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I've been employed with the same company for the past 11 years, it was my first job out of school. My wife and I recently have been looking to relocate to a new area and I have gone to several interviews while still employed at my current firm (I've since found something new). One of the interviewers asked me to explain my gap in employment (about 9 months) between graduation and my current (also my first) job 11 years ago. I don't know why but that question really bothered me considering I had been employed and continued to be employed with the same company for the past 11 years.
That is beyond stupid. I walked out of some pretty bad jobs when I was 18 and 19. I guess employers will hold that against me, even 7 years later.
I've been employed with the same company for the past 11 years, it was my first job out of school. My wife and I recently have been looking to relocate to a new area and I have gone to several interviews while still employed at my current firm (I've since found something new). One of the interviewers asked me to explain my gap in employment (about 9 months) between graduation and my current (also my first) job 11 years ago. I don't know why but that question really bothered me considering I had been employed and continued to be employed with the same company for the past 11 years.
I hoped you walked out the interview because asking someone that question in your situation was beyond stupid.
When interviewers ask questions that don't make sense, or don' t pertain to anything substantive in the here and now, it means they're either stupid - or they know it's a stupid question and they just really want to see your reaction. Since the process is about elimination, they really want to see if you can answer in a composed way or not. They want to see if they can p**s you off. Some people want to see how you react under stress. There are better ways to determine how someone performs under stress that don't involve offensive or irrelevant, or just unintelligent questions.Maybe the reality is that they want to set you up to eliminate yourself by losing your temper or giving them an answer that eliminates you by default. You know what it tells me about the interviewer? He/she is lazy. The communication skills are lacking. Dealing with people is not their strong suite.It tells me more about the interviewer and company culture.RED FLAG.
When interviewers ask questions that don't make sense, or don' t pertain to anything substantive in the here and now, it means they're either stupid - or they know it's a stupid question and they just really want to see your reaction. Since the process is about elimination, they really want to see if you can answer in a composed way or not. They want to see if they can p**s you off. Some people want to see how you react under stress. There are better ways to determine how someone performs under stress that don't involve offensive or irrelevant, or just unintelligent questions.Maybe the reality is that they want to set you up to eliminate yourself by losing your temper or giving them an answer that eliminates you by default. You know what it tells me about the interviewer? He/she is lazy. The communication skills are lacking. Dealing with people is not their strong suite.It tells me more about the interviewer and company culture.RED FLAG.
When people try to push your buttons, you win by not giving into them. Some get off on insulting or being rude, or just seeing if they can get away with it. I used to calmly answer them with some amusement. I think if you act a bit amused, they realize the question was inappropriate.
I agree. Well said. But what do you gain as a job seeker if you get flustered and storm out? That's immature. You can confront them with amusement and stoicism.
If the questions are extreme then yes, I would quickly end the interview. But there's no need to be emotional.
FBJ"And that's why anyone should walk out because if you got that interview you can definitely get another one."
Some people want >3 interviews every 11 months.
3 interviews in 11 months means I was picky just in case you didn't know. And what does all that matter now since I am in a stable job I enjoy going to everyday?
I agree. Well said. But what do you gain as a job seeker if you get flustered and storm out? That's immature. You can confront them with amusement and stoicism.
If the questions are extreme then yes, I would quickly end the interview. But there's no need to be emotional.
I never said I walked out but I understand why those who chose to did.
Tell me there's no need to be emotional when you have been unemployed for a little over two years, worked in my field for sixteen years, yet cannot get back in. I am just completely frustrated with the extremely high level of incompetence in hiring today.
I agree. Well said. But what do you gain as a job seeker if you get flustered and storm out? That's immature. You can confront them with amusement and stoicism.
If the questions are extreme then yes, I would quickly end the interview. But there's no need to be emotional.
It doesn't matter what the job seeker gains because he/she is already turned off and has no more interest in the job.
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