Job Interview Questions

[McKenna]

I have until about 9:30 AM MST to prepare for a job interview. I've been running a few questions and answers through my head, but I want to make sure I'm thoroughly prepared. So....


What's the worst interview question you've ever had to answer? What was the best/most interesting?


Any tips to keep in mind from the interviewee perspective?


Any tips to give from an interviewer's perspective?


Many thanks in advance!

 

[wyckdwench]

I have until about 9:30 AM MST to prepare for a job interview. I've been running a few questions and answers through my head, but I want to make sure I'm thoroughly prepared. So....


What's the worst interview question you've ever had to answer? What was the best/most interesting?


Any tips to keep in mind from the interviewee perspective?


Any tips to give from an interviewer's perspective?


Many thanks in advance!

The worst question was probably "Are you pregnant or if not are you planning to have children soon?"

One that made me think was : " You are running for President - who would you choose for your Vice President and why?"

I actually have one on Tuesday I would really like to get and am nervous as well. Its for a law firm that does product liability - class action type stuff. SO I am preparing by researching the firm and the cases they are involved in this weekend. I feel it will show initiative, drive and preparation. I hope I am right - it would be an excellant opportunity for me.

Good Luck to you as well.

 

[McKenna]

The worst question was probably "Are you pregnant or if not are you planning to have children soon?"

Ouch. Can they legally ask this?! Seems like it would be grounds for discrimination.

 

[Nirvanadragones]

I just finished designing and developing a Recruitment and Selection learner's guide if you're interested

 

[R. Richard]

The answer I would have given you, that has already been offered, is to research the firm you are applying to. Figure out, as best you can, "Who would they like to hire?" Once you have figured that out, become that person, as best you can."

 

[elsol]

I have until about 9:30 AM MST to prepare for a job interview. I've been running a few questions and answers through my head, but I want to make sure I'm thoroughly prepared. So....


What's the worst interview question you've ever had to answer? What was the best/most interesting?


Any tips to keep in mind from the interviewee perspective?


Any tips to give from an interviewer's perspective?


Many thanks in advance!

I just did interviews and have done tons of them in the past... something about myself is that I'm a big time first impression guy. Mostly because I'm very good at reading body language so I can pick out the personalities made of cardboard just from where their eyes go and how they stand. I would keep in mind that the interview starts as soon as the receptionist sees you.

Worst interview question... is those BS H-R questions about "Name your greatest weakness" because most people try to turn it into 'Look this is a weakness but it's really NOT!"

I have a different format for those questions which I used to vet the two people I had to hire to be on my team.

Having given them a full job description of what I do... I asked

a) You've been hired... it's a year a later and I've moved on to another position, you're now the 'Senior Engineer', but before you can take on those responsibilities, you've got to hire your replacement. What qualities are you looking for?

b) Let's say that you're me, and you've got Mckenna's resume in front of you and she's sitting in the chair... what are the strikes against her?

For me, it was different because I had to choose to hire in-house or out-of-house... so I had to pit people familiar with the system but technically weaker than I wanted versus a VERY long learning curve. So I lived and died by which one's I could trust.

From interviewee's perspective, because I'm a techie... my first goal is always to drop the technical part of the interview as fast as possible unless I'm clearly above the interviewer's head.

Interviewers have prepared questions so I want to take them off-script as soon as possible because they have the advantage as they've taken the time to put together questions they think WILL stump you.

I can be a right-charming bastard when I want something... and getting the interviewer off-script is a priority for me.

Other than that... relax, don't go in with a full tank , and ask questions.

 

[joeys-game]

What are your weaknesses?

Why would you be an asset to our company..give a relavant example..

 

[rgraham666]

The worst question I ever got was, "Are you a member of the Communist Party or any other party that advocates the overthrow of the Canadian government?"

To which I replied, "None of your fucking business."

I didn't get the job.

 

[elsol]

My all-time favorite question was the one we asked when hiring college computer lab consultants...

Question: If you could have a super-power, which one would most like to have?


My favorite answer... was the guy who said 'The Exact Change' power... the ability to reach into your pocket and always have exact change.

We said "Are you stupid?"

