Anonymous
08/04/2013 14:28
Subject: Re:Using humor in a job interview
There's nothing wrong with a very light, appropriate comment that veers away from being totally straightlaced, but it has to be organic. If you have something planned that will be obvious and come off weird. If you're not sure, better to err on the side of being more serious.
Anonymous
08/04/2013 14:24
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
Anonymous
08/04/2013 14:01
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
Just keep it simple OP.
Anonymous
08/04/2013 13:31
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
We need the specific example to say whether it is a good or bad idea. I would generally say don't do it, but in a few situations, a little bit of humor would be ok.
Anonymous
08/04/2013 13:13
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:HR Bitch here: Generally, it's best to stay somewhat conservative. Unless you are sure your humor will go over well, it's not going to be well-received if you make jokes. If the person interviewing you had a poster of the Friends cast on their wall and then you said, "Could I BEEEE any more excited for the opportunity to work here?" that might be well received.
A lot of humor is based on stereotypes though, so be very, very cautious. I would think a candidate was unfocused and didn't take things seriously (in a bad way) if we sat down for our interview and they said, "So a rabbi and a priest walk into a bar" or "Knock knock" or "What did the gopher say to the snake?" or something.
ahah, I wasn't thinking about jokes but more like answering some questions with a bit of humor. Let's say someone asks you what's your greatest weakness and you start off by saying: "chocolate is my greatest weakness, I just can never resist" but then you follow up with a more serious answer lkke "more seriously, my weakness is bla bla boa" that's the type of humor i was referring to
As someone who has done a fair amount of hiring, I would just say no to this.
Anonymous
08/04/2013 13:11
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
Anonymous wrote:OP, what do you have in mind?
I answered that previously, read the post about chocolate
Anonymous
08/04/2013 13:09
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
OP, what do you have in mind?
Anonymous
08/04/2013 13:03
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
Clever, I like that one. It shows an appreciation for their time and an acknowledgment that day is done and everyone wants to get the flock out of there.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:OP Here-Thank you PPs. Also, if you've used humor previously, and it worked or not, could you please give examples? Thanks
I've had panel interviews where I'm brought into a conference room. I've smiled, looked at my seat and said, "So this must be the hot seat."
If it's the end of the day and I know folks have been interviewing all day, in my closing statement I might add something like, "Thank you so much for your time today. I know I'm likely what's standing between you and enjoying this gorgeous day, so I'll end with..." Again if I get any vibe that folks are uptight, I will always defer to keeping it straight.
Anonymous
08/04/2013 13:01
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
Anonymous wrote:OP Here-Thank you PPs. Also, if you've used humor previously, and it worked or not, could you please give examples? Thanks
I've had panel interviews where I'm brought into a conference room. I've smiled, looked at my seat and said, "So this must be the hot seat."
If it's the end of the day and I know folks have been interviewing all day, in my closing statement I might add something like, "Thank you so much for your time today. I know I'm likely what's standing between you and enjoying this gorgeous day, so I'll end with..." Again if I get any vibe that folks are uptight, I will always defer to keeping it straight.
Anonymous
08/04/2013 12:59
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
Anonymous wrote:HR Bitch here: Generally, it's best to stay somewhat conservative. Unless you are sure your humor will go over well, it's not going to be well-received if you make jokes. If the person interviewing you had a poster of the Friends cast on their wall and then you said, "Could I BEEEE any more excited for the opportunity to work here?" that might be well received.
A lot of humor is based on stereotypes though, so be very, very cautious. I would think a candidate was unfocused and didn't take things seriously (in a bad way) if we sat down for our interview and they said, "So a rabbi and a priest walk into a bar" or "Knock knock" or "What did the gopher say to the snake?" or something.
ahah, I wasn't thinking about jokes but more like answering some questions with a bit of humor. Let's say someone asks you what's your greatest weakness and you start off by saying: "chocolate is my greatest weakness, I just can never resist" but then you follow up with a more serious answer lkke "more seriously, my weakness is bla bla boa" that's the type of humor i was referring to
Anonymous
08/04/2013 12:56
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
OP Here-Thank you PPs. Also, if you've used humor previously, and it worked or not, could you please give examples? Thanks
Anonymous
08/04/2013 12:56
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
HR Bitch here: Generally, it's best to stay somewhat conservative. Unless you are sure your humor will go over well, it's not going to be well-received if you make jokes. If the person interviewing you had a poster of the Friends cast on their wall and then you said, "Could I BEEEE any more excited for the opportunity to work here?" that might be well received.
A lot of humor is based on stereotypes though, so be very, very cautious. I would think a candidate was unfocused and didn't take things seriously (in a bad way) if we sat down for our interview and they said, "So a rabbi and a priest walk into a bar" or "Knock knock" or "What did the gopher say to the snake?" or something.
A lot of humor is based on stereotypes though, so be very, very cautious. I would think a candidate was unfocused and didn't take things seriously (in a bad way) if we sat down for our interview and they said, "So a rabbi and a priest walk into a bar" or "Knock knock" or "What did the gopher say to the snake?" or something.
Anonymous
08/04/2013 12:54
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
Other than for one where the job specially calls for you to use humor, ie a SouthWest Airlines attendant, comedian, Academy Awards host, the answer is no.
That said, I have interviewed many times with a panel and knew the dynamics well enough and myself well enough where I could be appropriately funny. It came very naturally and one of my strengths is "reading" people. But that is not something I would plan out. Do not go in with a joke.
That said, I have interviewed many times with a panel and knew the dynamics well enough and myself well enough where I could be appropriately funny. It came very naturally and one of my strengths is "reading" people. But that is not something I would plan out. Do not go in with a joke.
Anonymous
08/04/2013 12:49
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
Tasteful humor? Sure. But don't come close to crossing any lines. And if the person interviewing you seems a little stiff, don't do it.
Anonymous
08/04/2013 12:47
Subject: Using humor in a job interview
Have any of you used humor in a job interview lets say for a job at a BIG4? Do you think it will fly? a no no?