Is it normal that interns interview job applicants and schedule meetings?

[Anonymous]

I had a panel interview for a master thesis in a company once were I was asked questions by an HR intern and her boss and the hiring manager. The intern also scheduled the meeting etc. which I find very odd. Given that the atmosphere was quite weird im wondering if I was just a test object for the intern to practice asking dumb questions. Would a big international company really do that or is it rather unrealistic?

[Jersey2]

Anyone could schedule the meetings as that is not important to the selection process. Usually it is an Admin anyway sending the invite out even though it can look as if the boss sent it. So no worries there.

Interns should not be in the meetings. They may have allowed it as it was an HR intern though. The intern should not get a vote of who to hire, even if they are in HR. The hiring manager usually has that responsibility with input from everyone else even if their boss votes. That is because they will be responsible for the person. At the end my boss would say “is that the one you want?” So it was totally my call. I had a “bad hire” or two and it was my responsibility to fire that person.

[Jersey2]

Oh, I have a lot of Fortune 500 Headquarters experience as a hiring manager for high paid senior roles.

[Anonymous]

I mean, that's kind of what your job is in the HR department: you schedule interviews and ask questions to see if they are qualified for the position. They are the ones who make the requirements for job postings, so they kind of need to interview people to see if they meet those requirements it's like a part of their job, I would imagine. So you're going to need to learn how to do those things probably through internship maybe, I think? Maybe I am not sure.

[Jersey2]

The hiring manager makes the job requirements for the posting, HR simply sends it out. HR usually does not have much say in the matter of hiring as long as it meeting fairness and diversity standards.

[Jersey2]

Meets*

[AI Opinion]

It's not uncommon for interns, especially in HR, to participate in interviews and scheduling as part of their learning experience. Companies, including large international ones, may allow interns to assist or lead parts of the process under supervision to gain practical experience. Their involvement helps them learn about recruitment and develop essential skills. While it might feel strange, the presence of a supervisor typically ensures the interview is conducted professionally. The intern's involvement isn't necessarily a reflection on the company's professionalism but rather on providing hands-on learning opportunities.

[Jersey2]

Da fuk you know.

[slatyb]

It's not normal.