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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]As some who has done a lot of hiring, I say no to jokes, including the hot seat one, yawn, at least three other people used that line already that day and I am hot hiring them either. Just no jokes, even the chocolate one, none. [u]In general, people use humor in the workplace to distract from the fact that they are not doing a good job[/u] so not I will not hire you if you make a joke in an interview because st a later date you will joke your way through a performance appraisal. [/quote]

NP here who has also done a lot of hiring.  People also use humor to lessen the tension in stressful situations, and I disagree with the bolded part. Perhaps that's the PP's experience, or her workplace culture.  It's neither my experience, nor the culture in my workplace.

Don't plan to be funny or try to be funny, as a different PP said, it has to be organic.  The fit for the job has to be both ways, so if you're naturally prone to that type of personality, it's probably ok to show it somewhat.  Everyone wants to know what they're going to get, and don't everyone is completely dry.  But don't force it.[/quote]

OP Here- The thing is i am naturally funny and have a "silly" personality, so i wouldn't go out of my way to be funny, it is just something that naturally comes to me and yes I do it to ease tension as well not to hide a lack of performance or adequacy for the job...[/quote]

I've been working at a big 4 for 13 years. As PPs have mentioned, if a humorous response works naturally into the conversation, then its ok. But i would use it sparingly (twice at most), otherwise I would find it hard to take you as a serious professional. Depending in the type of position you are interviewing for, the interviewer will want to know that you can conduct yourself with our clients in a professional manner.  The fact that you used the word "silly" to describe yourself gives me pause. My firm is pretty conservative and I don't think I know of any silly people. It's just not that type of place. We have some funny/sarcastic people, but I can't think of any silly ones. Good luck with your interview. [/quote]

OP Here- Yes, i have a silly personality but I am not so silly that I can't differenciate between a professional situation and a not so professional one. I carry myself in a professional fashion and has been working in the field of finance for a lot of years with a lot of serious people and serious situations. Somehow, I always make the best  out of every situation and can make people laugh by adding humor to stressful situations. Never tried it at an interview before, but in my professional life, my coworkers would not describe me as silly, probably as funny and someone who doesn't take herself too seriously and can relate to everyone and every situation. I just try to see the silver lining in everything and make people smile. Thanks all for the advice, I will be on my best behavior at the interview and will use humor prudently if the situation arises :)[/quote]

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