Job Hunting

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14571

the alamo city, Texas

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

laurentris - 2013-03-27 9:41 AM

mehaner - 2013-03-27 7:34 AM

lisac957 - 2013-03-26 5:58 PM

bradleyd3 - 2013-03-26 4:52 PM

lisac957 - 2013-03-26 4:49 PM

bradleyd3 - 2013-03-26 4:47 PM

mattb1 - 2013-03-26 4:33 PM Every once in a while, I'll also in the middle of the interview just stop and ask the candidate what my name is. I want to see if they are paying attention to details and can remember those details when they are put on the spot. This will happen to them with our clients as well.

That will be used in my next interview. Thanks for that one!

And I'd probably think ya'll were off your rockers and take your company off my list

Random "what's my name" questions? I'm sorry but that's kooky!

But you're in PR......if I asked you that question and you called me Brian....why would I want to hire someone that's going to be the face of my company?

I'm not sure what being in PR has to do with it... it sounds like the intent (with all of these questions) is to try and catch someone off guard, regardless of the job, and if so they're off the list. Sneaky.

Like I said before I've never been in an interview like this, it's fascinating stuff to me.

For other job seekers - do you run into these obscure questions a lot, or is it few and far between?

i get obscure questions a lot - for precisely the reasons brad mentioned - you need to think on your feet a lot in real life so they want to see how you do it. also - a lot of my work involves solving problems so they ask a weird question to have me walk them through a problem solving process. the engineering manager can figure out if i'm smart enough to do the job - it's the weird questions that show if i will "fit in" with the culture of the company. job specifics can be taught, culture is a different animal.

one example that stands out - you are in a boat in a lake holding a bowling ball. if you throw the bowling ball out of the boat, does the level of the water in the lake go up, down, or remain the same.

it's OK to get the answer WRONG - but you talk through how you arrive at the answer is what is important.

also - i feel like knowing names is just good manners. i write them down in interviews. you are "supposed to" follow up with a thank you note or call, how do you do that if you don't know their names?

What kind of engineering do you do?

My degree is in chemical, but I have never done chemical engineering. Manufacturing, quailty, product development, and now industrial.

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Subject: RE: Job Hunting

Oh and I would totally pick Iron Man since he is my favorite. He's super smart and has a badass computer and robot assistant. And he fights terror.

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16743

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Subject: RE: Job Hunting

laurentris - 2013-03-27 9:43 AM Oh and I would totally pick Iron Man since he is my favorite. He's super smart and has a badass computer and robot assistant. And he fights terror.

Let's not forget femme fatale Black Widow, A.K.A Natasha or Natalia Romanova

She is trained in several types of martial arts, marksmanship, and sophisticated weaponry, including her signature “Widow’s Bite” bracelets. She was an orphan recruited into the Russian Black Widow Ops program, where she was biotechnologically enhanced to withstand disease, injury, and aging, and also given a healthy dose of false memories. But basically, she was raised to be a lean, mean fiercely loyal killing machine.

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18680

Lost in the Luminiferous Aether

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

ironannekidd - 2013-03-27 10:13 AM

laurentris - 2013-03-27 9:43 AM Oh and I would totally pick Iron Man since he is my favorite. He's super smart and has a badass computer and robot assistant. And he fights terror.

Let's not forget femme fatale Black Widow, A.K.A Natasha or Natalia Romanova

She is trained in several types of martial arts, marksmanship, and sophisticated weaponry, including her signature “Widow’s Bite” bracelets. She was an orphan recruited into the Russian Black Widow Ops program, where she was biotechnologically enhanced to withstand disease, injury, and aging, and also given a healthy dose of false memories. But basically, she was raised to be a lean, mean fiercely loyal killing machine.

Tank Girl! Let's not forget Tank Girl!

Alpharetta, Georgia

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

mehaner - 2013-03-27 6:34 AM

also - i feel like knowing names is just good manners. i write them down in interviews. you are "supposed to" follow up with a thank you note or call, how do you do that if you don't know their names?

Totally agree. But I think interrupting the interview while someone is probably deep into their focus and momentum to try and "catch" them is unnecessary. Unless that's exactly what they need to do for their job (which it sounds like it is for a lot of you).

If they get your name wrong on the sign-off (Thanks for your time, John - I mean Brad) or blatantly address the email with the wrong name? Sure, that's bad.

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Elizabethtown, KY

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

On that Friends question . . . . do you just interview 30 something WASP's?

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4313

McKinney, TX

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

Here are other questions that I ask.......just so y'all don't think I walk in and rapid fire randoms at someone. I do mix in the randoms with these.

