4 ms·
Perhaps this explains why I often pass technical screening with no problems but tend to fail 'cultural' fit interviews. It seems that to meet jcadam is to hate
by jcadam 9y ago
Perhaps this explains why I often pass technical screening with no problems but tend to fail 'cultural' fit interviews. It seems that to meet jcadam is to hate jcadam.
I probably don't come off as a very nice person (my wife tells me I have a 'death glare' as my neutral face), until you get to know me. I once had a technical lead admit about a year after I had started a job that she had recommended against hiring me and was overruled by her boss. "You seemed like a jerk at the time, but now I realize you're just an introvert."
So, these days I try to paste on a fake smile when I interview, but to no avail. I suppose it might make me look a bit scary -> vacillating between "death glare" and "creepy smile."
Funny, I got (and turned down) a job offer earlier this week that was based solely on a couple of phone interviews. I turned it down because it was a large corporation and seemed very much like a butts-in-seats sort of place (hence, why would they care about culture fit and actually want to meet me in person?)
- oblio 9y agoHere's a trick for introverts. During those culture fit interviews, as soon as possible, try to have the interviewer let you speak about something you're passionate about. Few people can speak about things they love with a deadpan face or a frown on their faces. And a smile makes everyone look nicer and friendlier ;) Especially an authentic smile! (Note: Don't go on a half-hour story, though, a few minutes should be enough to lighten the mood.)
- deleted 9y ago[deleted]
- maxxxxx 9y agoGood comment about not going on for half an hour. I have failed interviews by going from introvert mode to super excited mode and going on for way too long. I see that in a lot of engineers. We are just not good at reading social situations.
- exodust 9y agoThink of it like engineering a lightweight anecdote. If efficiency with words is the key, then you know what to do. Now that I'm a bit older than a young eager 20 or 30's something, I'm better at capping my stories before they get boring or repetitive. Leave them wanting more, or at least give them the talking hat back, they probably want it.
- desireco42 9y agoHa ha ha, you and me buddy, you and me. Smiling helps, but in the end of the day, you are who you are. There are places I would fit well, and there are places even with my considerable talents I just don't. And you need to accept this.