He said "Nope... think about it... I go to buy a 40 inch plasma and it's 4100.92, I reach into my pocket and I happen to have the exact change... 4100.92."

Hired on the spot!

 

[McKenna]

I just finished designing and developing a Recruitment and Selection learner's guide if you're interested

In a word? YES!

The answer I would have given you, that has already been offered, is to research the firm you are applying to. Figure out, as best you can, "Who would they like to hire?" Once you have figured that out, become that person, as best you can."

Thanks, R. I already do know quite a lot about this company; I know it would be a fabulous work environment. I like your angle. I'll think on it tonight and see what I come up with.

I just did interviews and have done tons of them in the past... something about myself is that I'm a big time first impression guy. Mostly because I'm very good at reading body language so I can pick out the personalities made of cardboard just from where their eyes go and how they stand. I would keep in mind that the interview starts as soon as the receptionist sees you.

Worst interview question... is those BS H-R questions about "Name your greatest weakness" because most people try to turn it into 'Look this is a weakness but it's really NOT!"

I have a different format for those questions which I used to vet the two people I had to hire to be on my team.

Having given them a full job description of what I do... I asked

a) You've been hired... it's a year a later and I've moved on to another position, you're now the 'Senior Engineer', but before you can take on those responsibilities, you've got to hire your replacement. What qualities are you looking for?

b) Let's say that you're me, and you've got Mckenna's resume in front of you and she's sitting in the chair... what are the strikes against her?

For me, it was different because I had to choose to hire in-house or out-of-house... so I had to pit people familiar with the system but technically weaker than I wanted versus a VERY long learning curve. So I lived and died by which one's I could trust.

From interviewee's perspective, because I'm a techie... my first goal is always to drop the technical part of the interview as fast as possible unless I'm clearly above the interviewer's head.

Interviewers have prepared questions so I want to take them off-script as soon as possible because they have the advantage as they've taken the time to put together questions they think WILL stump you.

I can be a right-charming bastard when I want something... and getting the interviewer off-script is a priority for me.

Other than that... relax, don't go in with a full tank , and ask questions.

Right good advice, especially the stuff I bold-faced. I know I've got the technical background for this job; they've already seen my professional portfolio, so I think I've impressed them enough ...so far. Now to put the icing on the cake.

Scenario "a" deserves more thought. I like how it forces me to consider my weaknesses.

On a side note, the quesiton I absolutely hate is, "What sort of salary were you looking for?" (Or in other words, "How little can we get away with paying you?")

What are your weaknesses?

Why would you be an asset to our company..give a relavant example..

Oh yes, those two questions sound verrrrry familiar. Eep.

The worst question I ever got was, "Are you a member of the Communist Party or any other party that advocates the overthrow of the Canadian government?"

To which I replied, "None of your fucking business."

I didn't get the job.

My all-time favorite question was the one we asked when hiring college computer lab consultants...

Question: If you could have a super-power, which one would most like to have?


My favorite answer... was the guy who said 'The Exact Change' power... the ability to reach into your pocket and always have exact change.

We said "Are you stupid?"

He said "Nope... think about it... I go to buy a 40 inch plasma and it's 4100.92, I reach into my pocket and I happen to have the exact change... 4100.92."

Hired on the spot!

 

[Aurora Black]

What's the worst interview question you've ever had to answer?

Good luck, McK!

I'm so boring. My worst question ever was if I was willing to give up weekends, so I'm not the best person to ask.

 

[McKenna]

Good luck, McK!

I'm so boring. My worst question ever was if I was willing to give up weekends, so I'm not the best person to ask.

Thanks for your well-wishes anyway!

 

[pokerbum06]

Confidence

What you say is not as imortant as how you say it. Your conficence and mannerisms seal the deal. Also sanchronize your mannerisms with theirs, for example if they are rigid and sit straight up-you sit straight and rigid. If they are more relaxed-you act more relaxed.

 

[Aurora Black]

What you say is not as imortant as how you say it. Your conficence and mannerisms seal the deal. Also sanchronize your mannerisms with theirs, for example if they are rigid and sit straight up-you sit straight and rigid. If they are more relaxed-you act more relaxed.

