3 ms·

So it wasn't the questions themselves, but when you start asking about why you moved from this city to that, or why did you choose this school, etc. Maybe it's

So it wasn't the questions themselves, but when you start asking about why you moved from this city to that, or why did you choose this school, etc. Maybe it's because your SO got a job there, or some other personal reason. I get that it's totally an innocent intent, but there are much better ways to assess a candidate's soft skills, that is strictly related to their professional experience.

aprdm 3y ago
[flagged]
- dang 3y ago
  Please don't cross into personal attack, regardless of how wrong another commenter is or you feel they are. (The two options that work here are to post something thoughtful and substantive, or not to post.) https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html
  - aprdm 3y ago
    fair enough, apologies!
s1artibartfast 3y ago
Okay, my Original Point was that maybe one of the soft skills the test is assessing is the ability and willingness to share their personal self in a positive and constructive manner. Many if not most people find us a desirable attribute in coworkers and workplaces. I get that it's not for everyone, but not every workplace is a good fit for everyone. I think you're getting some rude comments because of exactly this fact
- annexrichmond 3y ago
  honestly that is something I value as well, but I think that's when a lot of bias can come into play. Perhaps that bias is desired for culture fitting, but you still have to be careful if protected-class stuff comes up and you want to reject the person. fwiw, when I interview candidates in a technical interview, I still attempt at some small talk to get a sense of "can I have a normal conversation with this person" (appreciate the sensible responses btw!)
  - s1artibartfast 3y ago
    Sure, I think I agree that once you get into picking people based on cultural fit, you run some risk of discrimination suit, real or unreal. It is a tricky area.
sangnoir 3y ago
You can say the wonderfully vague "my partner" if you don't want to reveal your marital status and sexual orientation

aprdm 3y ago

[flagged]

dang 3y ago
Please don't cross into personal attack, regardless of how wrong another commenter is or you feel they are. (The two options that work here are to post something thoughtful and substantive, or not to post.) https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html
- aprdm 3y ago
  fair enough, apologies!

s1artibartfast 3y ago

Okay, my Original Point was that maybe one of the soft skills the test is assessing is the ability and willingness to share their personal self in a positive and constructive manner. Many if not most people find us a desirable attribute in coworkers and workplaces. I get that it's not for everyone, but not every workplace is a good fit for everyone. I think you're getting some rude comments because of exactly this fact

annexrichmond 3y ago
honestly that is something I value as well, but I think that's when a lot of bias can come into play. Perhaps that bias is desired for culture fitting, but you still have to be careful if protected-class stuff comes up and you want to reject the person. fwiw, when I interview candidates in a technical interview, I still attempt at some small talk to get a sense of "can I have a normal conversation with this person" (appreciate the sensible responses btw!)
- s1artibartfast 3y ago
  Sure, I think I agree that once you get into picking people based on cultural fit, you run some risk of discrimination suit, real or unreal. It is a tricky area.

sangnoir 3y ago

You can say the wonderfully vague "my partner" if you don't want to reveal your marital status and sexual orientation