10 Things Job Hunting and the X Factor Have in Common

10 Things Job Hunting and the X Factor Have in Common Not a fan of the X Factor?  I dont believe you! Its the most addictive program on TV and it turns out that public humiliation can be pretty funny when its not happening to you. Harsh but true. Im just kidding of course, but you sure do see some interesting auditions in the early stages of the show! Come to think about it, there are many similarities between the X Factor audition process and the job search experience. You start off as a single applicant among a hoard of others and just hope with all your heart that it works out for you this time round. Throw in a few awkward moments and disappointing rejections and theyre pretty much the same thing. To prove my point, here are a few things that the two have in common: 1) The vast competition Tens of thousands of people audition for the X Factor each year hoping that it will be their big break. Unfortunately, when you start out on your job hunt, you are in a similar position. Chances are that for every role you go for you are going to have to go up against others and prove yourself as the strongest candidate. 2) Round 1round 2round 3. The X Factor is far from a speedy process. Starting with an audition with the producers, followed by the  first audition in front of the judges, followed by boot camp, followed by judges houses.and finally the live shows. No wonder X Factor contestants  talk so much about the journey they have been on throughout the show, its taken them the best part of a year by the time it comes to a close! Frustratingly, the interview process can become pretty dragged out too, depending on the size of the organisation and number of applicants. For a large company you should expect more than one round of interviews, so buckle up, youre in for a long ride! 3) The suspense Youve just had your audition/interview; welcome to the waiting game. Whether you feel like it went well or not, awaiting your fate can be a pretty daunting time. No doubt youll be replaying  every word that left your mouth over and over again in your head, scrutinising each moment in great detail. At least on the X Factor they generally find out if theyve been successful pretty soon after the audition;  however waiting for an employer to get back to you after an interview can sometimes take weeks! 4) An emotional rollercoaster A mixture of nerves, excitement, terror and tenacity mean that you dont know whether to laugh or cry. One minute youve been issued the good news that youve been called for a second interview/through to the next round of auditions and the next it hits you that youve got to put yourself through another petrifying ordeal in the imminent future. 5) Forgotten words Its painful viewing when an X Factor contestant forgets their words mid performance. Youve got to feel for them though, as the best part of us can probably relate to it to some extent. Whether you have a complete mind blank and cant remember what you wanted to tell your interviewer, or nerves get the better of you and you suddenly develop a stammer 10 minutes in,  sometimes our brains and mouths dont sync up quite as well as wed hoped. 6) Critical judgment On the X Factor, contestants will go all out to impress the judges and receiving negative feedback must be gut wrenching for them. During a job interview you must also do your best to ensure that you make a good impression on your interviewer. They may seem like a nice person, but remember that youre there in order for them to critically assess whether you are suitable for the role, so they will be judging your every word. No pressure! 7) Poor wardrobe  decisions Creating  a happy medium between presenting yourself smartly and showing  a bit of personality isnt always easy to get right. 8) Rivalry Its a dog eat dog world out there. Sure your rivals are great on a personal level, but they are your competition standing in between you and your dream, so for the time being they are your arch nemesis. 9) Rejection Unfortunately rejection is a large part of both experiences. After all, only one person can get the job/prize at the end of the day. Though you know that competition is tough and you tried your best, it never seems to weaken the blow of a rejection. 10) A scary boss Successful? Congratulations! Now meet your terrifying new boss