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What would be a good response to “Do you like spending special time with coworkers�
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up vote
11
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favorite
Background: I was asked this in a phone interview. It took me by surprise, and I faltered here. I couldn't figure out just what to make of "special time" - unfortunately, that time I didn't get the job.
Let me also say that in this interview, I was not allowed to ask questions. Strange, but that was the rule from the get-go. In fact, when he asked me the "special time" question, I did ask him "what do you mean by special time"; at which point, he quickly and somewhat roughly reminded me about the "no questions" rule. Maybe it is relevant that it is a big market-research/polling type company..
What would be a good response to “Do you like spending special time with coworkersâ€�
professionalism interviewing
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:45
Rhys
5,73623558
asked Jul 1 '12 at 1:34
Adel
3,571104180
add a comment |Â
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
Background: I was asked this in a phone interview. It took me by surprise, and I faltered here. I couldn't figure out just what to make of "special time" - unfortunately, that time I didn't get the job.
Let me also say that in this interview, I was not allowed to ask questions. Strange, but that was the rule from the get-go. In fact, when he asked me the "special time" question, I did ask him "what do you mean by special time"; at which point, he quickly and somewhat roughly reminded me about the "no questions" rule. Maybe it is relevant that it is a big market-research/polling type company..
What would be a good response to “Do you like spending special time with coworkersâ€�
professionalism interviewing
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:45
Rhys
5,73623558
asked Jul 1 '12 at 1:34
Adel
3,571104180
3
Since that particular question is pretty nonsensical, I'm wondering if this question should really be "how should I respond when I do not understand an interview question?" Whether you misheard it or not in this case you clearly needed a better idea of what the interviewer meant to ask.
– Rarity
Jul 1 '12 at 15:41
28
"I was not allowed to ask questions. Strange, but that was the rule from the get-go" - And you think it's unfortunate that you didn't get the job? I might actually have walked out at that point.
– pdr
Jul 1 '12 at 16:11
2
Was English the interviewer's first language?
– Keith Thompson
Jul 1 '12 at 19:05
1
@KeithThompson - Yes it was.
– Adel
Jul 1 '12 at 21:15
add a comment |Â
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
Background: I was asked this in a phone interview. It took me by surprise, and I faltered here. I couldn't figure out just what to make of "special time" - unfortunately, that time I didn't get the job.
Let me also say that in this interview, I was not allowed to ask questions. Strange, but that was the rule from the get-go. In fact, when he asked me the "special time" question, I did ask him "what do you mean by special time"; at which point, he quickly and somewhat roughly reminded me about the "no questions" rule. Maybe it is relevant that it is a big market-research/polling type company..
What would be a good response to “Do you like spending special time with coworkersâ€�
professionalism interviewing
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:45
Rhys
5,73623558
asked Jul 1 '12 at 1:34
Adel
3,571104180
Background: I was asked this in a phone interview. It took me by surprise, and I faltered here. I couldn't figure out just what to make of "special time" - unfortunately, that time I didn't get the job.
Let me also say that in this interview, I was not allowed to ask questions. Strange, but that was the rule from the get-go. In fact, when he asked me the "special time" question, I did ask him "what do you mean by special time"; at which point, he quickly and somewhat roughly reminded me about the "no questions" rule. Maybe it is relevant that it is a big market-research/polling type company..
What would be a good response to “Do you like spending special time with coworkersâ€�
professionalism interviewing
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:45
Rhys
5,73623558
asked Jul 1 '12 at 1:34
Adel
3,571104180
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:45
Rhys
5,73623558
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:45
Rhys
5,73623558
edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:45
Rhys
5,73623558
5,73623558
asked Jul 1 '12 at 1:34
Adel
3,571104180
asked Jul 1 '12 at 1:34
Adel
3,571104180
asked Jul 1 '12 at 1:34
Adel
3,571104180
3,571104180
3
Since that particular question is pretty nonsensical, I'm wondering if this question should really be "how should I respond when I do not understand an interview question?" Whether you misheard it or not in this case you clearly needed a better idea of what the interviewer meant to ask.
