ride. Individuals who become Zipcar members are able to reserve a vehicle with as
little advance notice as 1 hour through any wireless device, unlock a car with a card
that members carry with them, and drive for the reserved period of time. The goal
of Zipcar is to reduce the number of cars being driven and thereby reduce environmental
pollution.
Zipcar is a fast-growing innovative company that supports the environment and
is socially responsible. This makes it an attractive place to work for many who are
looking for a company that is doing something new. When selecting new employees,
Zipcar aims to find people who are passionate about the brand, professional, courteous,
and presentable. It wants someone who understands the value of the organization and
the culture within which the company operates.
Discussion Questions
1. What makes Zipcar an attractive employer for which to work?
2. What do those doing the actual hiring at Zipcar feel are important
characteristics to find in potential employees?
3. List three behavioral and three situational questions that you would use to
interview Zipcar employment applicants.
4. According to the video, what practices should you avoid during an interview?
How do these compare with those we discussed in Chapter 7?