Why was your resume posted?
Are you actively looking for other employment, any other interviews?
Where do you want to be in 5 years
Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with your boss
Tell me about a time where you were criticized, and rightly so.
What do you do when you’re slow at work?
What irritates you about coworkers
What do you consider a conducive work environment?
How long will it take before you make a contribution here?
If you could eliminate one responsibility from your last job, what would it be?

I also ask if you came home and your house was on fire, what 3 things would you save?

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Subject: RE: Job Hunting

bradleyd3 - 2013-03-27 10:54 AM Here are other questions that I ask.......just so y'all don't think I walk in and rapid fire randoms at someone. I do mix in the randoms with these. Why was your resume posted? Are you actively looking for other employment, any other interviews? Where do you want to be in 5 years Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with your boss Tell me about a time where you were criticized, and rightly so. What do you do when you’re slow at work? What irritates you about coworkers What do you consider a conducive work environment? How long will it take before you make a contribution here? If you could eliminate one responsibility from your last job, what would it be? I also ask if you came home and your house was on fire, what 3 things would you save?

How is the relevant to a job? It would depend on a lot of things... are my kids home? are my dogs in the house? Is anyone else in my house? Is my camera bag, or laptop in the house or already in my car? Is the fire company there? Which part of the house is on fire? Is there anything I ABSOLUTELY NEED inside the house that I'd risk my life for it? I don't see how that applies to any job I would ever appy for.

Pro

4313

McKinney, TX

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

ironannekidd - 2013-03-27 10:00 AM

bradleyd3 - 2013-03-27 10:54 AM Here are other questions that I ask.......just so y'all don't think I walk in and rapid fire randoms at someone. I do mix in the randoms with these. Why was your resume posted? Are you actively looking for other employment, any other interviews? Where do you want to be in 5 years Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with your boss Tell me about a time where you were criticized, and rightly so. What do you do when you’re slow at work? What irritates you about coworkers What do you consider a conducive work environment? How long will it take before you make a contribution here? If you could eliminate one responsibility from your last job, what would it be? I also ask if you came home and your house was on fire, what 3 things would you save?

How is the relevant to a job? It would depend on a lot of things... are my kids home? are my dogs in the house? Is anyone else in my house? Is my camera bag, or laptop in the house or already in my car? Is the fire company there? Which part of the house is on fire? Is there anything I ABSOLUTELY NEED inside the house that I'd risk my life for it? I don't see how that applies to any job I would ever appy for.

Kids/pets/living things are accounted for.

It doesn't have to be relative to a job. It shows me your thought process. And if I asked you that question and you asked me those questions....that would give me a better understanding of how you operate. You need clarification. You have a thought process of detail. You want to know about the whole situation before jumping into it. See.....by asking that question, you've given me better insite to you.

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14571

the alamo city, Texas

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

bradleyd3 - 2013-03-27 11:03 AM

ironannekidd - 2013-03-27 10:00 AM

bradleyd3 - 2013-03-27 10:54 AM Here are other questions that I ask.......just so y'all don't think I walk in and rapid fire randoms at someone. I do mix in the randoms with these. Why was your resume posted? Are you actively looking for other employment, any other interviews? Where do you want to be in 5 years Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with your boss Tell me about a time where you were criticized, and rightly so. What do you do when you’re slow at work? What irritates you about coworkers What do you consider a conducive work environment? How long will it take before you make a contribution here? If you could eliminate one responsibility from your last job, what would it be? I also ask if you came home and your house was on fire, what 3 things would you save?

How is the relevant to a job? It would depend on a lot of things... are my kids home? are my dogs in the house? Is anyone else in my house? Is my camera bag, or laptop in the house or already in my car? Is the fire company there? Which part of the house is on fire? Is there anything I ABSOLUTELY NEED inside the house that I'd risk my life for it? I don't see how that applies to any job I would ever appy for.

Kids/pets/living things are accounted for. It doesn't have to be relative to a job. It shows me your thought process. And if I asked you that question and you asked me those questions....that would give me a better understanding of how you operate. You need clarification. You have a thought process of detail. You want to know about the whole situation before jumping into it. See.....by asking that question, you've given me better insite to you.

INSIGHT.

g-d HR people.