– Rarity
Jul 1 '12 at 15:41
28
"I was not allowed to ask questions. Strange, but that was the rule from the get-go" - And you think it's unfortunate that you didn't get the job? I might actually have walked out at that point.
– pdr
Jul 1 '12 at 16:11
2
Was English the interviewer's first language?
– Keith Thompson
Jul 1 '12 at 19:05
1
@KeithThompson - Yes it was.
– Adel
Jul 1 '12 at 21:15
add a comment |Â
3
Since that particular question is pretty nonsensical, I'm wondering if this question should really be "how should I respond when I do not understand an interview question?" Whether you misheard it or not in this case you clearly needed a better idea of what the interviewer meant to ask.
– Rarity
Jul 1 '12 at 15:41
28
"I was not allowed to ask questions. Strange, but that was the rule from the get-go" - And you think it's unfortunate that you didn't get the job? I might actually have walked out at that point.
– pdr
Jul 1 '12 at 16:11
2
Was English the interviewer's first language?
– Keith Thompson
Jul 1 '12 at 19:05
1
@KeithThompson - Yes it was.
– Adel
Jul 1 '12 at 21:15
3
3
Since that particular question is pretty nonsensical, I'm wondering if this question should really be "how should I respond when I do not understand an interview question?" Whether you misheard it or not in this case you clearly needed a better idea of what the interviewer meant to ask.
– Rarity
Jul 1 '12 at 15:41
Since that particular question is pretty nonsensical, I'm wondering if this question should really be "how should I respond when I do not understand an interview question?" Whether you misheard it or not in this case you clearly needed a better idea of what the interviewer meant to ask.
– Rarity
Jul 1 '12 at 15:41
28
28
"I was not allowed to ask questions. Strange, but that was the rule from the get-go" - And you think it's unfortunate that you didn't get the job? I might actually have walked out at that point.
– pdr
Jul 1 '12 at 16:11
"I was not allowed to ask questions. Strange, but that was the rule from the get-go" - And you think it's unfortunate that you didn't get the job? I might actually have walked out at that point.
– pdr
Jul 1 '12 at 16:11
2
2
Was English the interviewer's first language?
– Keith Thompson
Jul 1 '12 at 19:05
Was English the interviewer's first language?
– Keith Thompson
Jul 1 '12 at 19:05
1
1
@KeithThompson - Yes it was.
– Adel
Jul 1 '12 at 21:15
@KeithThompson - Yes it was.
– Adel
Jul 1 '12 at 21:15
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
26
down vote
accepted
Provided that requirement was not to ask questions (this sounds like interview for a job that does not require thinking), the right answer would be like:
I don't understand the question. If possible, please repeat.
Note there are no questions above, just as required. "Please repeat" part is added to make sure that you heard them right ("if possible") - based on discussion in comments there is a chance that question was misheard.
After making sure that the question was heard right ("if possible"), exactly as you spelled it, most reasonable answer would probably be like
I don't understand the question. I don't understand what "special time" means.
I'd recommend an answer like above because in the context of the question, term "special time" doesn't appear to have meaningful semantics.
I searched the web for this term and the only somewhat relevant definition I could find was at IBM Rational Portfolio Manager Help -> section Glossary of Terms:
Special time
    Non-standard working hours (overtime).
Per se, above definition makes some sense, but when put in the context of the question you have been asked, any shade of sense appears to fade away: “Do you like spending special time with coworkers?â€Â
Huh? Do I like spending overtime with coworkers?
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
answered Jul 1 '12 at 21:07
gnat
3,23273066
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I'd point out to them that it's not a question, you are just seeking clarification on their question to you.
If they remind you of "no questions" in that context, it's either a test or just stupid.
I'd politely ask twice what their question meant and if still refused more info, maybe say 'only if its truly "extra special" time with co-workers' and see how they respond. Maybe a little humor will help.
answered Jul 1 '12 at 20:15
Michael Durrant
9,68122856
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
You should have asked them to clarify what they meant, as pointed in the comments to your question. But, whatever they meant, I hold that a good response is an honest response.
