How To Answer Awkward Sex-Scandal Questions, By Penn State Staff
Don’t you just hate when you’re in the middle of a job interview and your prospective employer asks you about child molestation? Penn State Career Services has issued a letter to students with advice on how to address the whole sex-scandal issue during job interviews. Here’s what it says in full:
Students may acknowledge that they are primarily concerned for the victims and also concerned for Penn State in these unsettling times. However, students should keep the focus on the job or internship for which they are applying and how they will excel in the opportunity. Students should note that they can only take personal responsibility for their individual actions. Talk about all of the good work accomplished at Penn State in building the skills and professional qualities in preparation for the position, and about the excitement to put those skills to work for the employer. Inform the employer or internship site that, if hired, you will reflect favorably on the employer through your good work, core values and skills obtained through our University.
I don’t know why this letter irritates me so much, but it does. It just seems like a sneaky little PR move rather than an actual service for students. Plus, it’s not exactly groundbreaking advice. I mean, wouldn’t any educated grad know all this, anyway? And, finally, what kind of (reputable) interviewer would ask about the sex-scandal in the first place? What happened is absolutely sickening horrifying beyond words but it clearly doesn’t or at least shouldn’t reflect on the students (who weren’t even at the university when all this took place).
Meanwhile, Jerry Sandusky yesterday spoke with Bob Costas on NBC’s “Rock Center” and denied the allegations against him (sort of). “Well, I could say that, you know, I have done some of those things. I have horsed around with kids. I have showered after workouts,” Sandunksy said. “I have hugged them and I have touched their legs, without intent of sexual contact. But, um… uh … So, if you look at it that way … uh … there are things that … that … uh … wouldn’t … uh, you know, would be accurate.”
Really, there are no words…
(Photo: Brand X Pictures)
