Comments on: Inter-viewin'

By: Jerzy Drozd

Jerzy Drozd — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:59:41 +0000

I got my last day job during the big downturn in the economy back in ’01/’02 by saying exactly what was on my mind. After over 60 interviews in a few months time, I was just plain burned out from having to keep the cheerful and enthusiastic persona on, so I just walked in and threw my portfolio in front of the interviewer and got right to the point. It was funny, in a way–I put some truly awful ads I designed in front of the guy, along with stuff I was proud of. I very wearily (not warily) told the guy “I’d rather do this stuff (the good ads), but if you ask me to, I’ll do junk like this (the bad ads).” The guy was apparently impressed with my candor and gave me the job.

And because of the tone established by that interchange, it was easily the best day job I ever had.

But that probably doesn’t happen often. I haven’t met many HR folks who appreciate candor.

By: tgtwebcomics

tgtwebcomics — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:01:52 +0000

I have before. I was doing a phone interview recently for an IT position. The guy on the phone asked what my salary expectation was and I quoted a reasonable sum. The guy asked the following questions:

Guy: “Do you know Linux”
Me: “No but I’m willing to learn”
Guy: “Are you willing to travel to ths States?”
Me: “Sure as long as it’s legal”
Guy: “What can you tell me about switches and routers”
Me: “Well that’s a pretty broad topic, what are you asking specifically?”
Guy: “Well you’d know what I’m talking about since you say you’ve been in the industry for ten years.”
Me: “Yes, I have been in the industry for ten years….”
Guy: “But you work at a Call Center right now.”
Me: “Yes, I do. Have you seen the job market out there? Do you think if there was a better job out there that I wouldn’t take it. Obviously you are looking for something more than you are willing to pay or deal with so good day. &%$&”

Sorry but it was a bad interview from the start this guy was being a total arse and I was taking it seriously. You don’t call up a candidate and start to tear down his resume just because my latest job is a call center.

By: Martin

Martin — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:51:20 +0000

All of my interviews have been like this. I’ve only ever been hired based on personal recommendations or just showing up and pitching in, not on stilted job interviews. I’m not Bob, but I’m probably sabotaging the process anyway.

By: Theala Sildorian

Theala Sildorian — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:29:19 +0000

@Kumail–just make sure you don’t use your real name and resume, and make sure it’s someone you never want to work with (like outside your field). In this job market, you never know what can happen.

Personally, I’m going for the idea that Bob as Asperger’s Syndrome.

By: Kumail.H.T

Kumail.H.T — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:00:31 +0000

I guess you should look for a job when you dont need one so you can have all the fun you want :P

By: qka

qka — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:23:35 +0000

I once worked for a contract outfit. They sent me on an interview, and it quickly became apparent I didn’t want to work at that client. So I tried to blow the interview on purpose. No luck; the client wanted me anyhow, and being an employee of the contract firm I didn’t have a choice about assignments. As I feared, the job situation was not good. A few months later I found another position with another company, and was out of there.