The BBC has been accused of screening job candidates based on their lifestyle choices and values after it was revealed that it asked interviewees for some senior jobs to describe their ideal ‘activity’. has been done.
Candidates for senior journalism roles at the BBC are being asked to prepare for job interviews by thinking about what “activities” they would plan on an “ideal day”.
This is one of several questions suggested by the publicly funded broadcaster to help applicants “reflect” on their “strengths” before going for an interview.
Other questions candidates may want to consider include what their friends and family know them as. What they *really* enjoy and who they are at their best. What accomplishments are they most proud of, and how did they get there? What activities do you not like and why?
The question raised concerns from critics that applicants could be misjudged based on their lifestyle choices or political views.
“It could be pretty sinister.”
A BBC official told the Sunday Telegraph: “People are complaining that they don’t know if the interviews are based on their values or abilities.”
Robin Aitken, author and former senior BBC journalist, said: What exactly is the “right” answer?
“If your ‘ideal day’ included going to church or shooting pheasants, for example, would you admit that when looking for a job at the BBC? Lying about your preferences. , you might be better off pretending you like avant-garde movies or mindfulness exercises.
“This is another example of how companies select people with the ‘right’ attitude and reinforce groupthink.”
A BBC interview invitation obtained by the Telegraph said the questions were designed to help the broadcaster “really understand” each applicant “as an individual”.
The answer to these questions, posed by the BBC’s editorial board, is that the broadcaster assesses each candidate’s ‘potential’ rather than ‘current skills’, and ultimately the candidate will be ‘successful in the role’. It will help you decide whether. he added.
When answering questions that assess their strengths during the interview stage, candidates are encouraged to “answer based on what feels most natural to them” rather than looking for the “right” answer.
“The questions will assess the strengths you need to succeed in this role at the BBC,” the interview invitation said. “Answering honestly will help you think about whether this role at the BBC is right for you.”
reflect respect
Elsewhere in the invitation, candidates are encouraged to reflect on the BBC’s values of ‘respect’: When was the last time you actively involved others in an activity or project?”
Last month, the Telegraph revealed that non-editorial BBC staff have been told not to hire candidates who “deny” diversity and inclusion.
A BBC official commented on the recruitment process as follows: “It’s extremely frustrating that the BBC is more focused on hiring the type of people they like, rather than people who can prove they are the best candidates for the job.” So are their interests.
“I don’t think that my knowledge of my favorite restaurant helps that restaurant do well.” Instead, I was inspired to climb the mountain and campaign for the return of the Benin Bronze.”
The BBC’s recruitment page states the following about their recruitment policy: “We value potential over polish, giving you the opportunity to leverage your transferable strengths and experience in a variety of ways.”
BBC TV license fees are set to rise from £159 to £169.50 per household this year. Culture Secretary Lucy Fraser told MPs that she would launch a review of the BBC’s funding model when announcing the 6.7% increase.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Many of these questions are warm-up or ice-breakers used at the start of interviews across the BBC and are not part of the formal process, which means that all candidates It has been made clear to the public.” ”