Comments on: A company’s greatest weakness

By: lewis

lewis — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:08:18 +0000

The writer of this article seems to be a SMART one, something VERY, VERY RARE in the HR world.

In fact, I always wondered how was it that the most important part of an organization (which is made of PEOPLE) ended up being filled up with such dumb and mediocre people?

By: seo services Chandigarh

seo services Chandigarh — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:25:37 +0000

i am from India and my profession ad seo executive in search and optimization industry then I hope that you give me my seo business
thanks

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:36:40 +0000

Mel, you’re so right. You gotta play the game to get a job. Even if the questions are “stoopid”.

By: Mel_in_Seattle

Mel_in_Seattle — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:57:10 +0000

While I dont think I am a doormat, I certainly don’t have the chutzpas of many of the folks who have replied to this question. It might be different if I were already holding a job now, but as someone in their third month of being laid off, I am willing to “play the game” of this and other “classic” questions. To me, it says, yes, I have even prepped for these kinds of silly/moldy oldie questions for this interview.

What you are really asking is if I can understand that you want me to display a kind of thoughtful modesty at this moment — see how I can do it!–and so I give an answer that is not too hackney and not of big importance to my competence at the job.

Sure, the question/answer does not signal anything but “I know how the job-getting dance is done” but that is still perceived to be of value to those who have the ability to give me a needed job. So I do it.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:51:32 +0000

Interesting articles on HR and the interviewing process. I’ve often wondered how VPs of HR or CEOs could accept that for most organizations goal one for an applicant is to bypass HR. This tells me that either HR is not up to the task or the company is hiring poor candidates. Either is a poor reflection of HR.

I think forward looking companies will start doing an overhaul of HR. HR is broken; particularly when it comes to hiring.

By: Gregg Boore

Gregg Boore — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:56:24 +0000

I have been asked this question in a hand-full of interviews.

In each and every one I have walked out but not before saying ” The answers to this question would be obvious if we had really discussed the job and how I would perform it.”

Why would anyone even consider working for a company that allows this sort of drivel.

By: Nick Corcodilos

Nick Corcodilos — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:33:29 +0000

Hairyman,

It can be costly to say something like that to your boss, but I give you credit for doing it. These articles are for fearless people who aren’t afraid of being lined up and shot:

http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/crocs5firstthetruth.htm
http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/hatellem.htm

By: Hairyman

Hairyman — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:15:21 +0000

Thanks to all for their replies. they have boosted my spirits in that I am not alone. When my boss indicated that I was not team player to the feelings of other groups not doing their jobs, I told him this true conversation: Some time ago I spoke to a young Supervisor with no qualifications that was promoted ahead of those that were more qualified. I ask him how he managed that? His reply was “Tell the boss whatever they want to hear, Right or Wrong does not matter! If you happen to be right, everyone will be heros, If you are Wrong, then you respond with: Oh Well…. We tried! I then told the Boss, Its your call: would you like me to tell you what you “Want to” or “Need to hear?”

By: Nick Corcodilos

Nick Corcodilos — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:43:26 +0000

David Hunt:

I wonder how many companies realize how many qualified candidates they lose to their competition because HR plays authoritarian parlour games in interviews? I covered this in an article some years ago: “Death by Lethal Reputation: The demise of a company.”

One of my clients asked me to review and report on hiring practices that had apparently poisoned the company’s well. It’s still relevant: http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/halethalrep.htm

By: David Hunt, PE

David Hunt, PE — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:09:12 +0000

”My greatest weakness is intolerance for psycho-babble that passes for a job interview. Do you want me to show you how I’ll do this job, or shall we move on to what animal I’d be if I could be any animal?”

HA HA HA HA HA

I recall one interview where I was asked one of those similar questions “Why should I hire you?”

My answer? (Paraphrased)

“Because I’m a skilled Engineer, with a strong history of accomplishments – which we’ve discussed – and a lot of education – which we’ve also discussed. I will give you my honest opinion, subject to being willing to change as new evidence comes up. I may not always agree with you, I may vehemently disagree with you, but I will do so based on facts and my experience. If you want a proven, skilled contributor able to stand his ground in difficult circumstances, I’m him. If you want a sycophant to repeat what you say blindy, buy a parrot.”

I didn’t get the job. ;) But then, I’d already determined I didn’t want it based on their treatment of me during the HR drone’s condescending interrogation.