I have been a part of the tech community for over 20 years and there have been numerous changes in the industry, especially when it comes to job hunters and the hiring effort.
Right now, in my opinion, we've entered the "Entitlement Zone," which is a new mentality on the part of some job seekers. Their goal isn't to fit the role or prove that their skills fit the opening. It's all about finding out what the company is willing to give them if they accept the job.
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These kinds of candidates don't think twice about asking questions off the usual interview radar. I find this rather ironic since tech leaders are increasingly limited on the topics we can legally ask candidates.
During the course of my career, and in my role president of the
TechExec Group (a group of CIOs that meets monthly to share ideas, network, and learn from one-another) I decided to gather up some of the best off-the-wall interview questions posed during interviews. I pooled a few CIOs and even tapped some clients for feedback on what they see with job seekers today including their favorite wacky questions.
We all seem to agree that the mentality from some job seekers is gutsy at a minimum, humorous at best. We also agree that the questions some candidates ask seem a bit daring. In the "old days", interview questions seemed to focus around the position and what the applicant could provide the company. Nowadays it's clearly more about what the company can do for the job seeker.
What does this all mean? It means that the quantity of job openings outnumber the job seekers and not only do job seekers know it, but it seems that a few of them seems to be taking advantage of it based on recent interviews. That's why I decided to put together a list of 10 amazing questions and declarations that have been voiced by prospective applicants.
- Will it be a problem if I leave at 2pm every day to coach lacrosse?
- Five minutes after the CIO spent 10+ minutes specifically describing the position he was asked, What specifically would be the day-to-day duties of the position?
- Will I have the option to choose my desk area as I need a lot of space and would prefer not to be crowded? Lighting will also be an issue for me. I usually like a big office.
- I know you wanted me to come prepared to present but I didn't have time, so I am going to wing it.
- How long will it take for me to get your job?
- If I work my 40 hours within the first two days of the week, will I be required to work the remaining days of the week?
- Did you breast feed your children?
- Have you considered retiring or resigning since you seem old?
- My parents want to know how fast my life insurance policy kicks in.
- How long do I have to work here until I get my first raise?
Got one of your own to add to the list?
Send it into
TechCareers and we'll include it on the next 'crazy interview' questions story.
Larry Letow is COO at Convergence Technology Consulting.
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