The job interviews are, for many, moments of stress and uncertainty. But some comedians have known, with their unique style, transform this moment into a source of inspiration and laughter. Although most professionals have a serious approach to hiring, it is not uncommon for certain comics to have amazing and benevolent opinions on the subject. Between irony and truth, these comedians often offer an offbeat look at hiring processes, which can be both fun and enlightening. Here are some comics to know about job interviews who have often approached this theme with incisive, even absurd humor.
1/ Gad Elmaleh
Gad Elmaleh, one of the most popular French humorists, often addressed the theme of job interviews with a touch of derision in his shows. In his show, he tells with finesse and a good dose of self -deprecation his own maintenance experiences, but also the flaws of this often absurd process. According to him, the job interview is a real “spectacle”, where you have to play a role and do everything to appear in your best light, but without ever being really yourself.
Humorous extract:
In one of his sketches, Gad says he had an interview where he was asked: “Where did you see yourself in 5 years?” “His answer was: ” Me ? Well, I hope I will be there again, to talk about my interview with you. »» This kind of commentary sums up the way the humorist criticizes the often unnatural aspect of job interviews.
Why is it relevant for recruiters:
Gad Elmaleh invites us to reflect on how interviews are built, often more to assess the ability to “play the game” than to understand who is really the candidate. This raises an interesting question for recruiters: should we always assess candidates according to such rigid criteria or could we be more open and authentic in these exchanges?
2/ Florence Foresti
Florence Foresti, a recognized French humorist, also explored the theme of job interviews with her ironic and very feminine gaze. In her sketches, she often embodies characters from pressed women, stressed by professional life, who find themselves in uncomfortable situations during interviews.
Humorous extract:
She describes, for example, an interview where she is faced with an extremely relaxed recruiter and who asks her absurd questions: “If you were an animal, which one would you be?” »» Of course, Florence responds with a stripping humor: “A tiger, but a tiger who prefers his sofa, in fact. »» This replica, full of truth, denounces the sometimes absurd side of certain maintenance issues which only destabilize the candidate without real use.
Why is it relevant for recruiters:
Florence Foresti highlights a common problem of interviews: some questions are often disconnected from the reality of the work that candidates will have to carry out. This encourages recruiters to ask the question: “Am I really asking relevant questions to assess the potential of my candidate or do I get carried away by the fashion of eccentric questions?” »»
3/ Louis CK – Recruitment seen from the angle of cynicism
Louis CK, an American humorist with a very cynical and acerbic style, addressed the job interviews with a touch of black humor. His analysis of the job interview reflects a slightly more disenchanted look at the process. According to him, the job interview is an opportunity for the recruiter to exercise his power and to judge a candidate in an often unfair and excessive way.
Humorous extract:
In one of his shows, Louis CK says that he has passed an interview where he was asked: “What can you bring to this business?” »» He answers: “Money, of course. »» Of course, this is not what the recruiter was waiting for, but this pinc-pince and offbeat response is an excellent way to denounce the sometimes absurd character of the expectations of recruiters.
Why is it relevant for recruiters:
Louis CK’s cynical humor highlights the sometimes unbalanced relationship between the recruiter and the candidate. He points to the power of the recruiter ironically and forces to reflect on the empathy and equity of the recruitment process. This invites recruiters to question their expectations and focus on what is really important.
4/ Jamel Debbouze
Jamel Debbouze, with his accessible humor and his talent to talk about cultural differences, has often told his own job interview experiences, especially in connection with his origin and his journey. In his sketches, he highlights how candidates are sometimes wrongly judged on their appearance, their accent or their past.
Humorous extract:
In one of his sketches, Jamel recounts an interview where he is questioned about his “integration” to French society, as if it was a central question for his ability to occupy a position. He then responds, joking: “Ah, you ask me if I know how to do a wand?” I reassure you, I also know how to use a computer. »» This type of satirical replica demonstrates the way in which humor can point to hidden discrimination in the recruitment process.
Why is it relevant for recruiters:
Jamel Debbouze invites us to reflect on diversity and inclusiveness in recruitment. The humor it uses makes it possible to denounce the unconscious biases which may exist in an interview, in particular because of the origin, the accent or the appearance of the candidate. Recruiters must therefore be particularly vigilant to equal opportunities and avoid being influenced by prejudices.
5/ Éric Judor – The interview that slips (voluntarily)
Éric Judor, humorist of the duo “Eric and Ramzy”, is also an expert in the art of diverting professional situations to make it hilarious moments. In his sketches, he often presents characters who find themselves in totally offbeat job interviews where everything, absolutely everything, goes wrong.
Humorous extract:
During a job interview, Éric Judor, in one of his sketches, embodies a candidate who tries to answer impossible and completely unsuitable questions: “Do you feel comfortable with the idea of working in a hyper competitive environment?” »» He answers, without hesitation: “I am comfortable in an environment where there is hot chocolate. »» This kind of unrealistic situation highlights, with humor, the inconsistencies of certain recruitment processes.
Why is it relevant for recruiters:
This type of humor makes it possible to think about the importance of asking questions adapted to the reality of the position. Éric Judor highlights the absurdity of certain recruitment approaches, often too theoretical or disconnected from the real expectations of work.
