interviewer asked how I would connect with coworkers outside of work by Alison Green on June 23, 2020 A reader writes: Back in February, I had an interview where the last question they asked me was, “How would you go about connecting with coworkers outside of work?” It took me completely aback, because while I had prepared by studying several lists of popular interview questions, both in and outside of my field, I […] Read the full article →
can I wear a baby during a video interview? by Alison Green on June 3, 2020 A reader writes: I was just asked to do a two-hour video interview this week. I am excited for the opportunity, but I am at home with a newborn and my partner is likely unable to commit to watching the baby for that long. My partner also works from home but takes frequent customer calls […] Read the full article →
how do job interviews work now? by Alison Green on June 2, 2020 A reader writes: Since my new job was postponed due to COVID-19, I am actively pursuing other opportunities. After applying for a restaurant position, I was asked to come in for an on-site interview. So what does job interview etiquette look like in the current COVID-19 world? For example: Do I wear a mask to […] Read the full article →
I was difficult at my last job, and it’s standing in my way now by Alison Green on June 2, 2020 A reader writes: I recently quit a job which I excelled at technically, but professionally I struggled. The best way to put it is that I was incompatible with my newly appointed manager. My frustration with that manager led to many inappropriate comments that I made in front of him and a couple of other […] Read the full article →
is it possible to be TOO responsive to an interview invitation? by Alison Green on May 26, 2020 A reader writes: Is it possible to be too responsive and available to an interview invitation? Twice over the past year, I’ve responded quickly to interview requests. I have a lot of flexibility in my current job with a few days’ notice so I can make myself available very quickly for a phone screen or […] Read the full article →
video interviews when you’re trapped at home and looking shaggy by Alison Green on May 26, 2020 A reader writes: I was job searching before the pandemic, and I’m hoping to start getting some interviews soon. I am wondering about COVID-era best practices for video interviews. If I have limited options for quiet, private places with reliable internet for such calls, is it unprofessional to do these calls from my desk in […] Read the full article →
will interviewers ask what you achieved during the pandemic? by Alison Green on May 18, 2020 A reader writes: I’ve been seeing people online say that in the future, job interviewers will ask candidates questions like, “What did you do to continue developing your skills during the pandemic?” and “What did you achieve during the shutdown, even if you weren’t working?” Some people in my circle have been spending time figuring […] Read the full article →
how to answer “why should I hire you?” by Alison Green on May 13, 2020 A reader writes: I haven’t interviewed in a long time, and I’ve never been good at it. I have good references, have worked on interesting projects, and have good skills. But I’m very introverted. If someone asks me, “Why should I hire YOU?” I have no idea. “I’ll do a great job” seems like a […] Read the full article →
is this company’s interview process unreasonable? by Alison Green on April 6, 2020 A reader writes: I have spent the past 10 years building up a small client base in my industry. I’m a terrible self promoter, so this is very small and I really need to ramp up or get a full-time job. I applied for a position pre-COVID-19 and did a phone screen. I was successfully […] Read the full article →
how honestly should you answer “what do you do for fun?” in an interview? by Alison Green on March 16, 2020 A reader writes: I was just asked in an interview what I like to do for fun, and after a few jokes about how I’m a bit of a geek, I declared, “I host a Dungeons and Dragons game.” Now, on the one hand, I’m an engineer, and a geeky engineer is more the norm […] Read the full article →