Weirdest interview question
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I had an interview on Friday that had one of the weirdest questions I've ever had. "Do you consider yourself politically correct?" I was ready for every .NET framework and software development related question, but this one caught me completely off guard. It was every last bit of self control not to answer with what was on my mind.
that's not so weird actualy. though it is a out right bold striaght up question. That's the problem with interviews. We all plan for the technical no matter the position as we've all heard in the past " promote your achivements". Well we're So "Pavlov'd" when it comes to interviews that some of us look like cardboard cut outs. Just for example, My roommate and I got laid offthe same time ( different Tech groups though), he was shooting high as he was in a supervisor managment position, I was shootin for what would get me into the door (as I said, two major centers closed down, so the market was flooded with IT techs looking for a job). I came in promoting myself and skills. He promoted himself and his skills, but he also showed the "personality side". Oddly enough I got the Systems admin job, and he got desksupport :p ( leads to a different story). Just like looking for a potential mate, People that do the hiring these days are looking for "the person". Most anyone program, work a server, webpage, change passwords. But few people have the right soft skills. That was one thing I noticed back in 08 when I was job hunting, the attitude was more like " ya you got IT skills like the other 100 000 jedi out there, but can you fit in? what's your personality?" One of my favourite interviews was when I was wet behind the ears straight out of college. I had an interview with a web design company. We talked alot about IT, programming, design, and then out of the blue. "Do you like Ice cream?" That was the single most derailment of thought I've ever had as I was so focused on "what I can do for you and your company". My answer still stands; "Yes, when I program I love Ice cream, and it depends on the mood I'm in for the flavour." :) and I still plan to use that in the future as a hiring question. :)
Joe Programm3r wrote:
I had an interview on Friday that had one of the weirdest questions I've ever had. "Do you consider yourself politically correct?" I was ready for every .NET framework and software development related question, but this one caught me completely off guard. It was every last bit of self control not to answer with what was on my mind.
///////////////// Groucho Marx Those are my principals, if you don't like them… I have others.
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Correct, but did you need google for this or was this from memory? BTW - nobody gets the Trumptonshire one. They always forget one.
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
Hugh Pugh Barney Mcgrew Cuthbert Dibble Drub Grub
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in some states, and in the federal government, it is illegal to use political beliefs as part of the hiring decision, therefore interviewers are highly encouraged to not ask, since it opens them up to charges of discrimination.
http://employeeissues.com/discrimination_laws.htm[^] Based upon federal law and guidelines you can ask about political affiliation and it is not "discriminatory" to "not hire" based upon the applicant's answer. As for state regs prohibiting this practice, I can not speak for all 50 states. The problem is not asking the political outlook question, but that most political groups are based upon other things/issues that ARE protected, such as race, gender, yadda yadda yadda. That's why it is wise never to ask the political question. Finally, imo, the question that was asked was less a "political question" and more a gotcha/personality test question. If you look at it without the clutter of its supposed questionable legality, you will see that it is not meant to gather any information about his political leanings, but to reveal how inflexable and or nimble he is to the unexpected: a test of his leadership skills, so to speak. I consider it a stupid interview tactic. The use of this type of interview tactic fails to take into account how asking questions of this nature negatively affects the candidates preception of the company.
"My interest is in the future because I'm going to spend the rest of my life there." - Charles F. Kettering
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Oh God! Stop it! It's hurts too much to laugh. :laugh: No, seriously, it does! Right now, the people around me are wondering what the hell is wrong with me.
A guide to posting questions on CodeProject[^]
Dave Kreskowiak Microsoft MVP Visual Developer - Visual Basic
2006, 2007, 2008I saw Gran Torino last night, so I'm feeling a bit Eastwood-ish. After seeing the free exchange of racial epithets in that movie, my soul is revitalized in the knowledge that real people can be accurately portrayed in the movies. :) "Listen, eggroll..." ROTFLMFAO!
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
DavidCrow wrote:
Raise your bar.
Is that a euphemism?
