What was the strangest interview question that you have ever had?
For me it was during college. I applied for a campus job and the supervisor at the time asked if I had a choice would I choose to be a gallon of milk or a carton of orange juice.
I asked what she meant and why she asked that. She said it was to see if I would fit in with the group. I still didn't understand, however I answered the question. I won't reveal my answer here, however I got the job so it must have been correct. She later told me that she often threw in strange questions just to see what the applicants reaction would be.
Monty Python did an outstanding interview sketch that I think all of us who have ever interviewed job applicants would love to do at some point.
If you haven't seen it, click here or go to YouTube and search for Monty Python Silly job Interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP0sqRMzkwo
Despite the economy there are still companies hiring, so here is a quick review of some of the questions you CANNOT ask (HRDailyadisor.com):
Age:"How old are you?"
"What is your date of birth?"
(You may ask, "Do you meet the state minimum age requirement for work?" and
"Are you over 18 and under age 65?")
Availability for Work and Travel:"Can you work Saturdays and Sundays?"
"Do you have children?"
"What are your child care arrangements?"
(You may ask, "These are the hours of work—can you attend work during these hours?" and "Work sometimes requires overtime. Can you work such a schedule?" and
"Do you have any obligations that would keep you from work-related travel?")
Birthplace and Citizenship"Where were you born?"
"What is your native language?”
(You may ask, "Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?")
Clubs and Affiliations"To what organizations do you belong?"
"Do you want to tell me about any of your memberships relating to the performance of this job?"
Disabilities
"Do you have a disability?"
"Have you ever filed for workers' compensation?"
"Have you ever been treated for any of the following conditions or diseases
(followed by a checklist of various illnesses)?"
"How many days were you absent from work because of illness last year?"
"What prescription medications are you taking?"
"Is there any health-related reason you may not be able to perform the job for which you are
applying?" (You may ask, "Can you perform the essential functions of the job for which you are
applying?" and "Can you demonstrate to me how you would perform those functions?")
Economic status"Have you ever had your wages garnished?"
"Do you own your own home?"
"How long do you plan to work on this job?"
"Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?"
Name"Have you ever had your name changed?"
"What is your maiden name?"
(You may ask, "Is there any additional information we need about your name to verify your employment/education record?")
Relatives
"Who is the relative to be notified in case of emergency?"
"Are you married?"
"Do you have children?"
"Do you plan to get pregnant?"
This is by no means a complete list, however a good rule of thumb is that if you are not sure if you can ask a question...DON'T ASK IT!
I'd be interested to know what was the strangest or most inappropriate question you were asked in an interview? If there is enough interest maybe we can hold a contest?
Thanks!
Ev
A Heck of A Nice Guy
