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How can I side step inappropriate questions in an interview?
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I participated in a weird hiring process, where the HR was warm and welcoming, but two weeks later, I faced this IT guy who was supposed to assess my technical skills.
I realized this guy was inciting me to avoid the company because he was afraid of competition or some other reasons.
The problem is that this guy was telling me how horrific this company is, and then asked me what are my expectations in terms of salary.
Over analyzing the subject, my conclusion was that this guy was more collecting elements to use, either against me with the company, or against the company with me.
So my question is when this or other questions that are inappropriate for the interview are asked how can I side step them with out being combative or accusatory to the interviewer?
professionalism interviewing
edited Mar 14 '16 at 13:04
David K
20.8k1075110
 |Â
show 8 more comments
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
I participated in a weird hiring process, where the HR was warm and welcoming, but two weeks later, I faced this IT guy who was supposed to assess my technical skills.
I realized this guy was inciting me to avoid the company because he was afraid of competition or some other reasons.
The problem is that this guy was telling me how horrific this company is, and then asked me what are my expectations in terms of salary.
Over analyzing the subject, my conclusion was that this guy was more collecting elements to use, either against me with the company, or against the company with me.
So my question is when this or other questions that are inappropriate for the interview are asked how can I side step them with out being combative or accusatory to the interviewer?
professionalism interviewing
edited Mar 14 '16 at 13:04
David K
20.8k1075110
2
No matter what interpretation you give to the interviewer telling you how dreadful the company is, why on earth would you still want to work for them? Either the company really is terrible or you'll have at least one terrible coworker. (VTC as the title question is too broad and therefore doesn't match the body, needs clarification.)
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 13 '16 at 23:54
2
How do you know this question was out of scope? Not every company is going to have a strict demarcation where only the HR person talks about anything salary related, and the IT person only talks about your technical skills. He may have been expected to find out whether your skills matched your expectations.
– Carson63000
Mar 14 '16 at 0:14
3
Your first four paragraphs seem to have no bearing on the question.
– DJClayworth
Mar 14 '16 at 1:14
3
My question is how to deal with such cases.You walk away.
– HopelessN00b
Mar 14 '16 at 4:12
2
@JeffO There is a difference between being unhappy and warning potential hires of the problems they'll face (which is rare but a good thing: some people like a chaotic work environment for instance) and someone actively discouraging new hires with horror stories. The latter is simply incredibly unprofessional and is a huge red flag.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 14 '16 at 13:34
 |Â
show 8 more comments
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
I participated in a weird hiring process, where the HR was warm and welcoming, but two weeks later, I faced this IT guy who was supposed to assess my technical skills.
I realized this guy was inciting me to avoid the company because he was afraid of competition or some other reasons.
The problem is that this guy was telling me how horrific this company is, and then asked me what are my expectations in terms of salary.
Over analyzing the subject, my conclusion was that this guy was more collecting elements to use, either against me with the company, or against the company with me.
So my question is when this or other questions that are inappropriate for the interview are asked how can I side step them with out being combative or accusatory to the interviewer?
professionalism interviewing
edited Mar 14 '16 at 13:04
David K
20.8k1075110
I participated in a weird hiring process, where the HR was warm and welcoming, but two weeks later, I faced this IT guy who was supposed to assess my technical skills.
I realized this guy was inciting me to avoid the company because he was afraid of competition or some other reasons.
The problem is that this guy was telling me how horrific this company is, and then asked me what are my expectations in terms of salary.
Over analyzing the subject, my conclusion was that this guy was more collecting elements to use, either against me with the company, or against the company with me.
So my question is when this or other questions that are inappropriate for the interview are asked how can I side step them with out being combative or accusatory to the interviewer?
professionalism interviewing
edited Mar 14 '16 at 13:04
David K
20.8k1075110
edited Mar 14 '16 at 13:04
David K
20.8k1075110
edited Mar 14 '16 at 13:04
David K
20.8k1075110
edited Mar 14 '16 at 13:04
David K
20.8k1075110
20.8k1075110
asked Mar 13 '16 at 22:21
user43191
2
No matter what interpretation you give to the interviewer telling you how dreadful the company is, why on earth would you still want to work for them? Either the company really is terrible or you'll have at least one terrible coworker. (VTC as the title question is too broad and therefore doesn't match the body, needs clarification.)
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 13 '16 at 23:54
2
How do you know this question was out of scope? Not every company is going to have a strict demarcation where only the HR person talks about anything salary related, and the IT person only talks about your technical skills. He may have been expected to find out whether your skills matched your expectations.
– Carson63000
Mar 14 '16 at 0:14
3
Your first four paragraphs seem to have no bearing on the question.
– DJClayworth
Mar 14 '16 at 1:14
3
My question is how to deal with such cases.You walk away.
– HopelessN00b
Mar 14 '16 at 4:12
2
@JeffO There is a difference between being unhappy and warning potential hires of the problems they'll face (which is rare but a good thing: some people like a chaotic work environment for instance) and someone actively discouraging new hires with horror stories. The latter is simply incredibly unprofessional and is a huge red flag.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 14 '16 at 13:34
 |Â
show 8 more comments
2
No matter what interpretation you give to the interviewer telling you how dreadful the company is, why on earth would you still want to work for them? Either the company really is terrible or you'll have at least one terrible coworker. (VTC as the title question is too broad and therefore doesn't match the body, needs clarification.)
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 13 '16 at 23:54
2
How do you know this question was out of scope? Not every company is going to have a strict demarcation where only the HR person talks about anything salary related, and the IT person only talks about your technical skills. He may have been expected to find out whether your skills matched your expectations.
– Carson63000
Mar 14 '16 at 0:14
3
Your first four paragraphs seem to have no bearing on the question.
– DJClayworth
Mar 14 '16 at 1:14
3
My question is how to deal with such cases.You walk away.
– HopelessN00b
Mar 14 '16 at 4:12
2
@JeffO There is a difference between being unhappy and warning potential hires of the problems they'll face (which is rare but a good thing: some people like a chaotic work environment for instance) and someone actively discouraging new hires with horror stories. The latter is simply incredibly unprofessional and is a huge red flag.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 14 '16 at 13:34
2
2
No matter what interpretation you give to the interviewer telling you how dreadful the company is, why on earth would you still want to work for them? Either the company really is terrible or you'll have at least one terrible coworker. (VTC as the title question is too broad and therefore doesn't match the body, needs clarification.)
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 13 '16 at 23:54
No matter what interpretation you give to the interviewer telling you how dreadful the company is, why on earth would you still want to work for them? Either the company really is terrible or you'll have at least one terrible coworker. (VTC as the title question is too broad and therefore doesn't match the body, needs clarification.)
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 13 '16 at 23:54
2
2
How do you know this question was out of scope? Not every company is going to have a strict demarcation where only the HR person talks about anything salary related, and the IT person only talks about your technical skills. He may have been expected to find out whether your skills matched your expectations.
– Carson63000
Mar 14 '16 at 0:14
How do you know this question was out of scope? Not every company is going to have a strict demarcation where only the HR person talks about anything salary related, and the IT person only talks about your technical skills. He may have been expected to find out whether your skills matched your expectations.
– Carson63000
Mar 14 '16 at 0:14
3
3
Your first four paragraphs seem to have no bearing on the question.
– DJClayworth
Mar 14 '16 at 1:14
Your first four paragraphs seem to have no bearing on the question.
– DJClayworth
Mar 14 '16 at 1:14
3
3
My question is how to deal with such cases. You walk away.– HopelessN00b
Mar 14 '16 at 4:12
My question is how to deal with such cases. You walk away.– HopelessN00b
Mar 14 '16 at 4:12
2
2
@JeffO There is a difference between being unhappy and warning potential hires of the problems they'll face (which is rare but a good thing: some people like a chaotic work environment for instance) and someone actively discouraging new hires with horror stories. The latter is simply incredibly unprofessional and is a huge red flag.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 14 '16 at 13:34
@JeffO There is a difference between being unhappy and warning potential hires of the problems they'll face (which is rare but a good thing: some people like a chaotic work environment for instance) and someone actively discouraging new hires with horror stories. The latter is simply incredibly unprofessional and is a huge red flag.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 14 '16 at 13:34
 |Â
show 8 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
15
down vote
How can I side step inappropriate questions in an interview?
"Why do you ask?"
This works for the vast majority of questions that you consider inappropriate or strange, no matter if it's coming from an interviewer or a nosy colleague prying into your personal affairs. Don't suggest or infer a reason, just pause. Either the person asking the question will have a valid reason for doing so ("HR wanted me to touch base on salary expectactions"), or he'll be flustered and likely back-pedal.
If he can't explain a valid reason or you feel that you don't want to share that information now (or ever), say something like:
I'd rather not go into that right now.
I'm not sure that's relevant to our current discussion.
I'd rather not share that information.
I'm sorry but how is that relevant to Position X?
Again, just pause the conversation after one of these replies and let the uncomfortable silence build if necessary. Remember that if they push the topic, you are not being rude when you shut them down directly: they are being rude and crossing boundaries by pushing for an answer.
On the topic of salary: don't fall into the trap of refusing to ever give a number first. It makes a bad impression and shows a lack of preparation. You need to know a range before your first interview.
answered Mar 14 '16 at 7:10
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
3
Thanks for the link on the salary trap. An ultimate refusal to give a number or a salary range is just asking for trouble.
– user8365
Mar 14 '16 at 13:31
I have done numerous interviews on both sides of the table and have NEVER discussed salary. That is left entirely to the hiring manager or HR
– Bill Leeper
Mar 14 '16 at 17:10
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
The question is, how not to answer the salary question, and any other out of scope topics, when the interview has a clear determined context?
Don't make assumptions
I presume he is not who you'll be reporting to. Frequently interviewers are told not to discuss salary. It may be that HR does not actually want him to discuss this with you.
On the other hand, it may be that he was told to discuss salary with you. You might ask him if HR expects you to discuss it, and ask to double-check with HR as well.
If you haven't verified that he is supposed to discuss salary
If you feel uncomfortable sharing that information, just say so: "I feel uncomfortable discussing that with you."
It would probably be prudent to explain that you intend to discuss that with the hiring manager or HR: "I intend to discuss that with the hiring manager and HR."
answered Mar 14 '16 at 1:44
Aaron Hall
4,16312033
suggest improvements |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
15
down vote
How can I side step inappropriate questions in an interview?
"Why do you ask?"
This works for the vast majority of questions that you consider inappropriate or strange, no matter if it's coming from an interviewer or a nosy colleague prying into your personal affairs. Don't suggest or infer a reason, just pause. Either the person asking the question will have a valid reason for doing so ("HR wanted me to touch base on salary expectactions"), or he'll be flustered and likely back-pedal.
If he can't explain a valid reason or you feel that you don't want to share that information now (or ever), say something like:
I'd rather not go into that right now.
I'm not sure that's relevant to our current discussion.
I'd rather not share that information.
I'm sorry but how is that relevant to Position X?
Again, just pause the conversation after one of these replies and let the uncomfortable silence build if necessary. Remember that if they push the topic, you are not being rude when you shut them down directly: they are being rude and crossing boundaries by pushing for an answer.
On the topic of salary: don't fall into the trap of refusing to ever give a number first. It makes a bad impression and shows a lack of preparation. You need to know a range before your first interview.
answered Mar 14 '16 at 7:10
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
3
Thanks for the link on the salary trap. An ultimate refusal to give a number or a salary range is just asking for trouble.
– user8365
Mar 14 '16 at 13:31
I have done numerous interviews on both sides of the table and have NEVER discussed salary. That is left entirely to the hiring manager or HR
– Bill Leeper
Mar 14 '16 at 17:10
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
15
down vote
How can I side step inappropriate questions in an interview?
"Why do you ask?"
This works for the vast majority of questions that you consider inappropriate or strange, no matter if it's coming from an interviewer or a nosy colleague prying into your personal affairs. Don't suggest or infer a reason, just pause. Either the person asking the question will have a valid reason for doing so ("HR wanted me to touch base on salary expectactions"), or he'll be flustered and likely back-pedal.
If he can't explain a valid reason or you feel that you don't want to share that information now (or ever), say something like:
I'd rather not go into that right now.
I'm not sure that's relevant to our current discussion.
I'd rather not share that information.
I'm sorry but how is that relevant to Position X?
Again, just pause the conversation after one of these replies and let the uncomfortable silence build if necessary. Remember that if they push the topic, you are not being rude when you shut them down directly: they are being rude and crossing boundaries by pushing for an answer.
On the topic of salary: don't fall into the trap of refusing to ever give a number first. It makes a bad impression and shows a lack of preparation. You need to know a range before your first interview.
answered Mar 14 '16 at 7:10
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
3
Thanks for the link on the salary trap. An ultimate refusal to give a number or a salary range is just asking for trouble.
– user8365
Mar 14 '16 at 13:31
I have done numerous interviews on both sides of the table and have NEVER discussed salary. That is left entirely to the hiring manager or HR
– Bill Leeper
Mar 14 '16 at 17:10
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
15
down vote
up vote
15
down vote
How can I side step inappropriate questions in an interview?
"Why do you ask?"
This works for the vast majority of questions that you consider inappropriate or strange, no matter if it's coming from an interviewer or a nosy colleague prying into your personal affairs. Don't suggest or infer a reason, just pause. Either the person asking the question will have a valid reason for doing so ("HR wanted me to touch base on salary expectactions"), or he'll be flustered and likely back-pedal.
If he can't explain a valid reason or you feel that you don't want to share that information now (or ever), say something like:
I'd rather not go into that right now.
I'm not sure that's relevant to our current discussion.
I'd rather not share that information.
I'm sorry but how is that relevant to Position X?
Again, just pause the conversation after one of these replies and let the uncomfortable silence build if necessary. Remember that if they push the topic, you are not being rude when you shut them down directly: they are being rude and crossing boundaries by pushing for an answer.
On the topic of salary: don't fall into the trap of refusing to ever give a number first. It makes a bad impression and shows a lack of preparation. You need to know a range before your first interview.
answered Mar 14 '16 at 7:10
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
How can I side step inappropriate questions in an interview?
"Why do you ask?"
This works for the vast majority of questions that you consider inappropriate or strange, no matter if it's coming from an interviewer or a nosy colleague prying into your personal affairs. Don't suggest or infer a reason, just pause. Either the person asking the question will have a valid reason for doing so ("HR wanted me to touch base on salary expectactions"), or he'll be flustered and likely back-pedal.
If he can't explain a valid reason or you feel that you don't want to share that information now (or ever), say something like:
I'd rather not go into that right now.
I'm not sure that's relevant to our current discussion.
I'd rather not share that information.
I'm sorry but how is that relevant to Position X?
Again, just pause the conversation after one of these replies and let the uncomfortable silence build if necessary. Remember that if they push the topic, you are not being rude when you shut them down directly: they are being rude and crossing boundaries by pushing for an answer.
On the topic of salary: don't fall into the trap of refusing to ever give a number first. It makes a bad impression and shows a lack of preparation. You need to know a range before your first interview.
answered Mar 14 '16 at 7:10
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
edited Mar 14 '16 at 13:19
answered Mar 14 '16 at 7:10
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
answered Mar 14 '16 at 7:10
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
answered Mar 14 '16 at 7:10
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
53.9k36183218
3
Thanks for the link on the salary trap. An ultimate refusal to give a number or a salary range is just asking for trouble.
– user8365
Mar 14 '16 at 13:31
I have done numerous interviews on both sides of the table and have NEVER discussed salary. That is left entirely to the hiring manager or HR
– Bill Leeper
Mar 14 '16 at 17:10
suggest improvements |Â
3
Thanks for the link on the salary trap. An ultimate refusal to give a number or a salary range is just asking for trouble.
– user8365
Mar 14 '16 at 13:31
I have done numerous interviews on both sides of the table and have NEVER discussed salary. That is left entirely to the hiring manager or HR
– Bill Leeper
Mar 14 '16 at 17:10
3
3
Thanks for the link on the salary trap. An ultimate refusal to give a number or a salary range is just asking for trouble.
– user8365
Mar 14 '16 at 13:31
Thanks for the link on the salary trap. An ultimate refusal to give a number or a salary range is just asking for trouble.
– user8365
Mar 14 '16 at 13:31
I have done numerous interviews on both sides of the table and have NEVER discussed salary. That is left entirely to the hiring manager or HR
– Bill Leeper
Mar 14 '16 at 17:10
I have done numerous interviews on both sides of the table and have NEVER discussed salary. That is left entirely to the hiring manager or HR
– Bill Leeper
Mar 14 '16 at 17:10
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
The question is, how not to answer the salary question, and any other out of scope topics, when the interview has a clear determined context?
Don't make assumptions
I presume he is not who you'll be reporting to. Frequently interviewers are told not to discuss salary. It may be that HR does not actually want him to discuss this with you.
On the other hand, it may be that he was told to discuss salary with you. You might ask him if HR expects you to discuss it, and ask to double-check with HR as well.
If you haven't verified that he is supposed to discuss salary
If you feel uncomfortable sharing that information, just say so: "I feel uncomfortable discussing that with you."
It would probably be prudent to explain that you intend to discuss that with the hiring manager or HR: "I intend to discuss that with the hiring manager and HR."
answered Mar 14 '16 at 1:44
Aaron Hall
4,16312033
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
The question is, how not to answer the salary question, and any other out of scope topics, when the interview has a clear determined context?
Don't make assumptions
I presume he is not who you'll be reporting to. Frequently interviewers are told not to discuss salary. It may be that HR does not actually want him to discuss this with you.
On the other hand, it may be that he was told to discuss salary with you. You might ask him if HR expects you to discuss it, and ask to double-check with HR as well.
If you haven't verified that he is supposed to discuss salary
If you feel uncomfortable sharing that information, just say so: "I feel uncomfortable discussing that with you."
It would probably be prudent to explain that you intend to discuss that with the hiring manager or HR: "I intend to discuss that with the hiring manager and HR."
answered Mar 14 '16 at 1:44
Aaron Hall
4,16312033
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
The question is, how not to answer the salary question, and any other out of scope topics, when the interview has a clear determined context?
Don't make assumptions
I presume he is not who you'll be reporting to. Frequently interviewers are told not to discuss salary. It may be that HR does not actually want him to discuss this with you.
On the other hand, it may be that he was told to discuss salary with you. You might ask him if HR expects you to discuss it, and ask to double-check with HR as well.
If you haven't verified that he is supposed to discuss salary
If you feel uncomfortable sharing that information, just say so: "I feel uncomfortable discussing that with you."
It would probably be prudent to explain that you intend to discuss that with the hiring manager or HR: "I intend to discuss that with the hiring manager and HR."
answered Mar 14 '16 at 1:44
Aaron Hall
4,16312033
The question is, how not to answer the salary question, and any other out of scope topics, when the interview has a clear determined context?
Don't make assumptions
I presume he is not who you'll be reporting to. Frequently interviewers are told not to discuss salary. It may be that HR does not actually want him to discuss this with you.
On the other hand, it may be that he was told to discuss salary with you. You might ask him if HR expects you to discuss it, and ask to double-check with HR as well.
If you haven't verified that he is supposed to discuss salary
If you feel uncomfortable sharing that information, just say so: "I feel uncomfortable discussing that with you."
It would probably be prudent to explain that you intend to discuss that with the hiring manager or HR: "I intend to discuss that with the hiring manager and HR."
answered Mar 14 '16 at 1:44
Aaron Hall
4,16312033
answered Mar 14 '16 at 1:44
Aaron Hall
4,16312033
answered Mar 14 '16 at 1:44
Aaron Hall
4,16312033
answered Mar 14 '16 at 1:44
Aaron Hall
4,16312033
4,16312033
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
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2
No matter what interpretation you give to the interviewer telling you how dreadful the company is, why on earth would you still want to work for them? Either the company really is terrible or you'll have at least one terrible coworker. (VTC as the title question is too broad and therefore doesn't match the body, needs clarification.)
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 13 '16 at 23:54
2
How do you know this question was out of scope? Not every company is going to have a strict demarcation where only the HR person talks about anything salary related, and the IT person only talks about your technical skills. He may have been expected to find out whether your skills matched your expectations.
– Carson63000
Mar 14 '16 at 0:14
3
Your first four paragraphs seem to have no bearing on the question.
– DJClayworth
Mar 14 '16 at 1:14
3
My question is how to deal with such cases.You walk away.– HopelessN00b
Mar 14 '16 at 4:12
2
@JeffO There is a difference between being unhappy and warning potential hires of the problems they'll face (which is rare but a good thing: some people like a chaotic work environment for instance) and someone actively discouraging new hires with horror stories. The latter is simply incredibly unprofessional and is a huge red flag.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 14 '16 at 13:34