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Interviewing

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09:42 / 14.12.05

My "weakness" answer is always that I have to overcome the fact that I always think I can do the job better than the person I'm asking to do it, and I'm often tempted to take too much on myself rather than delegating.

Mysterious Transfer Student

09:43 / 14.12.05

I could answer honestly and say that my biggest weakness is perversity; the subset of which would be continuing honestly to list my other flaws: hairtrigger temper, lack of inner monologue, inability to stay off caffeine, dry skin, little or no interest in other people's problems, vicious sarcasm.... Oh my word, it's tempting.

09:45 / 14.12.05

I mean, none of you have told me what you actually say when someone asks you the pride/weakness questions.

i think that's prolly because the answers are pretty varied depending.

you could try talking to your ex-employers (see above)for some insider info on what they see as your strengths and then build from there, maybe?

folks may be wise to the "i just work too damn hard" answer, but i reckon subtle variations on it are still good. you might suggest that you find it hard to take compliments and are often too self deprecating when it comes to your great work. you could then invent a story about your brilliance and your inability to see it, perhaps, throwing all of your other claims into a nice "i coulda made more of it, if only i wasnt so meek" light.

the particulars and excution depend on you and on the situation at hand, i reckon.

are you thinking of a specific job?

Mysterious Transfer Student

09:47 / 14.12.05

Oh, and another weakness of mine: the all-important "dicking around while others provide useful advice for someone who asked for our help". More power to you, Loomis (and commiserations, having just read your post about John Howard in the anger thread. The guy sounds like an utter cock).

09:52 / 14.12.05

These are really interesting - I want to hear more people's weakness answers!
I suspect the 'pride' answers will all be much of a muchness - variations on the brilliantly run project theme. Though I once raved on about having overcome my fear of heights and gone to the top of the Scott Monument - and I still got the job! It's the way I tell 'em.

10:08 / 14.12.05

Ariadne also once got a job because she put drinking as her hobby. True story.

10:16 / 14.12.05

For my first job out of college, I was asked to give an example of management experience. I said that I obviously hadn't had professional management experience; but that when I first moved in with my roommates, we all used to buy our own groceries & we had a tiny refrigerator. So I convinced them that we should cooperatively buy certain items & the way I convinced them, partly, was by lining up all our bread on the kitchen counter & you could see how much bread it was. Then we drew up a chart & the refrigerator situation improved.

Points to this answer include: 1) realistic assessment of professional experience thus far (none), 2) ability to draw on similar experiences to inform new situations (bread example as "management"), 3) ability to identify problems (crowded refrigerator), 4) ability to get other people on board to solve problems (getting them to see the bread), 5) result (less crowded refrigerator, happy living).

In my last two interviews, for my weakness answer, I sort of raise my eyebrow & I say, you know that fairytale where the princess has to separate the lentils and the peas? My husband says if that had been me, I'd just say, "Oh, okay," and then I'd sit down & start separating. I don't think it's weakness --I'm good at this, but it isn't going to be good in every situation.

Mysterious Transfer Student

10:21 / 14.12.05

I can't be held back! Just remembered the awful interview I had for A Major Insurance Company Whose Name Has Naval Connotations this summer, which was more in the form of a series of "role-plays" and team-building exercises with two interviewers and four candidates including myself.

Imagine the depths to which my heart sank when we were all asked to nominate our favourite ever TV comedy series.

My answer: Reggie Perrin.
The two female candidates' answers: Friends.
2nd male candidate's answer: The Office.
Both interviewers' answers: Little cocking Britain.

We were of course asked to expand upon our answers. No need to go into details, but the following exchange stands out:

1st interviewer: "So why do you like Little Britain then, John?"
2nd interviewer: "I don't know."

I should have left then but I stayed. Needless to say I wasn't hired. A narrow escape.

10:28 / 14.12.05

Surely your 'weakness,' Hinterland, would now be the fact that you're a well-regarded international literary figure, who can't, realistically, be expected get out of bed for less than thirty grand, never mind even think about sordid, beastly things like the filing?

That the merest mention of such gauche matters would require at least a week in repose, while your delicate constitution was soothed by the ministrations of at least some of the people who've written you letters, the complete works of Proust, and really only the finest Bolivian imports currently available?

At least, if it's not like this, life these days, you want to have a word with your publishers, mate. You want to raise merry hell.

If they don't understand that they're dealing with a major artist then you're going to have to make them understand, I fear.

I think it's best if you start off by horse-whipping the head of the company - after that, you can work your way down.

10:36 / 14.12.05

Well, whaddaya know, I just finished within my self-made deadline - it works after all. And that despite mucking about on Barbelith all morning. I obviously give myself far too much time for things.

I'm off for some lunch.

10:42 / 14.12.05

The best interview I ever gave was the day after my stepfathers funeral. I was totally exhausted from all the raw upset that had dominated the last week and as a result couldn't work up the energy to give a flying fuck if I got the job. I almost stayed in bed, I was that worn out by the stress. As a result I had no anxiety about the interview and was honest and confident.

