Weird interview question — WWYD?

[Anonymous]

Why do interviewers ask inappropriate (in my mind anyway!) questions like “Where else are you applying/interviewing?” Or “Where do we stand compared to the other companies you are applying to?”’

How are you supposed to answer, especially when it’s the very first interview? And the very first question in that interview? I understand if it’s asked later on in the interview process, but curious about it being asked early.

[Anonymous]

I don’t know. I interviewed for a vaccine organization and was qualified. But they asked me if I were an animal, what would I be. Was not prepared for that one. Smh.

[Anonymous]

lol!

[Anonymous]

I interviewed at the IRS for a headquarters analyst position and was asked what I would do if a sibling borrowed my stuff without asking.

I thought it was odd so I told the truth: "I would not find out for four months, then I would laugh, then ask for my stuff back."

I then asked why the question. The interviewer was a parent of elementary kids and he thought this would give some kind of deep personality insight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know. I interviewed for a vaccine organization and was qualified. But they asked me if I were an animal, what would I be. Was not prepared for that one. Smh.

I could have answered that in my sleep.

[Anonymous]

That's a very very common question. I've heard it many times in my 30 year career.

It's not a trick or unique. What's the problem?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do interviewers ask inappropriate (in my mind anyway!) questions like “Where else are you applying/interviewing?” Or “Where do we stand compared to the other companies you are applying to?”’

How are you supposed to answer, especially when it’s the very first interview? And the very first question in that interview? I understand if it’s asked later on in the interview process, but curious about it being asked early.

I haven't encountered it that early, but I'd probably say that I'm applying to several similar companies and I am excited to interview today because of this company's deep focus on [whatever].

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do interviewers ask inappropriate (in my mind anyway!) questions like “Where else are you applying/interviewing?” Or “Where do we stand compared to the other companies you are applying to?”’

How are you supposed to answer, especially when it’s the very first interview? And the very first question in that interview? I understand if it’s asked later on in the interview process, but curious about it being asked early.

They can ask whatever they want, they are the ones trying to vet you. If you don't want to answer any question, just say so.

You are not obligated to answer anything. They are not obligated to like your answers or hire you.

[Anonymous]

I dunno but it’s sort of like miss America - what you say is not as important as your ability to roll with it. I would not be rattled.

[Anonymous]

At my office we ask where else candidates are applying and why. We’re mostly trying to gauge their interest in our work. If they’re applying to a bunch of random places completely unlike us then it may indicate a lack of genuine interest in our field unless their answer to why somehow connects the dots.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At my office we ask where else candidates are applying and why. We’re mostly trying to gauge their interest in our work. If they’re applying to a bunch of random places completely unlike us then it may indicate a lack of genuine interest in our field unless their answer to why somehow connects the dots.

You can gauge interest in the work by asking questions about the industry to test their depth of knowledge. I’m guessing this is a cause-driven organization and it’s not really about the day to day job that you’re gauging interest in, but the overall mission of the organization. In that case, look at their resume. Asking where else they’re applying seems needlessly nosy and borderline inappropriate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know. I interviewed for a vaccine organization and was qualified. But they asked me if I were an animal, what would I be. Was not prepared for that one. Smh.

I would’ve responded. I am an animal. I’m a human so I’d like to remain that..

[Anonymous]

It's not inappropriate at all.

Inappropriate is asking about your personal life, family, medical, etc.

[Anonymous]

OP those questions are pretty normal. You answer this is my first choice. You would be surprised at how many people will tell the interviewer this isn’t their first choice. And why would a company pursue someone not that interested.