Top 10 interviewer pet peeves...

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Permalink Reply by Keith Bernhardt on September 21, 2008 at 7:27pm

Amanda, I could write a book, just based on the last interview I had (about a month ago).
"Corporate policy" dictated the questions. Even the interviewer told me they'd be "stupid".
To give you the back story. There's a career college that needed someone to teach in their travel and tourismprogram. There was a sense of urgency. Only two applied, myself and another.

1. Do you have any experience
My answer was yes 24 years. (What I wanted to say was, didn't you read the letter and resume')

2. In your last travel job, did you make money for the company ?
Of course. (What I wanted to say was no, they liked my compexion ' cause it matched the wallpaper).

3. Did you accomplish anything ?
Yes (What i should've said was I think it's an accomplishment to wake up each morning)

4. What would your co-workers say about you ?
Huh ? (After 20 plus years he's still here ?)

5. What was your salary history for the past 10 years ?
Probably the question I hate the most and the most irrelevant.
I actually said : I've slept since then and I don't remember. I do know that
I probably spent more than I made. It's immaterial.

From what I gather, they didn't hire either of us. I have no idea what background the
other candidate had.

Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Chris Reed on September 21, 2008 at 8:32pm

1. Asking for a salary history before you even meet them. When I was on the job hunt, I wouldn't even apply for a position if they required a salary history. To me, it simply means they are more interested in money than hiring a qualified person. What's going to end up costing more in the long run?

2. Not following up with me even though they said they would. Employers need to be concerned with making a good impression as well...plus, it may just be an indication of how they do business.

3. Asking infamous questions like "Where do you see yourself in ten years?" Seriously? I'm assuming you read my resume and cover letter, and that's the best question you can come up with?

Amanda, hope this helps!

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Permalink Reply by Keith Bernhardt on September 21, 2008 at 8:32pm

The interesting thing about my previous post is there were about 200 questions !

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Permalink Reply by Keith Bernhardt on September 21, 2008 at 9:39pm

Another one..
A place of employment will receive a cover letter and resume', then immediately have you fill out an
application. Some are multiple pages. It's basically rehashing the resume' only on their "stock" (I guess). Waste of time, if you ask me. Most of the recruiters don't get it. The HR people are
clueless, too.

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Permalink Reply by Keith Bernhardt on September 21, 2008 at 9:40pm

"Why Did You Leave your previous job ?"

"Why Do You Want to Work for US ?"

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Permalink Reply by Laurie Hardy on September 21, 2008 at 10:46pm

Here is a few...
1. What are your strengths and weaknessess?
I am sure we can find more creative ways to describe and ask these questions... Great to know the answers... but I am convinced there is a sexier approach out there...
2. Do you wanna get promoted in the future?
Really? This one always cracks me up...
3. What would you do if you won a million dollars?
What, like someone is going to say "send you my resignation by post card"?
4. How would your friends describe you?
Hee,hee... duh, they are MY FRIENDS...
5. I see you have managed for 10 years... are you familiar with using a computer?
Nope, I lived in a cave, we carved the numbers on the walls, and never ran a report... come on...
There are so many more... these are just way to typical and make me giggle....

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Permalink Reply by Keith Bernhardt on September 22, 2008 at 12:50pm

L,

I was at an interview and the interviewer asked me what I'd do if I won a million dollars ?"
I hadn't heard that before and said "Do you know something i don't " ?

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Permalink Reply by Keith Bernhardt on September 21, 2008 at 11:28pm

Laurie,

Yours cracked me up. I needed that.

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Permalink Reply by Keith Bernhardt on September 22, 2008 at 10:42am

The problem, as I see it, with interviews, is interviewers think it has to be this formal
situation and it doesn't.

One of the best interviews I had, years ago, was just a conversation.
"How are you ?" We went from there and talked about different subjects.
I mean, in a "formal" interview, you're going to get side tracked anyway.

The other thing, is the interviewers have other candidates, and if they are asking the same ludicrous questions. How do they find the candidate that stands out ? The way these questions
are, I wonder if these recruiters can find the bathroom. It's insane. They're trying to put on a show, I guess.

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Permalink Reply by Keith Bernhardt on September 22, 2008 at 11:20am

Back to Andi's 'hypothetical" statement.
Had someone ask me "What would you do if.."

Well, it was something I actually had done (problem that had to work out, I believe).
I told them. The interviewer was speechless, I guess because it didn't follow his script !

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Permalink Reply by Amanda Hite on September 22, 2008 at 12:16pm

i can always count on you guys! thanks you rock

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