Stupidest thing you/interviewer have said in an interview

This reminds me one of my stupidest interviews.

It was way back in 1997, I was fresh out of school and internet was the "Magic" word then. I had seen computer only in our labs and had absolutely no idea what is internet and how does it work.

I was interviewed by one of the big internet company ... who had all those wonderful idea of switching on your heater, light before you reach home kind of stuffs!!

All the discussions went extremely well in a very open atmosphere. Then came the deadly question, what is internet?

I gave a big theory like TV, you got an antenna connected to your computer, you send microwave signal to a satellite and satellite relay that request to some BIG computer in NASA, which has all the information!!

The interviewer was amused but he was dead serious, nodding his head in agreement ... so I was encouraged more to elaborate my satellite theory.

I took a paper and draw the diagram, showing two way traffic!!

Interviewer was wonderful, he asked me to calculate the response time.

So I assumed half of the speed of light and came up with some time ... from my home in SEA to NASA and back!!

The interviewer was probably amazed too much and ask the next question ... these antenna and satellite has some latency, so you need to factor in all those delays ... so after discounting those delays what is the response time?

I honestly thought that my theory was bang-on!! So I paused few seconds and gave some thoughts and came up with my discounts with a reasonable time to open yahoo website!!

Now after playing with internet, I know how silly was my theory! and I respect my interviewer, he probably was enjoying my new invention!

One of my b-school interviews was going okay (not great) but then I blew it on the last question:

Interviewer: What is a current news story that interests you:
Me:(Mind went blank) - Umm drawing a bit of a blank, the only story I can think of is that meteorite that just hit Russia, yeah I found that interesting.
Interviewer: Okay, why did you find that interesting?
Me: I guess because it's something that rarely happens, so it catches your attention.


I knew it was bad but didn't think it would sink me, but I did end up getting dinged. Anyway it was one that I hadn't fully prepared for, so lesson learned for the future!

In October, I interviewed at Tuck and then Duke in one week. For my Duke interview, travel had been a nightmare and I got very little sleep, so I was definitely feeling off my game. So, about halfway through the interview, I got asked "Why Duke?" and I pulled a kryzak: "Blah blah blah.. and that's why I want to go to Tu... Fuqua."

I was pretty embarrassed in the moment, but I think my interviewer either didn't notice my flub or appreciated how quickly I recovered because somehow I still got in.

Interviewing for my first job after college. I was scheduled to interview with a fairly senior person, and her assistant warned me that she was a tough interviewer.

I felt the interview went quite well; we had a good discussion and seemed to understand eachother.

As the interview was wrapping up, she said, "You're clearly very intelligent. I don't think you'd be happy here." I got an offer; I didn't take the job.

Katherine
stochastic77@gmail.com

For my 2nd job after college, I was so desperate to get an offer / show up everyone at my old company, I told my interviewer "Money doesn't matter ... "

Edit: I got the job and took it. Felt like a stud for a few weeks at my old company, than my suffering began all over again.

. . . and did you get the job?

I don't understand -- what is the point of these questions??

To analyze your problem solving skills. Also, they are asked because instead of doing all of that yard work his wife wanted him to do, the random middle manager interviewing you read an exciting book about interview questions the weekend before... So now, since his wife is angry at him, he'll take his rage out on a 21/22 year old looking for their first job out of college.

In summary, because interviewers suck.

bumping up for the current season

Haha, I just found this thread and its hilarious!

I'll share a story where I was interviewing a candidate for a new hire position at my company and thought the question he asked was a bit odd...

Me: So, that pretty much sums up the position and your potential responsibilities, do you have any questions for me?
Interviewee: Well, my dad tells me that people who work in your industry are generally lower on the academic pole and that I won't be challenged intellectually.
Me: Umm, ok... And so, what's the question?
Interviewee: Well, what do you think about that? How would you respond?
Me: I'd say it depends on the individual. Some will find it challenging and interesting and others won't. You just have to decide for yourself...

Needless to say, he wasn't offered a position... All 3 interviewers including myself ended up not recommending him for hire.

These are hilarious! I'll add one to the pile...

I was interviewing at a major advertising firm in NYC and the interviewer asked me, "tell me about something you're really passionate about outside of work?" I launched into talking about a cause I volunteer with, and well, I really am passionate about it. She kept asking me details, and then... I... started... crying. The more I talk about the cause, the more passionate I get about it!

She apologized profusely and left the room to get me a box of tissues. I did get the job. And I think it sunk in that I don't use the phrase "I'm passionate about X" lightly.

Bump. Great thread. I am sure this season applicant will have a few stories to discuss.

This happened with me in a recent interview of ISB.

As expected they asked me why mba and Why PGP program of ISB. You see, I work at my family business and ISB has a dedicated non-residential program (PGP MFAB) for those folks.

Me: General rhetoric of how I would benefit from a residential, full time program.

Them: MFAB will be better for you
Me: More reasons for why PGP.

Them: You know the students who take that program. They belong to the richest families in India
Me: Yes, I know that. Quoted an example to show that I did my research.

Them: You will benefit more while studying and making connections with them.
Me: No. I don't think it will be as beneficial.

Them: Really! Why do you think Kings always married in Wealthy Houses?

2 minute silence

Me: There is a Cultural Factor.

Silence in the room.
They want me to explore further

Me: King Akbar married a lot of princesses to win the loyalties of their houses!! (I was ecstatic as soon as I said that)
Them: (Interrupting me) So, Money was not a Factor in Akbar Marrying those princesses!

I could see their egos getting hurt and just then, I realized that we are way off topic and wondered how we got there. Just then it clicked and I literally shouted -
Diversity of Opinion!
Controlled my volume instantly and explained further quoting examples which thankfully ended the topic.

I'm still to get the result. We have 2 days for it and I'm still hoping that I make the cut

BUMP
Share away your stories fellas!

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