Things not to say during an interview

[FN FAL]

Did you guys ever see the George Carlin skit about job interviews?

He said if the interview isn't going well, just point to the picture on the boss's desk and ask "who's the c-nt?"

I love Carlin!!

.... I like it!

 

[moscowcfi]

Lesson to be learned from my mistake: Decline the gambit. Do not ask questions if invited to at interviews.

This is essentially the same advice that I got from Air Inc. before my interview. They said to take the opportunity to thank them for the interview and ask them for the job. Which is exactly what I did. I got hired, though I'm sure that was one of many factors that led to their decision. Perhaps a very small one, but I think it lead to a graceful conclusion to the interview.

How about this for a question: Man I've got to pee! Where's the john?

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Lesson to be learned from my mistake: Decline the gambit. Do not ask questions if invited to at interviews.

I think this is bad advice. Yes, it's a good time to thank them and ask for the job, but it's also an opportunity to show you have done your homework, that you know something about the company and that you are interested in that company. In fact, I can't imagine anyone doing proper research about a company and not coming up with excellent questions for the interviewers. Don't ask difficult questions and avoid items that could make it look like you just want to be getting ahead at the expense of the company...ie,,"are you going to be getting better equipment than what you have now?" yep, bad question. Another way to look at an example of asking about new equipment is to review the equipment plans that have been announced already. Ex. "I read in xyz that you plan to bring the 70 seat RJ on the property next year. Has the company made a decision as to what cities will be served by these larger jets?" Something like that. At one interview, I knew a lot about the company, and my question was "is the fleet size still x number of aircraft". I didn't ask if it would grow, shrink or anything, just asked a question that showed I knew the fleet and they were free to tell me if that number was going to grow, shrink or whatever if they liked.
This is also the time during the interview that YOU are the one asking the questions. It can be about a subject YOU want to talk about. The majority of the questions I have asked in interviews have opened the door to easy conversation between the interviewers and me that I strongly feel made the difference in them feeling as though they got to know me better than if I just gave them the canned "thanks for having me, now hire me" line. You want to take advantage of every opportunity to give them a chance to know and like you better. Don't run away when they give you a chance to sell yourself some more. But do think about what you are saying, I think I've come close to blowing a couple interviews. In fact, in the biggest stakes interview I had, I really believed that I had blown the panel interview and that my question led to dialogue that saved my bacon...or you can put your tail between your legs and run when the give you the chance.

 

[bobbysamd]

Questions

Lesson to be learned from my mistake: Decline the gambit. Do not ask questions if invited to at interviews.

I think this is bad advice. Yes, it's a good time to thank them and ask for the job, but it's also an opportunity to show you have done your homework, that you know something about the company and that you are interested in that company . . . .

(emphasis added)

Which is what I thought I was doing - showing interest in the company. Here again, the irony of how Mesa eventually became a leading RJ operator never fails to slay me.

Don't ask difficult questions and avoid items that could make it look like you just want to be getting ahead at the expense of the company . . . .

It should have been blatantly obvious to my Mesa interviewer that his airline would be my last stop. I was forty when I interviewed with him, I was clearly not majors meat and not looking to build turbine and leave. And, again, I had been told that my age would be an asset because of maturity and stability. He should have asked me that question.

I maintain that asking questions is ill advised because you can never be sure of the interviewer's objective or agenda. However, every question asked of you should be viewed as a further opportunity to sell yourself.

Good luck with your interview. Think about what you're being asked and hold your tongue appropriately.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

I maintain that asking questions is ill advised because you can never be sure of the interviewer's objective or agenda.

True, unless the agenda is to see if you can come up with a decent question.

 

[English]

I'm with Hugh on this one. Not everyone is "out to get you". At every interview where I was presented with this question, the interviewer was truly giving me the opportunity to ask any final questions about the company. You see, an interview is a two-way street. Not only is an applicant being sized up, but, hopefully, the candidate is also being observant about the company. Not every match is one made in heaven. The more questions you ask, the better, IMO.

 

[moscowcfi]

Personally I'd go with the professional advise, but it is of course a matter of opinion. It seems to me that there are numerous opportunities during the interview process (not just the interview itself) to ask many questions, which is why Air Inc recommends telling them that your questions were answered during the earlier presentation and to thank them for the opportunity. I'm sure there are times the opposite is true, but it is impossible to tell just what those times are.

 

[English]

What earlier presentation? Not every airline interviews in the format of a group presentation followed by an interview. Some companies have an interview and that's it - no introduction about the company or anything. Certain companies expect you already know everything about them, or you wouldn't be there.

 

[Airpiraterob]

"Sup Essay!"

or

"Oh, hey. Don't got to the restroom for at least anotha 30 or 45 minutes"

or

"Oh $hit i didnt mean ta fart."

or

"scuse me while i whip this out"

 

[Lori Clark]

Definitely ask a question! Just don't make it laundry list and be sure that it is heartfelt and sincere. Interviewers can spot insincere questions a mile away. But if you ask a very pertinent and thoughtful question it shows that you did some research on the company, which in turn shows that you are truly interested in the company. Again, keep it short - limit your questions to one, perhaps two, and never ask about the interviewers tenure - they already have the job and will internally respond that way.


Lori

 

[bobbysamd]

Welcome

Welcome to the board, Lori. Informed and authoritative feedback and comments about the hiring process have been badly needed here. I look forward to your posts.

 

[captainv]

Well, Lori, I thought my question to Grady Reed about Mesa Airlines acquiring regional jets was pertinent and thoughtful. As you would be aware, Mesa eventually acquired both Embraer and Canadair RJs.

Bobby, you're convinced that asking the question torpedoed your chances. maybe, maybe not - you'll never know. plenty of people have had what they thought was a successful interview and not gotten the call for whatever reason. only the HR people know for sure...

shoot, maybe Mesa had an issue with your age. at 40, you'd be at the company 20 years. why not hire some eager young gun who'll be gone in 5 years tops? saves the company a lot of $$ in pay and benefits costs....

true story - while interviewing at Comair, I met an applicant who flew Beech 1900s out west. we were just making conversation, when he tells me he how much he hates flying with young FOs (apparently he knew everything and knew which FARs really mattered) and how he turned off his radios over the mountains. he'd done the route so often that he only turned them on when he "knew" ATC would call. amazingly, Comair passes on him...

 

[bobbysamd]

Mesa rejection

shoot, maybe Mesa had an issue with your age. at 40, you'd be at the company 20 years. why not hire some eager young gun who'll be gone in 5 years tops? saves the company a lot of $$ in pay and benefits costs....

I actually was 39 and a half. That's been one of my theories for a long time and something I believe sincerely and will take to the grave with me, as I have commented many times.

I actually deleted my post in favor of giving Lori a public welcome. The old board let one delete posts if one changed his/her mind. It also let you edit indefinitely. Sometimes, you pick up typos you didn't see when rereading something you had written earlier.