"Mirroring" is very effective, I've heard.

 

[wishfulthinking]

Good luck!!

I guess I get a lot of team work questions - I must not look like a team player

Eg. If someone in the team doesn't like you, what do you do?

Eg. Someone is taking too many sick days and putting a lot of pressure on the other staff, what do you do?

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Don't ask if you have internet access because you write porn on your lunch breaks.

Good Luck Cheeks.

 

[Guest]

.....

 

[cloudy]

I got asked once: "Who is the person you most look up to in the world, and why"

um.....what does that have to do with my experience, my education, or my overall qualifications for this job?

(it was a dumbass question....c'mon)

 

[Alessia Brio]

The one question I'm asked in almost every interview:

"Why do you want to work here?"

My response?

"I don't know, yet, that I do. I'm looking for work, I answered your ad, you called me. So, tell me, why do I want to work for you?"

Love it.

 

[dr_mabeuse]

Here's what I do:

First of all, it helps if you've got a shirt-penis when you come in. You know - where the tail of your shirt is coming through the fly of your pants? That disarms him. Then, an intimidating handshake - a strong one. Let the guy know who's boss and that you work out. Stand there and bare your teeth and stare into his eyes and really squeeze that sissy's paw till he whimpers. That'll show him you're a take-charge guy.

Whatever his name is, refer to him as "Bob" or "Bobbie". "Bobbie-boy" isn't bad either.

Sit down and cross your legs and ask him if he minds if you smoke. That shows good manners. If he dosn't have an ashtray, just hold the ashes in your hand. Blow smoke rings if you can, the kind where you cross your eyes to watch them as you do. That always impresses those middle management types. Answer his questions in a straightforward manner only if you can, but if they're too weird, it's okay to respond with, "That's a corker!" or "Beats me!" or even "Look, what is this? The third degree?" Remember, you're protected by the fifth amendment and don't have to say anything that incriminates yourself. If the questions get to personal, pretend to sneeze and cover your mouth and yell "bullshit!" and he'll get the message. You can also play the bongo drums on th edge of his desk for amusement.

You can also create a diversion by turning around the picture of his kids and wife on his desk so you can see them and then making a comical horrified face and rolling your eyes. Set the pictures back face down and wipe your fingers off on yur handkerchief or a piece of balled up kleenex.

If he asks you if you have any questions you'd like to ask him, ask him if everyone in the company dresses like him or if the flourescent lights have done something to his eyes. Don't shake his hand after the interview - give him a high five. He'll be startled, but impressed by your athleticism. They like team players.

If you really want him to remember you, you can urinate in his wastepaper basket too. Tell him you just had too much coffee that morning and don't knowif you can make it to the men's room. Be sure to sigh deeply in appreciation as you void your bladder. Watch that shirt-penis though.Keep it dry.

Don't forget to wipe your palm full of cigarette ashes on your trousers as you leave, and to say goodbye to his secretary, referring to her as "toots" on your way out whether she's a woman or not.

Remember - it's a global economy. Some Indian in Bangalore probably already has your job anyway.

 

[wyckdwench]

Ouch. Can they legally ask this?! Seems like it would be grounds for discrimination.

Legally, no! But they do...Naturally I knew then I didn't want to work there. I figured that was about the worst example I could think of...

 

[McKenna]

Here's what I do:

First of all, it helps if you've got a shirt-penis when you come in. You know - where the tail of your shirt is coming through the fly of your pants? That disarms him. Then, an intimidating handshake - a strong one. Let the guy know who's boss and that you work out. Stand there and bare your teeth and stare into his eyes and really squeeze that sissy's paw till he whimpers. That'll show him you're a take-charge guy.

Whatever his name is, refer to him as "Bob" or "Bobbie". "Bobbie-boy" isn't bad either.

Sit down and cross your legs and ask him if he minds if you smoke. That shows good manners. If he dosn't have an ashtray, just hold the ashes in your hand. Blow smoke rings if you can, the kind where you cross your eyes to watch them as you do. That always impresses those middle management types. Answer his questions in a straightforward manner only if you can, but if they're too weird, it's okay to respond with, "That's a corker!" or "Beats me!" or even "Look, what is this? The third degree?" Remember, you're protected by the fifth amendment and don't have to say anything that incriminates yourself. If the questions get to personal, pretend to sneeze and cover your mouth and yell "bullshit!" and he'll get the message. You can also play the bongo drums on th edge of his desk for amusement.