I answered my "failings" question honestly- I'm a worrier, as work failings go I realised there were actually much worse failings. Certainly my interviewers thought it wasn't too bad a failing as I got the job.

Regrettable Juvenilia

10:43 / 14.12.05

On a purely pragmatic level, to increase one's chances of The Ma(aa)n giving one a job

As I thought was pretty clearly implied in my post - and as Smoothly has also said - I'm far from convinced, on the basis of my own experience, that having a rote answer actually does this.

Going back to your original post, Ganesh, to what extent do you have a say as to whether "standard 'example' questions" are used in the interviews you take part in conducting?

Mister Six, whom all the girls

13:04 / 14.12.05

I was once told in an interview that my duties would be very varied yet prepare me to further develop in the industry... but since the office was so small I'd be called upon to do all sorts of things... for instance the toilet needs cleaning.

That will surely prepare me for the PR industry, right?

Seeing my lack of interest, my bone-white dressed interviewer added... with sincerity and gravity... that they 'work hard and play hard.'

... I'm not exactly sure what that meant but I imagine it involved wife swapping.

For the weakness answer never be honest.

That's never what they want anyway.

Employers have pretty much made up their mind on you based on some internal frivolous factor in their heads. It's up to you as an interviewee to either take advantage of that factor or if it is keeping you from the job, turn it around.

So if they think you're too young, make it evident that you are full of vitality, eager to learn, take on responsibility, etc. ALWAYS BE INTERESTED. It's an obvious thing, but keep it in mind. Most employers are interviewing hundreds of applicants. Give them something new... anything... and give it withg an enthusiasm for the job.

But the weakness question is one of character. It's not what you say, it's how you say it. Saying 'I work too hard' is fine if you say it clearly and honestly. Back it up with long hours, missed dates, etc, but be sincere. Coming up with an actual character flaw as the answer has never been the best decision in my experience. If yiu want to roll the bones, go for it, but outside of one interview, I've always desperately needed the job and couldn't fuck around.

These answers are for office jobs, by the way.

My answers are tainted from experiece, since I work in the US office world, where we NEVER take time off or breaks and 9 out of 10 times most of the jobs filled are so by inexperienced louts who will either settle for less pay or people who know the right current employees.

There are ofcourse exceptions, but in my years in the office world... it sucks. The jewels are very few.

13:19 / 14.12.05

My answer to the weakness question:

"Do I have to pick just one?"

14:31 / 14.12.05

What about 'Modesty...'

If you get asked about which figures of history you'd most like to have for dinner, ALWAYS say 'Jesus, because he'll save on the wine bill'. Worked for me, and I'm a vicar.

Had a friend once who walked out of an interview for a legal job - She got asked to explain to the panel how you do the breastroke (yep as in swimming) without gesticulating at all. Bunch of twarts. Its just for laughs. I mean most of the questions have little bearing on the job - If you get to interview you're normally capable of the job on paper. It's all on personality.

15:03 / 14.12.05

I take the most acceptable honest answer for the weakness question. I tell them that I dislike menial administrative tasks such as filling in expense reports.

If I was interviewing someone, and it has never happened, I would laugh in their beseeching face if they said something like "I am too much of a perfectionist."

15:30 / 14.12.05

Especially when you've interviewed six people that day and they've all said that. That's when you decide to give the job to the one whose weakness was spit roasting bunny rabbits in the lunch break.

ONLY NICE THINGS

15:48 / 14.12.05

Ladies.

Killing.

Ladies.

16:32 / 14.12.05

Using the work computer to look at porn?

To be fair, the best answer I heard to the weakness question when I was interviewing in the summer was: "we both know I could spin you a line about being a perfectionist or trying to run before I can walk etc, so I'm not going to". Then he changed the subject and I forgot.

Very clever.

Mister Six, whom all the girls

16:50 / 14.12.05

I was once interviewed by a circle of ten people and asked to provide a solution to a database problem befire I left... in essay form.

If I had that interview now I'd be thinking in X-box format and want to lob a grenade then finish off the rest of them.

Ugh... interviews suck. The one for my current position was cool, tho. Nothing like love for the Fall, toys and comics getting you a job.

17:08 / 14.12.05

Canty: That business with the highlighter pen is one of the most deliciously odd things I've heard of in ages. Would you mind telling us for what (type of) job that interview was... for?

Sure, it was for a software job -apparantly the interviewer wanted to assess my attention to detail, but I suspect my ability to perform an unexpected task at a moment's notice was under scrutiny also. I sometimes think I got the job because I used the word 'chevron' at one stage in the description.

I don't think I've ever been asked the weaknesses question -at one point I'm sure I had something in mind I'd cite as a weakness, but I've forgotten what it was. Not that I can't remember what my weaknesses are, just that I know I was never planning on saying "some days I just can't be arsed and those are the days when you pay me to stare out the window and think about how I'd market alcoholic slimming shakes".

