Interviewer said personality trumps experience (job hunting, interviews, job, companies)

[Boosane]

Had an interview the other day and towards the end of the conversation, she said: "Any one can do this job, we're going to train them, what's more important is that this person is someone we like, someone we can see ourselves working with for 8 hours a day."

I know job hunting, especially in the entry-level stage is a popularity contest, so my question is, does her statement imply that I'm just not someone she sees herself working with? Or is it more of a general statement she tells everyone?

[Mr_Geek]

Hire the attitude, train the job for lower level / entry positions.

It was most likely a general statement based on what you wrote above.

[GraceKrispy]

Sounds like she was letting you know what the position values most. I wouldn't assume she's saying that you don't fit that mold; she probably says that to all interviewees.

[MLSFan]

it's true isn't it? it goes back to teamwork... they might be putting a different spin on how they say it but that's all it comes down to

if the new guy can fit in with the current team or not? It's pointless hiring a new guy that doesn't work with the current team because it ends up with him not being able to do 5 people's worth of work, or the other guys quit and they have to hire 4 people instead of just 1

best time to get everyone on the same page is to form a new team with all members being new, but it isn't the case for your job

[Hemlock140]

Many would be happy to hear that, so many complain that no one wants to train any more. We require the experince, but still have to hire people that fit in, and sometimes the 6 month probation is helpful when the personality at the interview fails to be an accurate representation. Generally I look for enthusiasm for the job, more than someone being friendly or funny. If the person is well qualified and wants to be there, they will usually work out.

[MSchemist80]

Sounds like a low skill job. Otherwise this work is a social club attitude is very pervasive and damaging to companies. Despite what HR thinks with their minute brains skills and qualifications do matter and should be the primary consideration when hiring. A mature professional should be able to work with anyone who is not completely toxic not just people they would want to be buddies with. Unfortunately there are a lot of shallow, narcissistic, workers and managers out there that think the world and company should revolve around them.

[MLSFan]

A mature professional should be able to work with anyone who is not completely toxic not just people they would want to be buddies with

so how come it always sounds like you don't want to work with the HR professionals?

[UserNamesake]

Depends on the field/type of job. But the interviewer is definitely not wrong.

[lepoisson]

That's pretty normal for job interviews. Most of the interview is an interview of your personality and how well you will work with the team.

[sandsthetime]

Originally Posted by MSchemist80

Sounds like a low skill job. Otherwise this work is a social club attitude is very pervasive and damaging to companies. Despite what HR thinks with their minute brains skills and qualifications do matter and should be the primary consideration when hiring. A mature professional should be able to work with anyone who is not completely toxic not just people they would want to be buddies with. Unfortunately there are a lot of shallow, narcissistic, workers and managers out there that think the world and company should revolve around them.

You can be mediocre at your job but that's perfectly tolerated as long as you know how to instantly start a conversation about random stuff and make your team members laugh.