An Interview
Last week I was involved in conducting some interviews at work. These weren't full interviews- our slightly overlong process means applicants come in for a tour of the building and then get a mini interview consisting of two questions and from that we have to decide who we will invite back for an actual interview.
The first question asked was: Can you tell us about something you enjoy doing?
The strange thing was quite a few of the people we saw that day seemed to have trouble answering this question. I'm sure that a lot of people reading this thought of an answer the moment they read the question and I guess you can take in to account the fact that some people's minds will go blank in an interview situation. There are also some people who, when asked anything in an interview think that they have to apply the question to something they do at work rather than in their own free time. Even taking this in to account there were still a good few people that seemed to live their lives without knowing what they enjoy.
If it had been me the first thing I would probably have thought of would have been reading. I could have then gone on to talk about the authors I like and mentioned queing up for 3 hours for Neil Gaiman's autograph (partly through dedication and partly through sheer bloody mindedness).
So come on- restore my faith in people and tell me what you enjoy. Be as brief or as descriptive as you like but don't be rude or I'll delete you (it's the most power I've ever had so I might as well exercise it).
The first question asked was: Can you tell us about something you enjoy doing?
The strange thing was quite a few of the people we saw that day seemed to have trouble answering this question. I'm sure that a lot of people reading this thought of an answer the moment they read the question and I guess you can take in to account the fact that some people's minds will go blank in an interview situation. There are also some people who, when asked anything in an interview think that they have to apply the question to something they do at work rather than in their own free time. Even taking this in to account there were still a good few people that seemed to live their lives without knowing what they enjoy.
If it had been me the first thing I would probably have thought of would have been reading. I could have then gone on to talk about the authors I like and mentioned queing up for 3 hours for Neil Gaiman's autograph (partly through dedication and partly through sheer bloody mindedness).
So come on- restore my faith in people and tell me what you enjoy. Be as brief or as descriptive as you like but don't be rude or I'll delete you (it's the most power I've ever had so I might as well exercise it).
posted by The Neath at 7:20 am
6 Comments:
Aaahh, I'm scared, that question freaks me out.
You miss the obvious problem with that question - the first answers that pop into most people's heads would not be appropriate in most interview situations.
e.g. Korova applying to work at a badger sanctuary.
Ok that's an extreme example. But sex and drugs aren't obvious topics for potential librarians to choose (well, they ARE, but not in an interview. Mmm, drunken sex in libraries)
Looks like the question is proving as successful as it did in the interviews!!!
*waves to Neath*
In interview situations, I tend to fall back on the old "I dress up as a Viking and can spin sheep into cloth". It's an effective conversation stopper. :)
ok people, stop avoiding the question. :)
I enjoy reading, but I think I enjoy blogging more. Its the only part of the day where I get to use my creative side, and that makes me happy. :) Another obvious passion of mine is music, I could go on in legnths about music and how much I like it, but I will keep that to myself.....for now. :)
Korova- Are you speaking from experience by any chance?
Xulub- At least sex and drugs would make for a great after interview conversation. As an applicant, you'd certainly be remembered...
Redrawn- Oh come on! It was worth it!
Especially because being at the back of the line meant we got the tiny chocolate sweets that got passed round twice.
:)
Hi Sarah and welcome! Actually I'd probably hire you with a line like that!
:)
You too, Wes. But the commute may be a bit of a problem. I just wish I'd had more answers like that on the day.
:)
Post a Comment
<< Home