Most people are aware that job interviews require the highest form of professionalism. In the past, the work environment was characterized by a hostile and near-stifling atmosphere which in recent time studies claim it to be the cause of low employee morale. Still, despite the workplace evolution, a few ideologies are still up for contention.
This week, a tweet by Taiwo – the co-founder of Twinex – caused a major stir.
I interviewed a guy for a job yesterday and when he was leaving he said to me ‘you smell nice’ and I told him that’s very rude of him,he left looking stupid.
A lot of men don’t have manners!!!— Taiwo (@taiwo__y) March 11, 2019
Nigerians didn’t take too lightly to her report of events and made sure to share their thoughts on the issue. There were arguments for and against her stance, ultimately dividing the camp into two major stances (with a few grey areas).
Many were against…
It’s sad. Your response was about putting him in his place. He knew what his place was. He just offered a compliment. There was no need to make him feel small.
— hafsat abiola-costello (@HafsatKIND) March 11, 2019
If this was an interview in Europe, that would actually earn you points cos it shows there is a social and pleasant side to you. But leave it to Nigerians to act like gods whenever they are in any position of influence.
— sage (@Ero_senniN__) March 11, 2019
Sister!! Ahn ahn It’s your type that they will say your dress is lovely but you will think the Guy is staring at your body and you will call him a pervert .He’s appreciating your good perfume and Thanking God you don’t smell like locust beans..It might actually a convo starter
— IYA ONI WEAVES??? (@_Feyola_) March 11, 2019
Why on God’s green earth must everything be so complicated for women. A guy compliments his interviewer & she does a clap back?? Must everything be war? Must guys always walk on eggshells around u? Especially a guy trying to make a good impression in an interview. Chai!!
— Gbolahan (@Gbolahanguitar) March 11, 2019
A few were for…
Nope! That was a totally inappropriate comment. The compliment was unsolicited & the circumstance did not warrant such unprofessional talk. It smarks of disrespect. It is guys like that would conduct an interview for a young lady & make the process an uncomfortable experience
— BabaAlaje (@SunkanmiShams) March 11, 2019
Well, a number of interviewers don’t really exchange pleasantries. They ask the questions, you respond. Some ask if you have any questions. They keep it “professional”. I personally will not give a compliment to an interviewer.
— Modella (@Switmode) March 11, 2019
Rather than face the real point of that tweet which is the countless micro aggressions Nigerian women are faced with in the workplace, Nigerian men are going to gaslight that woman into thinking she overreacted.
Own your anger ladies.
— ? (@queennelo1) March 11, 2019
If a lady tells me I smell nice after an interview in a suggestive tone I’ll tell her “thank you for the compliment. But such compliments can blow your chances in the future.”
If she is a good fit, I’ll still give her the job. And won’t bring it to Twitter.
— Dr. Dípò | The Career? (@OgbeniDipo) March 12, 2019
A job interview is a professional engagement. Don’t tell your interviewer “You smell nice.” There are rules around these things. If you don’t like it, set up your own company. But remember, even Mark Zuckerberg wears a sharp suit when he has a serious meeting with government. pic.twitter.com/pgOIffVZSa
— Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) March 12, 2019
No doubt there are professional ethics involved during job interviews, and it is important to pay close attention to each one. While networking is one of the interview gaffes to avoid, would you say passing a compliment falls under the same category?