Henry Minute Do not read medical books! You could die of a misprint. - Mark Twain Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.”
Henry Minute wrote:
Is that a euphemism?
Henry, I think you might need to take some more Dried Frog Pills and lay down in a dark room! :-D
Ali
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that's not so weird actualy. though it is a out right bold striaght up question. That's the problem with interviews. We all plan for the technical no matter the position as we've all heard in the past " promote your achivements". Well we're So "Pavlov'd" when it comes to interviews that some of us look like cardboard cut outs. Just for example, My roommate and I got laid offthe same time ( different Tech groups though), he was shooting high as he was in a supervisor managment position, I was shootin for what would get me into the door (as I said, two major centers closed down, so the market was flooded with IT techs looking for a job). I came in promoting myself and skills. He promoted himself and his skills, but he also showed the "personality side". Oddly enough I got the Systems admin job, and he got desksupport :p ( leads to a different story). Just like looking for a potential mate, People that do the hiring these days are looking for "the person". Most anyone program, work a server, webpage, change passwords. But few people have the right soft skills. That was one thing I noticed back in 08 when I was job hunting, the attitude was more like " ya you got IT skills like the other 100 000 jedi out there, but can you fit in? what's your personality?" One of my favourite interviews was when I was wet behind the ears straight out of college. I had an interview with a web design company. We talked alot about IT, programming, design, and then out of the blue. "Do you like Ice cream?" That was the single most derailment of thought I've ever had as I was so focused on "what I can do for you and your company". My answer still stands; "Yes, when I program I love Ice cream, and it depends on the mood I'm in for the flavour." :) and I still plan to use that in the future as a hiring question. :)
Joe Programm3r wrote:
I had an interview on Friday that had one of the weirdest questions I've ever had. "Do you consider yourself politically correct?" I was ready for every .NET framework and software development related question, but this one caught me completely off guard. It was every last bit of self control not to answer with what was on my mind.
///////////////// Groucho Marx Those are my principals, if you don't like them… I have others.
NightJammer wrote:
Most anyone program
I strongly disagree. I've seen many who can talk the talk, but not so many that can walk the walk, and even fewer who can do both effectively. There are an awful lot of transient 'developers' who know how to hide for 6 months. One of the reasons I like small companies, no where for anyone to hide.
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By this point in the interview I had already made up my mind that this wasn't going to fly. The interview was with this HR rep and the development manager who didn't ask a single technical question. When I turned down a 2nd interview request, the HR rep confessed that I would have been their first senior level .NET developer and they didn't ask the tough questions because no one there had the expertise to come up with the questions.
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http://employeeissues.com/discrimination_laws.htm[^] Based upon federal law and guidelines you can ask about political affiliation and it is not "discriminatory" to "not hire" based upon the applicant's answer. As for state regs prohibiting this practice, I can not speak for all 50 states. The problem is not asking the political outlook question, but that most political groups are based upon other things/issues that ARE protected, such as race, gender, yadda yadda yadda. That's why it is wise never to ask the political question. Finally, imo, the question that was asked was less a "political question" and more a gotcha/personality test question. If you look at it without the clutter of its supposed questionable legality, you will see that it is not meant to gather any information about his political leanings, but to reveal how inflexable and or nimble he is to the unexpected: a test of his leadership skills, so to speak. I consider it a stupid interview tactic. The use of this type of interview tactic fails to take into account how asking questions of this nature negatively affects the candidates preception of the company.
"My interest is in the future because I'm going to spend the rest of my life there." - Charles F. Kettering
Jerry Hammond wrote:
Based upon federal law and guidelines you can ask about political affiliation and it is not "discriminatory" to "not hire" based upon the applicant's answer.
http://www.osc.gov/ppp.htm[^]:
Twelve prohibited personnel practices, including reprisal for whistleblowing, are defined by law at § 2302(b) of title 5 of the United States Code (U.S.C.). A personnel action (such as an appointment, promotion, reassignment, or suspension) may need to be involved for a prohibited personnel practice to occur. Generally stated, § 2302(b) provides that a federal employee authorized to take, direct others to take, recommend or approve any personnel action may not: (1) discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicapping condition, marital status, or political affiliation; ...
just to be clear, i was referring specifically to the hiring practices of the Federal Government itself. AFAIK, there is no federal law that covers non-government employees. it is prohibited generally in some states, however.
