Job interviews = SCARY things!

[Overread16 4]

The 5 year thing is always scary and evil to ask! But yeah some of those odd psychological questions are silly and I think sometimes just an excuse to have a "wrong answer" to not hire people by (instead of the honest we got 10001 applicants and just had to pick someone and it wasn't you)

 

[snowbear116 47]

I've interviewed dozens of people over the years, and never insulted them with such idiocy. What's the point, some silly psych thing? When people are nervous enough? :thumbdown: Are they on time? Qualified? Dressed appropriately? Find out how much they appear to know about the business - not the company, per se, but the business - and get them to talk, more than you do. Ask them where they see themselves in 5 years, too. Always enlightening.

If you can't make a good judgment call from the above, you probably shouldn't be interviewing. :razz:

Oh, I agree. Likely these folks attended a seminar somewhere that said these types of questions help assess how well applicants could think on their feet or outside the box or such.

 

[runnah]

My last round of applicants I had them take a "test" to show what they could do design wise. Had a set folder of elements (copy, photos, and logos). Each applicant had 10 minutes to put something together. It weeded out so many people that seemed good during the interview.

Best thing I ever did.

 

[terri34 6]

The 5 year thing is always scary and evil to ask! But yeah some of those odd psychological questions are silly and I think sometimes just an excuse to have a "wrong answer" to not hire people by (instead of the honest we got 10001 applicants and just had to pick someone and it wasn't you)

It's tough, but it shouldn't blow anyone's mind because it's reality-based - unlike comparing oneself to a strong solid oak or a willow that can bend with the wind, or whatever babble they think they're looking for. I've had applicants tell me bluntly they were after my job (management) and some who appeared not to have ever considered a 5-year plan, but mostly I received thoughtful answers of folks who had reasonable expectations of advancement after working hard. Makes for some nice conversation.

 

[snowbear116 47]

The interviews I held were even simpler - "Have you ever used any of the following substances . . . ?", "Have you ever been arrested?", "Have you ever been the subject of a disciplinary action at work?", "Have you ever shoplifted?" etc.

 

[Designer]

Great now I have to work out what kind of tree I have to be!

I don't recommend wasting your time on that. The question is stupid, the interviewer read it in a a book somewhere. Besides, if your interviewer is really that lame, it could be some variant of that such as "fish" or whatever. Not sure I'd want to work in a place like that anyway.

ps: Good luck!

 

[skieur]

I have been interviewed by committees and individuals on committees tend to argue their own agendas through their questions to the candidate. As a candidate not only do you have to know your "stuff" thoroughly, you also have to know where the "power" is on the committee and how to respond strategically and appropriately.