Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Scott Sachs on February 9, 2011 at 10:19am

What a hoot!  Funny, yet tragic, too, in its way ;-  )

 

Thanks for sharing!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sandra McCartt on February 9, 2011 at 10:44am

Maybe it is time for all of us to start making fun of stupid interview questions so people will quit using them. Hope springs. Then we could quit spending hours and writing books to help candidates respond to goofy questions asked by interviewers who crouch behind their desks like big leering spiders, watching every move someone makes.

I had a candidate last week tell me that he felt like he was a bug under a microscope and the person who interviewed him was about to try and dissect him. They wanted him to come back for second interview. He declined.

He was asked what he would do if a female employ touched him
on the arm?

He said he was torn between saying, "touch her back, draw back in horror, pretend it didn't happen, it depends on
whether she washes her hands". He answered, "Why do you ask,is that a problem here?

The interviewer went into some long mindless explanation of why he asked the question.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Scott Sachs on February 9, 2011 at 11:32am

Yes, it is amazing what interviewers ask and trying to figure out why they asked it--that's why those oatmeal cartoons were so great.  Brief related topic: My neighbors include 2 other HR/recruiter types and a business owner.  During a get-together we got on the topic of the "where do you see yourself in 5 years" question.  I opined that the asking of that particular question was the sign of interview inexperience or old-school mentality.  Of course, the biz owner, in a somewhat raised voice, stated that he "loved" that question and that it showed how motivated people are.  I asked him if a person's past and present achievements might be a better barometer, rather than trying to "gut-feel" motivation.  Pause.  He then said his gut-feel was never wrong. So I then excused myself to get another beverage.  Oh well, poTAYto/poTAWto.  Have a positive day; it's always great to read and hear from you!

 

Sandra McCartt said:

Maybe it is time for all of us to start making fun of stupid interview questions so people will quit using them. Hope springs. Then we could quit spending hours and writing books to help candidates respond to goofy questions asked by interviewers who crouch behind their desks like big leering spiders, watching every move someone makes.

I had a candidate last week tell me that he felt like he was a bug under a microscope and the person who interviewed him was about to try and dissect him. They wanted him to come back for second interview. He declined.

He was asked what he would do if a female employ touched him
on the arm?

He said he was torn between saying, "touch her back, draw back in horror, pretend it didn't happen, it depends on
whether she washes her hands". He answered, "Why do you ask,is that a problem here?

The interviewer went into some long mindless explanation of why he asked the question.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion