What The

What the? â€" Strange Tales from the Job Search Front Many occasions there's a “query behind a question” in an interview. But, this week’s “What the?” story from our reader Jean has me wondering what it could be. Take a learn and then weigh in with what you think the interviewer was getting at â€"or- was he just off his meds? This was again after I was 22, contemporary faced to NYC from Michigan. Terrified and had by no means labored in an workplace earlier than, a lot much less a high rise building. I landed an interview at a PR agency. I’d been there for hours, assembly everybody under the sun and was cleared for the final interview. It was apparently customary at this firm for the president to meet everybody, even super junior hires. As I am being walked down the corridor towards his suite I am told, in a nervous tone by the worried-trying HR individual, that “he’s somewhat uncommon” and informed that “he likes to ask questions to throw you off”. And, “Some candidates have walked out” when he does this. Hmm. Even I, a total rube in the big city, figured this was not good. Desperate to start my profession and life in New York, I figured these questions must be fairly unhealthy if individuals who’d made all of it the way thru a day of interviews at the company would actually walk out of there because of questions from this man. How onerous may the questions be? Revenues from 10 years prior? Name of some small client and their newest information? I began to mentally review all my firm analysis notes as I was ushered down the corridor and then into his big, luxurious office. The good-looking president waved me to sit in what I have since learned was a very costly workplace chair. The man bores his eyes into me and holds up an costly pen- Mont Blanc or something like that. Engraved. “I even have only one question. If you answer it proper you'll get the job. What do you see if you see this pen?” Ensues the conversation: “A pen â€" a really good one. A software for communication and r evolution. A means of writing. A way to report information.” “No. What do you see?” Not smiling. “An implement mightier than the sword. ” “No what else?” Still in an completely solemn tone of voice. I begin to smile broadly, muster charm and dredge up an interviewing strategy tip I read someplace: “Highlight your strengths.” (Remember this was like my 2nd job interview ever.) “Mr. Smith I’d like to speak about my strengths and the way they relate to this place at your agency.” (Pretty ballsy, for the reason that guy was clearly trying to intimidate me and albeit, it was starting to work.) “No. I want to you tell me what you see. Just keep on the pen.” “I see a pen. And I’d really like to talk to you about why my expertise are a match for this job.” He leans again in his chair and stays silent. Just appears at me. Moments later there’s a knock on the door- it’s the HR girl â€" and he says “We’re accomplished.” As I hit the Manhattan streets even I, an harmless from Michigan thought, “What WAS that? Was that guy being a jerk?” I discovered the next day that EVERYONE liked me but him so no job. I have by no means regretted attempting to deflect that stupid, irrelevant question. So, what do you think? Is there a method to his insanity or has he been sniffing an excessive amount of glue in his spare time? Chime in below. * * * * * * * * “What the? â€" Strange Tales from the Job Search Front” is a weekly posting with the only real purpose of attempting to infuse slightly levity into your job search. For practical, examined and confirmed job search recommendation, please subscribe to my weekly ezine â€" Build the Career You Deserve â€" read by over 21,000 professionals. Do you've unusual tales from the job search?If so, please share them with us at (note â€" we will never reprint your story with out your express consent). * * * * * * * * * Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, an organization devoted to empowering professionals with the vital instruments and knowledge essential to find the job they need and construct the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine â€" Build the Career You Deserve â€" for insider tips about how to do just that! â€" 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. â€" All Rights Reserved