17:21 / 14.12.05

I think the "weakness" question is pretty useless. I prefer Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. That one sorts the goats from the sheep.

18:12 / 14.12.05

You know I can't help but notice that absolutely no one here has actually helped me (thanks for trying Ariadne). I mean, none of you have told me what you actually say when someone asks you the pride/weakness questions.

They're not flipsides. "Tell me about a piece of work of which you're proud" is the flipside of "tell me about a piece of work which didn't go well". I've never been asked, "what's your weakness" and never would. It's a useless question in terms of learning anything of value.

I talk about specific patients in whose treatment I was instrumental.

18:24 / 14.12.05

As I thought was pretty clearly implied in my post - and as Smoothly has also said - I'm far from convinced, on the basis of my own experience, that having a rote answer actually does this.

Agreed, but I don't think being able to give examples of things one's done that one feels satisfied or regretful about necessarily constitutes a "rote answer". Not in the sense of being an insincere or invented response learned parrot-fashion.

In the medical field, 'give me an example of' questions are useful because they suggest the capacity (or lack of it) to reflect meaningfully on experiences with patients, and give some indication of what a given doctor finds important or motivating.

Going back to your original post, Ganesh, to what extent do you have a say as to whether "standard 'example' questions" are used in the interviews you take part in conducting?

To some degree. In general, I'm one of a panel and am asked to contribute more 'clinical' questions eg. "what do you see as the important developments in community psychiatry to date?" and so on. On this occasion, we were an interviewer short, so I ended up asking some of the more general teamworky stuff too. What's interesting to me is how they describe past clinical scenarios, and what 'lessons' they draw from their experiences.

22:32 / 14.12.05

You know I can't help but notice that absolutely no one here has actually helped me (thanks for trying Ariadne). I mean, none of you have told me what you actually say when someone asks you the pride/weakness questions.

Ah, but I did tell you what I actually say and I was trying to help! Here's some more thoughts, at any rate:

I know it can be frustrating going to interviews and not understanding why they're not choosing you. For what it's worth there's usually several other factors going on in addition to the interview. You could have done a GREAT interview but someone else did too and they had just a bit more experience in Field X. Another candidate could have an 'in' thus giving them an advantage. They could decide they don't want to hire anyone for that position after all. So it's not always personal.

And sometimes yeah they just don't like you. But usually when they don't, you don't like them either. I remember I did an interview once and I just HATED the interviewer practically from the moment I met her. I knew for sure when I left the interview (and noticed I'd had a bright red bra strap sticking out for the entire interview!) no WAY was I getting that job!

Look at each time you interview, whether you get the job or not, as 'practice,' and if you don't get the job try and look back on the interview and honestly assess yourself and the interview and think about what you did well and what you could do better next time. If you're really nervous, possibly role-play the interview with someone before 'the big day.' I firmly believe you should be your best, professional self - but you should be yourself and be honest.

I barely remember the interview I did for the job I currently have. I have no idea why they decided to hire me, let alone sponsor my work permit! (I think sheer desperation probably.) Best interview I ever had was with a certain former editor for a technology newswire and fellow Barbeloid, as it consisted of a proofing test followed by a pint in the local pub.

22:42 / 14.12.05

We always offer detailed feedback on interviews, either face-to-face or over the 'phone, and there's usually a good take-up rate. I expect that's what I'll be doing much of tomorrow...

06:26 / 15.12.05

Do you find that hard, Ganesh, telling people what you thought, and where they went wrong? do people take it well, or do many get defensive?

07:35 / 15.12.05

Only when he tells the truth and says he didn't like their hair.

08:22 / 15.12.05

When I've had an interview and don't get the job I always get in touch and ask for feedback. I'd rather get an harsh but honest reply than a soft soap brushoff. It's the only way I'll learn, after all.

pointless & uncalled for

09:05 / 15.12.05

For the pride one I've tended to go down the route of "I don't do pride but..." and then bumble through a selection of things done well.

11:06 / 15.12.05

I don't find it easy, but because there was a panel of interviewers rather than just me, the responsibility can be diffused ("there was a general feeling that...") and the criticism softened/anonymised. Also, because it's an opt-in option, I suspect that those who are most likely to feel hurt and defensive don't request feedback.

13:55 / 15.12.05

The one thing to keep in mind as an interviewee is that being an interviewer is bloody tough. You have a piece of paper and a couple of hours with a person to try and decide whether or not they'll be worth the massive investment you're about to make in them, both in terms of money and time.

And, as far as not getting chosen even when you're well qualified, this is another problem that interviewers face. In our last round of interviews, there were two candidates who I very much wanted to hire, but we only have the funds to hire one person. If it were possible, I would have liked to let an existing person go to free up resources so we could hire both, but I don't have that kind of pull, so I had to pick. The final basis for the decision ended up being pretty arbitrary.

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