Jerry Hammond wrote:
Finally, imo, the question that was asked was less a "political question" and more a gotcha/personality test question.
agreed.
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"You are not allowed to inquire about my political beliefs in a job interview."
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains. -- Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Please note some of the language used below is for illustration purpose and not how I talk. My understanding of the question wasn't asking him his political beliefs but rather is he PC in that he won't call someone who is black a nigger, Homosexual a gay queer poofter.
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Jerry Hammond wrote:
Based upon federal law and guidelines you can ask about political affiliation and it is not "discriminatory" to "not hire" based upon the applicant's answer.
http://www.osc.gov/ppp.htm[^]:
Twelve prohibited personnel practices, including reprisal for whistleblowing, are defined by law at § 2302(b) of title 5 of the United States Code (U.S.C.). A personnel action (such as an appointment, promotion, reassignment, or suspension) may need to be involved for a prohibited personnel practice to occur. Generally stated, § 2302(b) provides that a federal employee authorized to take, direct others to take, recommend or approve any personnel action may not: (1) discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicapping condition, marital status, or political affiliation; ...
just to be clear, i was referring specifically to the hiring practices of the Federal Government itself. AFAIK, there is no federal law that covers non-government employees. it is prohibited generally in some states, however.
Jerry Hammond wrote:
Finally, imo, the question that was asked was less a "political question" and more a gotcha/personality test question.
agreed.
Chris Losinger wrote:
or political affiliation
I stand corrected.
"My interest is in the future because I'm going to spend the rest of my life there." - Charles F. Kettering
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You needn't worried about that going to my head. A bit of idol-worship is to be expected by someone in my position.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001You need to be careful you can leave the room what with the size your head most be getting!
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Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
And an answer of, "Sugar tits, go get me some coffee, the men need to talk" ...
That would have been my pick... :) Actually, I think you can answer the question honestly and still get hired. "I've never met a person who is completely politically correct. Given the multicultural nature of the modern work force, no matter how carefully measured or considered a response, there is the likelihood that one or more individuals will simply misinterpret what was said or the spirit in which the statement was made. I personally try my best not to offend when in a professional environment, but sometimes it simply cannot be avoided. Someone in the group may not have gotten their self-perceived allotment of stink-finger the night before, or a little extra breakfast made their obvious weight problem more pronounced, or any number of other factors may be affecting their mood. I'm not a f*cking mind-reader, so whatever I say may be misconstrued as pissing in their Wheaties. One last thing - I'm applying for a programming job, not running for f*cking office."
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001Simply Great! :)
If the Lord God Almighty had consulted me before embarking upon the Creation, I would have recommended something simpler. -- Alfonso the Wise, 13th Century King of Castile.
This is going on my arrogant assumptions. You may have a superb reason why I'm completely wrong. -- Iain Clarke
[My articles] -
NightJammer wrote:
Most anyone program
I strongly disagree. I've seen many who can talk the talk, but not so many that can walk the walk, and even fewer who can do both effectively. There are an awful lot of transient 'developers' who know how to hide for 6 months. One of the reasons I like small companies, no where for anyone to hide.
10110011001111101010101000001000001101001010001010100000100000101000001000111100010110001011001011
I understand that part ( kinda left that open for the ability to well or not). It's like most everyone can cook, not everyone is right for working in a resteraunt. Contract positions are another spot you can't hide to well in as in some cases you are the main and only person. I think the best Programmer interview I've had, they made you take a "coding test" first just to see if you could even "walk the walk" after that, it was all style.
