My Backward Shirt Day & 4 Interview Questions To NEVER Ask.
Oh, like wearing your clothes backwards hasn’t ever happened to you. HA. And, yes of course, there’s a super obvious tie-in to outdated interview questions!
(This story (and true-life situation) was written pre-COVID.)
Last week was full of presentations and travel. I had an early morning flight. And, an equally early morning to get to the airport on time. Made it with loads of time to spare.
I boarded a tiny plane (gulp) and I was on my way.
Landed.
Got my rental car.
And, within a matter of minutes, I was in my hotel, ready for a day of calls and getting ready for the presentation the next day.
My laptop was set up and after my first hours of conference calls, I looked up and in the mirror that hung above the desk showed a reflection that made me HOWL!
I had my shirt on backward AND the bright orange tag was sticking up.
#keepingitreal #sheiladressesinthedark
GRIN.
I thought I was completely pulled together.
HA. Not by a long shot.
Somehow in the flurry of getting everything ready — putting my shirt on backward slipped through the cracks.
Don’t laugh.
You might not even be aware, but YOUR interviews might be a bit backward too.
Heads Up!
Here’s 4 very old-school backward questions, you SHOULDN’T be asking:
1. What are your strengths?
2. What are your weaknesses?
3. What motivates you?
4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Ugh. They are backwards questions. (And boring as hell.)
You’re asking the candidate to come up with what best pops to their mind.
You’re not learning anything interesting or factual about the candidate.
As the hiring manager, you’re really after how well the candidate performed in their previous roles .
You’re after RESULTS.
You want to know how well they’ve performed in the past.
If you’re interviewing a candidate who has been a rock star in every one of their roles, with measurable results to showcase their performance, chances are you’ve got a winning candidate who is going to continue to be an exceptional performer.
I always get a few chuckles when presenting my “How To Get Hired!” seminar, when I say,
If you’ve been a star for many years, chances are you’re going to continue to be an exceptional performer. You’re not going to all of a sudden say to yourself —
“I’m soooo done with being an A player, I’m just going to coast for the next few years.” GRIN
Just say NO to doing backward interviews. And, backward shirts. HA.
Thank goodness suit jackets (and most skirts) only go on one way. (Although the picture above proves otherwise.)
#shirtonbackward #traveldays #saynotobackwardinterviews #ihavetolaugh #keepingitreal
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I write about recruitment, interviewing, resume writing, job searching… all with a dose of humour. (Yes, I’m Canadian… we leave the U’s in our words). I’ve authored two books, best-seller, “Hired! How To Get The Zippy Gig. Insider Secrets From A Top Recruiter.” & “Unexpected Mentors. Weird & Creative Ideas To Boost Your Career.” Both can be found on Amazon. www.sheilamusgrove.com