Was asked to say a joke during interview (office, best, test)

[G-fused]

How did you sell the pen? Did you say it was once used by Mick Jagger or something...or that a super model licked it?

[MPowering1]

Well done, Boosane, but count me among the posters thinking it's an odd interview. On the other hand, if it loosened you up a bit for the next person interviewing you, and made you less nervous or a bit more confident, then it served you well.

I wish you luck in getting this job. Please keep us posted.

[jackmccullough]

That's an unusual qusetion. Because many people are uncomfortable telling jokes it probably puts a lot of pressure on some.

On the other hand, two questions that I often ask people when I'm interviewing them are who their heroes are and what book they're reading. The answers can be very revealing.

[theatergypsy]

I loved your joke! Totally appropriate for the situation and I'm glad you didn't refuse.

[seain dublin]

You handled that very well and went with a joke that wouldn't offend anyone.

Now, let's see if you hear back like you're supposed to.

Hopefully, they're not playing games here.

[NJBest]

Originally Posted by loose cannon

This is nonsense. HR and management are now stooping to this level. I would have refused.

It's a good level to stoop to. I wish more companies did this good during the interview process.

[SweepTheLeg]

Originally Posted by loose cannon

This is nonsense. HR and management are now stooping to this level. I would have refused.

It's a test to think on your feet.

[SweepTheLeg]

For what it's worth, asking a candidate to tell a joke during an interview shows to me a more innovative HR department than using taleo or the Strongly Agree/Strongly Disagree personality test.

[NJBest]

Originally Posted by SweepTheLeg

It's a test to think on your feet.

loose cannon's point is that management should not expect you to think on your feet.

[Lauren888]

I don't like stuff like that because all the jokes I know are R or X-rated and not suitable to repeat at job interviews (unless I was interviewing to work at a porn shop). I haven't been asked to tell a joke, but I have been asked if 'I were a tree, what kind would I be and why'. I have also been asked to name all the presidents of the United States and to name all the state capitals. I didn't appreciate being put on the spot like that and being told it was the interviewer's idea of an I.Q. test. I came to the interview prepared to talk about my background and skills and what I could offer the company, not to be put on the spot for an impromptu game of trivial pursuit.