MidwestLimey wrote:
NightJammer wrote: Most anyone program I strongly disagree. I've seen many who can talk the talk, but not so many that can walk the walk, and even fewer who can do both effectively. There are an awful lot of transient 'developers' who know how to hide for 6 months. One of the reasons I like small companies, no where for anyone to hide.
///////////////// Groucho Marx Those are my principals, if you don't like them… I have others.
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Joe Programm3r wrote:
no one there had the expertise to come up with the questions.
You should have offered to write some better questions for them. (For a fee of course)
Simon
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I saw Gran Torino last night, so I'm feeling a bit Eastwood-ish. After seeing the free exchange of racial epithets in that movie, my soul is revitalized in the knowledge that real people can be accurately portrayed in the movies. :) "Listen, eggroll..." ROTFLMFAO!
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001One of the best films I have seen in a long time.
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I had an interview on Friday that had one of the weirdest questions I've ever had. "Do you consider yourself politically correct?" I was ready for every .NET framework and software development related question, but this one caught me completely off guard. It was every last bit of self control not to answer with what was on my mind.
It's not at all weird, and I give the interviewer kudos for having the guts to ask it straight up. Being politically correct is all about giving shallow answers designed to tell people what they want to hear and constructed in such a way as to not offend anyone. To be politically correct is to be phony, ineffective and typically just south of ethical. Like most things, however, this is a double edged sword. To be PC is to essentially be a sleazy person with no moral convictions and dubious integrity. On the other hand, this question may well flush out the person who has no awareness at all of the political realities present in each and every company. If you say no, then you'll probably get points for having the strength of your convictions. But a simple no may also indicate that you're too stupid to know when it's appropriate to keep your mouth shut (if you fall on your own sword, you're of little value to the rest of us), or that you don't understand the most effective way to accomplish your objectives in a less than perfect world, which often entails saying the unpopular thing, but to the person who can understand your point and has the power to do something about it. If you say yes, you may be perceived as someone who won't stir up unnecessary trouble and is HR friendly. However, a simple yes may hide the fact that, as above, your interpretation of politically correct is not to be a shallow kiss ass, but rather to use common sense, not start unproductive trouble, and instead fight from the inside to accomplish positive goals. Were I asked that question (if I could restrain myself from asking if they were stupid or just stoned for asking such a question of someone like me), I would not give a yes or no answer, but rather would elaborate on the positive aspects highlighted above, designed to show the interviewer that I understood effective communications.
Christopher Duncan www.PracticalUSA.com Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes Got a career question? Ask the Attack Chihuahua!
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I had an interview on Friday that had one of the weirdest questions I've ever had. "Do you consider yourself politically correct?" I was ready for every .NET framework and software development related question, but this one caught me completely off guard. It was every last bit of self control not to answer with what was on my mind.
I hope you said "No".
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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I generally ask "What was the name of Hong Kong Phooey's Cat?", and "Can you name all of Trumptonshire's Fire Brigade?". I'm not expecting people to give me the correct answer, it's more to see how they cope with my particular mindset. We are a small team, so it's vital that I hire people who will fit in with me.
"WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith
As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.
Pete O'Hanlon wrote:
"What was the name of Hong Kong Phooey's Cat?"
I would have said I don't know but I loved CAAPTAIN CAVEMANNNNN much more the HKP.
Sovereign ingredient for a happy marriage: Pay cash or do without. Interest charges not only eat up a household budget; awareness of debt eats up domestic felicity. --Lazarus Long Avoid the crowd. Do your own thinking independently. Be the chess player, not the chess piece. --Ralph Charell
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You needn't worried about that going to my head. A bit of idol-worship is to be expected by someone in my position.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001That's what Darth Vader said and look at where it got him.
¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! Personal 3D projects Just Say No to Web 2 Point Oh
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"What was the name of Hong Kong Phooey's Cat?" It was 'Spot', but he had stripes.
There are two kinds of people. Those who need closure
I also knew this without google. Data on TNG also named his cat spot and it had strips!