The horrid interview question from hell
Feb 13th 2008 | 8:12 am
#46
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: at the bottom of a wine glass
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
Yes, I've done that in the past - but I'm on the 'mistakes' category now. I hate that one even more than the ubiquitous "tell me about yourself" or "describe yourself in three words". What a pile of poo - can't someone invent some new, interesting, non-trick interview questions?!
What, something like:
Can you do the job? and when can you start?
Feb 13th 2008 | 8:15 am
#47
I need a beer.....
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 809
From: The ville and the beach :)
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
The issue I'd have with saying stuff like this is that you dont know the people you would be working with, the interviewer does though. If they are aware of some lazy people in the department then they might see you as a problem. Someone who doesnt concern themselves with these type of issues or someone who can provide a resolution might be what they are looking for.
Feb 13th 2008 | 8:19 am
#48
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From: Bris
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
Feb 13th 2008 | 8:34 am
#49
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From: Bris
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
I went for a job interview today (my first Australian one since arriving in June)and it was really weird. The guy brought me through to the meeting room, said the admin manager would be sitting in on the interview - she arrived, sat there for 5 minutes then said she had to go and buggered off, never to be seen again until I was walking out the door
. He asked me one question at the very beginning (why did I apply for the job) and the rest of the time telling me about the company. I asked a few questions at the end but that was it - I walked out feeling very puzzled - is this normal for an Aussie interview or was it my deoderant??
. He asked me one question at the very beginning (why did I apply for the job) and the rest of the time telling me about the company. I asked a few questions at the end but that was it - I walked out feeling very puzzled - is this normal for an Aussie interview or was it my deoderant??I find the majority of interviewers here are useless and nervous. You either get the type that's so blaze and unprepared that it puts you off working for them. Or you get some female interviewers who seems to just like the sound of their own voice & wont let you get a word in, and then there's some males who have a huge ego and tried to rattle you -they get quite annoyed when you sit there comfortably answering every thing they throw at you.
Feb 13th 2008 | 8:40 am
#50
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From: 'stralia
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
I had an interview here (Australia) where they had the damn cheek to ask me my partner's nationality and what he did for a living. 
I sidestepped the questions, but I was bloody fuming as I walked out.
They rang me to say I didn't have the job (which I was overqualified for anyway and only went to because they invited me, I didn't apply) and I told them very calmly that I thought that was absolutely the right decision as the position was obviously not at the right level for me anyway. Ha, the arrogant idiot didn't know what to say to that and just ummed and ahhhed... it was most satisfying!
I sidestepped the questions, but I was bloody fuming as I walked out. They rang me to say I didn't have the job (which I was overqualified for anyway and only went to because they invited me, I didn't apply) and I told them very calmly that I thought that was absolutely the right decision as the position was obviously not at the right level for me anyway. Ha, the arrogant idiot didn't know what to say to that and just ummed and ahhhed... it was most satisfying!
Feb 13th 2008 | 8:48 am
#51
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From: Bris
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
If they feel comfortable being so rude at interview (when everyone is supposed to be at their best) imagine what they'd be like to work for.
Feb 13th 2008 | 8:49 am
#52
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,517
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
I had an interview here (Australia) where they had the damn cheek to ask me my partner's nationality and what he did for a living. I sidestepped the questions, but I was bloody fuming as I walked out.
They rang me to say I didn't have the job (which I was overqualified for anyway and only went to because they invited me, I didn't apply) and I told them very calmly that I thought that was absolutely the right decision as the position was obviously not at the right level for me anyway. Ha, the arrogant idiot didn't know what to say to that and just ummed and ahhhed... it was most satisfying!
I sidestepped the questions, but I was bloody fuming as I walked out. They rang me to say I didn't have the job (which I was overqualified for anyway and only went to because they invited me, I didn't apply) and I told them very calmly that I thought that was absolutely the right decision as the position was obviously not at the right level for me anyway. Ha, the arrogant idiot didn't know what to say to that and just ummed and ahhhed... it was most satisfying!
Feb 13th 2008 | 9:21 am
#53
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From: 'stralia
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
Exactly! I nearly wrote them a letter (to the top boss bloke, who did not interview me) asking if he was aware of this breach of ethics & if as a recruitment agency they should not have higher standards of interview, seeing as that is a large portion of their business! But I decided instead not to waste any more time on them!
Feb 13th 2008 | 11:43 am
#54
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From: Bris
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
Exactly! I nearly wrote them a letter (to the top boss bloke, who did not interview me) asking if he was aware of this breach of ethics & if as a recruitment agency they should not have higher standards of interview, seeing as that is a large portion of their business! But I decided instead not to waste any more time on them!
Feb 14th 2008 | 12:38 pm
#55
Emigrated 24/11/07
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Umina Beach, NSW
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
this is the answer - if you look in 101 great answers to interview questions or that type of book etc this is the one that comes up most often - or something which implies that you go to the far end of the fart in order to complete a job / project / task etc - and you can elaborate by saying that you sometimes get bogged down in the detail forgetting the bigger picture - that's all you need say about weakness - saying you have not won't impress them 
Feb 14th 2008 | 8:23 pm
#56
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From: Sydney
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
this is the answer - if you look in 101 great answers to interview questions or that type of book etc this is the one that comes up most often - or something which implies that you go to the far end of the fart in order to complete a job / project / task etc - and you can elaborate by saying that you sometimes get bogged down in the detail forgetting the bigger picture - that's all you need say about weakness - saying you have not won't impress them
Feb 14th 2008 | 9:02 pm
#57
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
5 years ago I did a 2 week course on Auto Cad. Luckily I was the only bloke on the course so the instructor fast-tracked me on to 3D etc...although it was not in the remit.
......maybe I should refresh...(!)
......maybe I should refresh...(!)
Feb 15th 2008 | 4:37 am
#58
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
I went for a job interview today (my first Australian one since arriving in June)and it was really weird. The guy brought me through to the meeting room, said the admin manager would be sitting in on the interview - she arrived, sat there for 5 minutes then said she had to go and buggered off, never to be seen again until I was walking out the door. He asked me one question at the very beginning (why did I apply for the job) and the rest of the time telling me about the company. I asked a few questions at the end but that was it - I walked out feeling very puzzled - is this normal for an Aussie interview or was it my deoderant??
. He asked me one question at the very beginning (why did I apply for the job) and the rest of the time telling me about the company. I asked a few questions at the end but that was it - I walked out feeling very puzzled - is this normal for an Aussie interview or was it my deoderant??would be interestd to see how other people answer this question
Feb 15th 2008 | 4:58 am
#59
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From: Sydney
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
'I have to show to be looking for work in order to be able to claim benefit'
Feb 15th 2008 | 7:54 am
#60
Ber-kerk
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 385
From: Middlesex to Brisbane June 08
Re: The horrid interview question from hell
I tend to say I can come across a bit bossy or opinionated. I like to think that this tells the interviewer that I am not afraid to speak up in a meeting or something, or that in a team situation I would be happy to take the lead? I could be shooting myself in the foot though, but I haven't felt it has done badly for me.
Or I will mention something like 'sales' if I am not going for a sales role -something to show that I acknowledge it, but nothing that would affect me in the role I am applying for.
Interesting to hear others comments though - you have given me ideas!
Or I will mention something like 'sales' if I am not going for a sales role -something to show that I acknowledge it, but nothing that would affect me in the role I am applying for.
Interesting to hear others comments though - you have given me ideas!