Are you ready to give "good responses" and then get a job in a social environment you dislike? Would you be happy simply getting a job and spending the working day with resentment or apathy?
answered Jul 1 '12 at 15:36
drabsv
23118
They did ask for clarification, and was told 'no questions'.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 13:43
1
The author added those details additionally, after I posted my answer.
– drabsv
Jul 2 '12 at 15:57
my apologies. i did not notice that.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 16:00
add a comment |Â
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
26
down vote
accepted
Provided that requirement was not to ask questions (this sounds like interview for a job that does not require thinking), the right answer would be like:
I don't understand the question. If possible, please repeat.
Note there are no questions above, just as required. "Please repeat" part is added to make sure that you heard them right ("if possible") - based on discussion in comments there is a chance that question was misheard.
After making sure that the question was heard right ("if possible"), exactly as you spelled it, most reasonable answer would probably be like
I don't understand the question. I don't understand what "special time" means.
I'd recommend an answer like above because in the context of the question, term "special time" doesn't appear to have meaningful semantics.
I searched the web for this term and the only somewhat relevant definition I could find was at IBM Rational Portfolio Manager Help -> section Glossary of Terms:
Special time
    Non-standard working hours (overtime).
Per se, above definition makes some sense, but when put in the context of the question you have been asked, any shade of sense appears to fade away: “Do you like spending special time with coworkers?â€Â
Huh? Do I like spending overtime with coworkers?
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
answered Jul 1 '12 at 21:07
gnat
3,23273066
add a comment |Â
up vote
26
down vote
accepted
Provided that requirement was not to ask questions (this sounds like interview for a job that does not require thinking), the right answer would be like:
I don't understand the question. If possible, please repeat.
Note there are no questions above, just as required. "Please repeat" part is added to make sure that you heard them right ("if possible") - based on discussion in comments there is a chance that question was misheard.
After making sure that the question was heard right ("if possible"), exactly as you spelled it, most reasonable answer would probably be like
I don't understand the question. I don't understand what "special time" means.
I'd recommend an answer like above because in the context of the question, term "special time" doesn't appear to have meaningful semantics.
I searched the web for this term and the only somewhat relevant definition I could find was at IBM Rational Portfolio Manager Help -> section Glossary of Terms:
Special time
    Non-standard working hours (overtime).
Per se, above definition makes some sense, but when put in the context of the question you have been asked, any shade of sense appears to fade away: “Do you like spending special time with coworkers?â€Â
Huh? Do I like spending overtime with coworkers?
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
answered Jul 1 '12 at 21:07
gnat
3,23273066
add a comment |Â
up vote
26
down vote
accepted
up vote
26
down vote
accepted
Provided that requirement was not to ask questions (this sounds like interview for a job that does not require thinking), the right answer would be like:
I don't understand the question. If possible, please repeat.
Note there are no questions above, just as required. "Please repeat" part is added to make sure that you heard them right ("if possible") - based on discussion in comments there is a chance that question was misheard.
After making sure that the question was heard right ("if possible"), exactly as you spelled it, most reasonable answer would probably be like
I don't understand the question. I don't understand what "special time" means.
I'd recommend an answer like above because in the context of the question, term "special time" doesn't appear to have meaningful semantics.
I searched the web for this term and the only somewhat relevant definition I could find was at IBM Rational Portfolio Manager Help -> section Glossary of Terms:
Special time
    Non-standard working hours (overtime).
Per se, above definition makes some sense, but when put in the context of the question you have been asked, any shade of sense appears to fade away: “Do you like spending special time with coworkers?â€Â
Huh? Do I like spending overtime with coworkers?
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
answered Jul 1 '12 at 21:07
gnat
3,23273066
Provided that requirement was not to ask questions (this sounds like interview for a job that does not require thinking), the right answer would be like:
I don't understand the question. If possible, please repeat.
Note there are no questions above, just as required. "Please repeat" part is added to make sure that you heard them right ("if possible") - based on discussion in comments there is a chance that question was misheard.
