I think that the fundamental problem is that we're used to a certain low-level dishonesty in job prospecting. Even if you don't agree with it-- even if you'd ra

I think that the fundamental problem is that we're used to a certain low-level dishonesty in job prospecting. Even if you don't agree with it-- even if you'd rather people see how you really are so you don't end up in inappropriate roles-- you're expected to make nice and play along. Job applicants have to overstate their willingness to subordinate. Very rare is a talented person who wants to be a subordinate. Protege to an obvious superior (by which I mean person of superior skill)? Sure, but that's different because there's an obvious symbiosis. Subordinate order-follower? No, no one wants that. On the flip side, hiring managers often overstate the autonomy and future prospects associated with the role. Companies overstate their need for "passion". Passionate people never see themselves as subordinates. Proteges, possibly. Not subordinates. Never happens, never will. If you want people who are good at subordinating, you need to go to the other end of the passion spectrum and find people who are happy just to have a job. But no one wants to hire those because, even though they're often good at well-defined tasks, they're taken to be kind of a bummer. I feel like when people go too far to the good-not-nice extreme, you end up with dialogues like this (obviously, more subtly)... Hiring manager: all of the "vision" questions and tough technical brainteasers are a false lead. In reality, we're looking to add excess capacity to which we can delegate undesirable work. Also, the reason why we're overhiring is because it makes managers happy to have overqualified subordinates so they can say things like, "I have four Ivy Leaguers working for me". Candidate: I don't really see myself as a subordinate, and unless management takes a direct interest in my career and I get the best projects available, I'm going to start serving my own career interests in a matter of about 6 months. No one would hire anyone if people were that honest.