5 ms·

A lot of people are jumping on #3 (Tell me about a time you solved a problem at work). While I agree that #3 deserves criticism, I feel like #6 (Tell me about y

A lot of people are jumping on #3 (Tell me about a time you solved a problem at work). While I agree that #3 deserves criticism, I feel like #6 (Tell me about your preferred workday) and #8 (Describe your preferred relationship with coworkers) are even more problematic. As an introvert, as someone who likes quiet, my ideal workday consists of me getting into work at ~7:30am, working until ~4:30pm with about an hour off for lunch. I accept that meetings are a necessary evil, but I maintain that their necessity does not diminish their evil. I especially despise the "daily standup", which is a completely pointless 15-20 minute interruption right during my peak concentration hours. And yet, if I actually gave that response to question #6, the best I could hope for is a sympathetic nod from my interviewer, and a mention about how they attempt to have a single day without meetings. Instead, I feel like I'm supposed to lie about how I like "collaboration" (code for meetings). #8 (Describe your preferred relationship with coworkers) is, if anything, even worse. As someone who doesn't like parties, and who doesn't drink, I find it really awkward and draining to go out with coworkers. No offense, but if I'm with the same people for 40 hours a week, the last thing I want to do is spend more time with them (especially on a Friday afternoon or evening, which is when most after-work outings tend to occur). And yet, I feel like if I actually gave that answer at a lot of companies, I'd be immediately dismissed as "not a culture fit", even though my skills are a very good match for the position.

codyb 7y ago
We got rid of standups on my current team and it’s definitely very nice. I think you could probably massage that answer though “well standups aren’t my favorite thing really, it’s sort of a lot of context switching and a lot of times the conversation isn’t relevant to me. But I understand it’s generally more for the managers than it is for me.” And for the latter one “I like a very professional, cordial, and relaxed relationship with my coworkers. I tend to do my own things on weekends which leaves me refreshed and happy to see everyone on Monday.” It’s just a bit smoother than “the last thing I’m going to want to do is spend _more_ time with you”. Instead of emphasizing the drain it’d be to spend more time with your coworkers, emphasize the benefits of coming back refreshed on Monday :-). They’re the same answer but one’s more positive.
- rnd33 7y ago
  On the coworker relationship question, why can't you just answer something like: "Anywhere from cordial professionalism to best friends who do everything together, it depends on who I 'click' with." I mean people are people, I'm happy spending free time with some coworkers, others I'm just ambivalent to, just like in all other parts of life. This points out how bad that question really is, the interviewer wants you to mind-read how he/she sees wants the relationships at the company to be and answer accordingly.
  - quanticle 7y ago
    In practice, the purpose of the question is to weed out people who don't display a particular level of commitment to the organization. Allow the company to take over your social life makes it harder for you to leave the organization. I've definitely had experiences where I've stayed in bad jobs longer than I should have (at a cost to my health and sanity) because I liked my co-workers.
alkonaut 7y ago
The mistake in your reasoning is that the employer would be looking for the most skilled candidate only. Personal traits are as important or more important. Being an introvert is a personal trait like any other and it can be a strength or weakness depending on the team and position. It’s not somehow irrelevant to the ability to perform a job in a team.

codyb 7y ago

We got rid of standups on my current team and it’s definitely very nice. I think you could probably massage that answer though “well standups aren’t my favorite thing really, it’s sort of a lot of context switching and a lot of times the conversation isn’t relevant to me. But I understand it’s generally more for the managers than it is for me.” And for the latter one “I like a very professional, cordial, and relaxed relationship with my coworkers. I tend to do my own things on weekends which leaves me refreshed and happy to see everyone on Monday.” It’s just a bit smoother than “the last thing I’m going to want to do is spend _more_ time with you”. Instead of emphasizing the drain it’d be to spend more time with your coworkers, emphasize the benefits of coming back refreshed on Monday :-). They’re the same answer but one’s more positive.

rnd33 7y ago
On the coworker relationship question, why can't you just answer something like: "Anywhere from cordial professionalism to best friends who do everything together, it depends on who I 'click' with." I mean people are people, I'm happy spending free time with some coworkers, others I'm just ambivalent to, just like in all other parts of life. This points out how bad that question really is, the interviewer wants you to mind-read how he/she sees wants the relationships at the company to be and answer accordingly.
- quanticle 7y ago
  In practice, the purpose of the question is to weed out people who don't display a particular level of commitment to the organization. Allow the company to take over your social life makes it harder for you to leave the organization. I've definitely had experiences where I've stayed in bad jobs longer than I should have (at a cost to my health and sanity) because I liked my co-workers.

alkonaut 7y ago

The mistake in your reasoning is that the employer would be looking for the most skilled candidate only. Personal traits are as important or more important. Being an introvert is a personal trait like any other and it can be a strength or weakness depending on the team and position. It’s not somehow irrelevant to the ability to perform a job in a team.