The cynical view is adopted by some after having been employed by multiple companies, and discovering that they're mostly interchangeable. The majority of emplo

The cynical view is adopted by some after having been employed by multiple companies, and discovering that they're mostly interchangeable. The majority of employers are not unique, are not offering anything special compared to other businesses, and should not be pretending otherwise by making candidates grovel like peasants trying to get a job working for the royal family. Most positions do not require a "match made in heaven", but many interviews are conducted in such a way that candidates have to jump through hoops to prove just how compatible they are. I have yet to participate in an interview that focused on the quality of the employer-employee match, where I have not spewed nonsense in order to "pass the test". I remember an article that laid out how this can be viewed as a positive process; that it tests whether the candidate is capable of handling awkward situations diplomatically (or something to that effect). That we as a society consider being completely fake to be a good thing blows my mind. --- Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Given Answer: I'd like to work up from my existing position as a senior developer to a team lead position, and possibly another step up or two from there. Real Answer: I love the work I do as a developer, and do not wish to climb the corporate ladder. I figure this might change as I get older, but for now I am happy with what I do. --- Question: Why would you be a better fit compared to another candidate? Given Answer: The job listing mentioned X, and I have a lot of experience with X. The listing also mentioned Y, and I am very interested in gaining more experience with Y. I like element Z of your culture. Real Answer: I match most or all of the requirements you mentioned in your listing. Every candidate you interviewed probably does. Just hire someone and see whether it works out for you. --- Question: Why did you leave your last job? Given Answer: No opportunity to advance, or accomplished the tasks the employer had primarily hired me for. Real Answer: Boss was incompetent, HR introduced unacceptable policies, or management put a stop to salary increases / bonuses that have been around for years.