You can also create a diversion by turning around the picture of his kids and wife on his desk so you can see them and then making a comical horrified face and rolling your eyes. Set the pictures back face down and wipe your fingers off on yur handkerchief or a piece of balled up kleenex.

If he asks you if you have any questions you'd like to ask him, ask him if everyone in the company dresses like him or if the flourescent lights have done something to his eyes. Don't shake his hand after the interview - give him a high five. He'll be startled, but impressed by your athleticism. They like team players.

If you really want him to remember you, you can urinate in his wastepaper basket too. Tell him you just had too much coffee that morning and don't knowif you can make it to the men's room. Be sure to sigh deeply in appreciation as you void your bladder. Watch that shirt-penis though.Keep it dry.

Don't forget to wipe your palm full of cigarette ashes on your trousers as you leave, and to say goodbye to his secretary, referring to her as "toots" on your way out whether she's a woman or not.

Remember - it's a global economy. Some Indian in Bangalore probably already has your job anyway.

What about farting Beethoven's 5th? I've heard sometimes it's those little things, like a musical hobby, that pushes a candidate over the edge from a "maybe" to "you're hired!"

 

[WARNINGWARNING]

Interviewer:
Describe in single words only the good things that come into your mind about... your mother.


In response to this you are to say :"I'll tell you about my mother"
(then shoot the interviewer)





Bladerunner.

 

[McKenna]

Interviewer:
Describe in single words only the good things that come into your mind about... your mother.


In response to this you are to say :"I'll tell you about my mother"
(then shoot the interviewer)





Bladerunner.

I don't think I can pull off "bad motha-fucker."

 

[BlackShanglan]

First of all, I'm hiring Dr. M.

The best question I've been asked is one I stole to ask when I did interviews: "Tell me a mistake you've made in your current/past employment and describe how you resolved the problem." It generally garners less BS than "What's your weakness?" because it's specific and asks them to consider both the error and the fix. If they're good they'll touch on long-term changes to avoid the problem in the future. I like this question because I think learning to reflect upon and fix past errors is crucial in any job. I don't want someone who sweeps things under the carpet and forgets about them once the crisis is over.

Cloudy, I have to disagree with you on this one:

I got asked once: "Who is the person you most look up to in the world, and why"

um.....what does that have to do with my experience, my education, or my overall qualifications for this job?

(it was a dumbass question....c'mon)

From the point of view of the interviewer, establishing your experience, education, and overall qualifications is rarely enough. In every job I've had to hire for, there has been a large pool of applicants. By the time we're calling people in for interviews, we've narrowed things to a group of people who are all well-qualified and have sufficient experience and education. We can learn most of that from their resumes. When we interview in person, we're looking to learn more about them, and a key thing we're looking for is personality and attitude. In fact, in an earlier job when we were hiring people for a low-level position, the mantra was "hire attitudes, not skills." We could teach skills. We wanted people with good attitudes and core values in alignment with our mission. That proved to be an excellent mantra, as well; every time someone broke it, things went badly. That question you cite is an attempt to discover what values you hold and what qualities you admire and might look to emulate.

In more specialized jobs, we hire skills in the sense of weeding through resumes and only interviewing those with the skills and education we know that they will need. We also, however, hire attitudes. That's part of what the in-person interview is for. We want to know who we'll be working closely with, day in and day out, for long hours and in tight situations. We want to know that we're not going to regret it.

For what it's worth, key issues that tended to shoot people down on the attitude / personality issue:

* Apparent sense of entitlement
* Attacks on last / current employer
* Inability to acknowledge a weakness or fault
* Slick, overly glossed presentation with failure to address specifics
* Evasive answering of questions
* Expressed disinterest in human/teamwork skills
* Contemptuous or disdainful attitude toward other employees
* Lack of understanding of / interest in the specific position and company hiring