Employment Interview Question (Missoula: how much, high school, contractor)

[Onebeed]

Hi, I recently had an interview with for a job in Missoula. I've lived in Montana for years, but from my resume, past job experience and education, it was apparent I am not a Montana native. My interviewer asked me "why Montana?" I did not get the job, and I am wondering now if that was a weird question. Was I being discriminated against because I was not born here? If I had gotten the job, would it likely be a weird atmosphere at this office because I am a non-native? I am not a Californian. I was married to a military man who moved frequently and we ended up here. Does anyone else get questions like that when looking for work?

[Redraven]

How you answered the question is probably more important to the results than the actual question. The interviewer was quite likely trying to get a feel for your attitudes towards the region, and your reasons for wanting to locate there. If I were in his position, I would be interested in knowing. This could conceivably have a bearing on how long you would last at the job.
I doubt if there was any discrimination intended.
However, if you feel discriminated against, you DO have certain resources at your disposal, at the local, State, and Federal level, as well as the courts.
It is just my opinion, of course, but I think you would be foolish to pursue a discrimination claim.
I once had a Boeing interviewer ask me if I was going to stay if they hired me again (third or fourth time in 7 years). I said yes. 18 months later they laid me off.
Good luck.

[Onebeed]

I didn't mean discrimination as in an actionable discrimination. I mean, as in, that was a weird question to ask. I've lived in Montana since 1999. I can't imagine anyone asking me this question in most other states I've lived.

[mtboy]

I have had several interviews where they asked me why xxx , if I liked the xxx area, if I was interested in living in xxx, and all sorts of questions about why i wanted to move to xxx.

I think they were trying to see if I was one to stay around for the long haul or just use them as a way to gain experience.

I agree with Redraven.... I don't think it was any sort of discrimination.

I bet the company just wanted to see how serious you were about staying with the company/area. I don't think that is a weird question.... just me though.

[grizzfan]

You didn't reveal what the job was, understandably. As an old Human Resources Director I learned that, for some people, a 10 cent an hour raise constituted a "career change". The interviewer was, somewhat deftly, trying to guage your committment, that's all.

[Jbechtel]

Interviewers ask those questions not because they really care why you moved here, they just want to know how you think. I'm sure it was because of some other reason you didn't get the job, unless you were stand-off-ish with your reply, but I'm sure you answered it appropriately. It takes a lot of experiece to go to interviews and do well. My only experience is with big companies, because of the field I'm in, and only as a contractor. I've had to go through some grueling meetings selling myself and my services. HR people in big companies know very little of your job scope. I always try to turn the interview around and interview the interviewer. I hardly talk business on first contact. I like to talk about their family, things they enjoy, and only then bring up how well I know their competition. I never talk about myself. HR people hear enough of that. It's against conventional wisdom such as what they teach in workshops and in college. I've done pretty well but I still loose from time to time. I wouldn't take it personally. I hope that helps.

[seven of nine]

It is what is is.
Just move along.
J, I may have to rep ya for that good advice, very seasoned if I have to say so.

[ngodavinet]

I think they were trying to see if I was one to stay around for the long haul or just use them as a way to gain experience.

In recruitment process some illegal interview questions are not permitted

Some such as

1. How old are you?
2. When is your birthday?
3. In what year were you born?
4. In what year did you graduate from college/high school?
5. Are you married or do you have a permanent partner?
6. With whom do you live?
7. How many children do you have?
8. Are you pregnant?
9. Do you expect to become have a family? When?
10. How many children will you have?
11. How tall are you?
12. How much do you weigh?
13. Do you have any disabilities?
14. Have you had any recent illness or operations?
15. Please complete this medical questionnaire?
16. What was the date of your last physical exam?
17. How’s your family’s health?
18. When did you lose your eyesight/ leg/ hearing/ etc.?
19. Where were you/your parents born?
20. What is your native language?


Source: http://www.humanresources.hrvinet.co...iew-questions/



best regards

[Stephan_K]

Originally Posted by ngodavinet

I think they were trying to see if I was one to stay around for the long haul or just use them as a way to gain experience.

In recruitment process some illegal interview questions are not permitted

Some such as

1. How old are you?
2. When is your birthday?
3. In what year were you born?
4. In what year did you graduate from college/high school?
5. Are you married or do you have a permanent partner?
6. With whom do you live?
7. How many children do you have?
8. Are you pregnant?
9. Do you expect to become have a family? When?
10. How many children will you have?
11. How tall are you?
12. How much do you weigh?
13. Do you have any disabilities?
14. Have you had any recent illness or operations?
15. Please complete this medical questionnaire?
16. What was the date of your last physical exam?
17. How’s your family’s health?
18. When did you lose your eyesight/ leg/ hearing/ etc.?
19. Where were you/your parents born?
20. What is your native language?


Source: http://www.humanresources.hrvinet.co...iew-questions/



best regards

Interesting... I'm guilty of asking a hand full of those questions too .

As far as I am concerned, collective answers to some of those questions spell out ones character and values quite well. And I find that to be very important when hiring someone for ANY position in ANY field.

And nobody I ever interviewed had issues when asked a few questions from that list !

[gea12345]

Originally Posted by Onebeed

I didn't mean discrimination as in an actionable discrimination. I mean, as in, that was a weird question to ask. I've lived in Montana since 1999. I can't imagine anyone asking me this question in most other states I've lived.

Some people ask questions that are more self - serving than about the job!!

Some people think they need to protect their way of life, or project that their way of life is special in some way, i.e, insecurity!

I found this to be the case when i visited Canada!

good luck and don't worry about it. Next time humour them and say i just love montana, my parents always wanted me to move to montan. meet bull**** with bull****, but of course with some truth thrown in to make it believable.