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16743

Somewhere I can be nekidd

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

I have the best job I have ever had right now, and I didn't even interview my manager face to face. He called me a couple of times, and told me he'd have one of his guys call for some technical questions which he told me they'd be difficult and I wouldn't be able to answer them, but they just wanted to see how I dealt with pressure. I answered all but 2. When he called to ask the technical questions I was sitting at home in my recliner with my feet propped up, wearing comfy shorts and a t-shirt, scratching my dog behind the ears. It doesn't get much more laid back than that. My problem with interviews is I can't spit out the words, but I know I can do the work, I've told interviewers that and offered to show them. No one has ever taken me up on it though. I've been passed over for jobs where the guy they hired, I've known, and he could talk the talk but he couldn't do a damn thing once there.

Pro

4313

McKinney, TX

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

mehaner - 2013-03-27 10:06 AM

bradleyd3 - 2013-03-27 11:03 AM

ironannekidd - 2013-03-27 10:00 AM

bradleyd3 - 2013-03-27 10:54 AM Here are other questions that I ask.......just so y'all don't think I walk in and rapid fire randoms at someone. I do mix in the randoms with these. Why was your resume posted? Are you actively looking for other employment, any other interviews? Where do you want to be in 5 years Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with your boss Tell me about a time where you were criticized, and rightly so. What do you do when you’re slow at work? What irritates you about coworkers What do you consider a conducive work environment? How long will it take before you make a contribution here? If you could eliminate one responsibility from your last job, what would it be? I also ask if you came home and your house was on fire, what 3 things would you save?

How is the relevant to a job? It would depend on a lot of things... are my kids home? are my dogs in the house? Is anyone else in my house? Is my camera bag, or laptop in the house or already in my car? Is the fire company there? Which part of the house is on fire? Is there anything I ABSOLUTELY NEED inside the house that I'd risk my life for it? I don't see how that applies to any job I would ever appy for.

Kids/pets/living things are accounted for. It doesn't have to be relative to a job. It shows me your thought process. And if I asked you that question and you asked me those questions....that would give me a better understanding of how you operate. You need clarification. You have a thought process of detail. You want to know about the whole situation before jumping into it. See.....by asking that question, you've given me better insite to you.

INSIGHT.

g-d HR people.

Da*n engineers....always have to have everything perfect.

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Next to a big lake

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

I went to a week long seminar where the focus was to help people transition from military to civilian work environments. It was a great class and I am trying to use the knowledge gained from it. However, durring the, interviewing techniques portion they had a panel type discussion and some of the stories they told were crazy. Looking inside the person's car, setting up scripted situations to evaluate response, and the worst in my mind was having a female interviewer dressed in less than appropriate office clothes. Is this common? Stories please.

Also, how often durring an interview/discussion does either the interviewer or interviewee cross the "line" and talk about taboo subjects (ie married,kids, off work interests etc.)? How do you deal with it?

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Pro

4313

McKinney, TX

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

ironannekidd - 2013-03-27 10:06 AM

I have the best job I have ever had right now, and I didn't even interview my manager face to face. He called me a couple of times, and told me he'd have one of his guys call for some technical questions which he told me they'd be difficult and I wouldn't be able to answer them, but they just wanted to see how I dealt with pressure. I answered all but 2. When he called to ask the technical questions I was sitting at home in my recliner with my feet propped up, wearing comfy shorts and a t-shirt, scratching my dog behind the ears. It doesn't get much more laid back than that. My problem with interviews is I can't spit out the words, but I know I can do the work, I've told interviewers that and offered to show them. No one has ever taken me up on it though. I've been passed over for jobs where the guy they hired, I've known, and he could talk the talk but he couldn't do a damn thing once there.

And that's why I have a hiring manager that does the technical portion to make sure that the Knowledge, skills, and abilities are there and in place......someone like you would have a better shot at my company vs. the "I can smooth talk thru an interview".....you have to prove yourself both technically and personality.

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16151

Checkin' out the podium girls

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

You all are making me want to skip my 3:00 interview.

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Somewhere I can be nekidd

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

pitt83 - 2013-03-27 11:11 AM You all are making me want to skip my 3:00 interview.

I don't think my dog would mind if you took him along and scratched him behind the ears. As long as you don't make him a slave of course.

Pro

4313

McKinney, TX

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

tcarlson78 - 2013-03-27 10:09 AM

I went to a week long seminar where the focus was to help people transition from military to civilian work environments. It was a great class and I am trying to use the knowledge gained from it. However, durring the, interviewing techniques portion they had a panel type discussion and some of the stories they told were crazy. Looking inside the person's car, setting up scripted situations to evaluate response, and the worst in my mind was having a female interviewer dressed in less than appropriate office clothes. Is this common? Stories please.

Also, how often durring an interview/discussion does either the interviewer or interviewee cross the "line" and talk about taboo subjects (ie married,kids, off work interests etc.)? How do you deal with it?

What you described is not the norm, in my 10 years of HR. But I'm sure it happens.

With 'taboo' subjects, there are ways to work around that. If they ask you a personal question (supposing its actually legal to ask) I would accept someone saying I keep my personal life at home, then bring the conversation back to work and your experience.

I can find out all the things I'm not allowed to ask by chit-chatting after the interview. I don't find relevancy in these, as how many kids, married/divorced, religous affiliation, orientation, etc...have no bearing on if they make the cut.

The question of "big plans for the weekend?" will answer most of those.....or me bringing up what I'm doing will prompt them to tell me the personal details.

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Checkin' out the podium girls

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

ironannekidd - 2013-03-27 11:16 AM

pitt83 - 2013-03-27 11:11 AM You all are making me want to skip my 3:00 interview.

I don't think my dog would mind if you took him along and scratched him behind the ears. As long as you don't make him a slave of course.

He'd probably do what my dog would and ditch the interview, scurry across the hotel lobby and head for the steak house.

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6627

Rochester Hills, Michigan

Gold member

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

bradleyd3 - 2013-03-27 10:54 AM Here are other questions that I ask.......just so y'all don't think I walk in and rapid fire randoms at someone. I do mix in the randoms with these.

The quick thinking, non-business, and provocative questions are absolutely necessary to find out if your prospective employee is going to go off the rails.

I get asked, by clients, lots of stuff every day I don't know the answer to...much like the interview questions. Even if you don't know a superhero, Friends, or whatever, you can still show well with "would you mind if I took a minute to think about superheros? It's been a while since I saw them in action" or "I'm really not familiar with the cast of Friends...any chance I could cover that for Hogan's Heros or Elimidate?". It's not the question -it's the answer.

Speaking of interview questions, I'll take a crack at 'em...

Why was your resume posted?
- Because unemployment checks only last 18 months, and I'm about up. Duh.

Are you actively looking for other employment, any other interviews?
- .mmmmmffff. Urp. Got anything to wash this donut down?

Where do you want to be in 5 years
- Celebrating my 5th anniversary of not answering questions like that.

Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with your boss
- There wasn't just 'a time'.

Tell me about a time where you were criticized, and rightly so.
- At home, work, or on my shoe fetish message board?

What do you do when you’re slow at work?
- Did you just call me slow?

What irritates you about coworkers
- Microwaving fish. And that they have to be MY coworkers.

What do you consider a conducive work environment?
- Anyplace with a fridge, recliner, and Terry Tate. NSFW.

How long will it take before you make a contribution here?
- A little longer than usual - I hit the head on the way in.

If you could eliminate one responsibility from your last job, what would it be?
- Attendance? Is that too much? I can pick something else...there's lots I didn't like.

I also ask if you came home and your house was on fire, what 3 things would you save?
- The whales, 2nd amendment rights, and my shiny bike.

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11989

Philly 'burbs

Subject: RE: Job Hunting

bradleyd3 - 2013-03-27 11:17 AM

tcarlson78 - 2013-03-27 10:09 AM

I went to a week long seminar where the focus was to help people transition from military to civilian work environments. It was a great class and I am trying to use the knowledge gained from it. However, durring the, interviewing techniques portion they had a panel type discussion and some of the stories they told were crazy. Looking inside the person's car, setting up scripted situations to evaluate response, and the worst in my mind was having a female interviewer dressed in less than appropriate office clothes. Is this common? Stories please.

Also, how often durring an interview/discussion does either the interviewer or interviewee cross the "line" and talk about taboo subjects (ie married,kids, off work interests etc.)? How do you deal with it?

What you described is not the norm, in my 10 years of HR. But I'm sure it happens. With 'taboo' subjects, there are ways to work around that. If they ask you a personal question (supposing its actually legal to ask) I would accept someone saying I keep my personal life at home, then bring the conversation back to work and your experience. I can find out all the things I'm not allowed to ask by chit-chatting after the interview. I don't find relevancy in these, as how many kids, married/divorced, religous affiliation, orientation, etc...have no bearing on if they make the cut. The question of "big plans for the weekend?" will answer most of those.....or me bringing up what I'm doing will prompt them to tell me the personal details.

From an HR/Legal point of view, is it true that anything listed on a resume is fair game to ask about even if it's of a personal nature? I know some people list hobbies/interest/personal accomplishments and/or volunteer work they've done that may be job relevant.

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Subject: RE: Job Hunting

rkreuser - 2013-03-27 11:42 AM