After making sure that the question was heard right ("if possible"), exactly as you spelled it, most reasonable answer would probably be like
I don't understand the question. I don't understand what "special time" means.
I'd recommend an answer like above because in the context of the question, term "special time" doesn't appear to have meaningful semantics.
I searched the web for this term and the only somewhat relevant definition I could find was at IBM Rational Portfolio Manager Help -> section Glossary of Terms:
Special time
    Non-standard working hours (overtime).
Per se, above definition makes some sense, but when put in the context of the question you have been asked, any shade of sense appears to fade away: “Do you like spending special time with coworkers?â€Â
Huh? Do I like spending overtime with coworkers?
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
answered Jul 1 '12 at 21:07
gnat
3,23273066
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
1
answered Jul 1 '12 at 21:07
gnat
3,23273066
answered Jul 1 '12 at 21:07
gnat
3,23273066
answered Jul 1 '12 at 21:07
gnat
3,23273066
3,23273066
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I'd point out to them that it's not a question, you are just seeking clarification on their question to you.
If they remind you of "no questions" in that context, it's either a test or just stupid.
I'd politely ask twice what their question meant and if still refused more info, maybe say 'only if its truly "extra special" time with co-workers' and see how they respond. Maybe a little humor will help.
answered Jul 1 '12 at 20:15
Michael Durrant
9,68122856
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I'd point out to them that it's not a question, you are just seeking clarification on their question to you.
If they remind you of "no questions" in that context, it's either a test or just stupid.
I'd politely ask twice what their question meant and if still refused more info, maybe say 'only if its truly "extra special" time with co-workers' and see how they respond. Maybe a little humor will help.
answered Jul 1 '12 at 20:15
Michael Durrant
9,68122856
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
I'd point out to them that it's not a question, you are just seeking clarification on their question to you.
If they remind you of "no questions" in that context, it's either a test or just stupid.
I'd politely ask twice what their question meant and if still refused more info, maybe say 'only if its truly "extra special" time with co-workers' and see how they respond. Maybe a little humor will help.
answered Jul 1 '12 at 20:15
Michael Durrant
9,68122856
I'd point out to them that it's not a question, you are just seeking clarification on their question to you.
If they remind you of "no questions" in that context, it's either a test or just stupid.
I'd politely ask twice what their question meant and if still refused more info, maybe say 'only if its truly "extra special" time with co-workers' and see how they respond. Maybe a little humor will help.
answered Jul 1 '12 at 20:15
Michael Durrant
9,68122856
answered Jul 1 '12 at 20:15
Michael Durrant
9,68122856
answered Jul 1 '12 at 20:15
Michael Durrant
9,68122856
answered Jul 1 '12 at 20:15
Michael Durrant
9,68122856
9,68122856
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
You should have asked them to clarify what they meant, as pointed in the comments to your question. But, whatever they meant, I hold that a good response is an honest response.
Are you ready to give "good responses" and then get a job in a social environment you dislike? Would you be happy simply getting a job and spending the working day with resentment or apathy?
answered Jul 1 '12 at 15:36
drabsv
23118
They did ask for clarification, and was told 'no questions'.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 13:43
1
The author added those details additionally, after I posted my answer.
– drabsv
Jul 2 '12 at 15:57
my apologies. i did not notice that.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 16:00
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
You should have asked them to clarify what they meant, as pointed in the comments to your question. But, whatever they meant, I hold that a good response is an honest response.
Are you ready to give "good responses" and then get a job in a social environment you dislike? Would you be happy simply getting a job and spending the working day with resentment or apathy?
answered Jul 1 '12 at 15:36
drabsv
23118
They did ask for clarification, and was told 'no questions'.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 13:43
1
The author added those details additionally, after I posted my answer.
– drabsv
Jul 2 '12 at 15:57
my apologies. i did not notice that.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 16:00
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
You should have asked them to clarify what they meant, as pointed in the comments to your question. But, whatever they meant, I hold that a good response is an honest response.
Are you ready to give "good responses" and then get a job in a social environment you dislike? Would you be happy simply getting a job and spending the working day with resentment or apathy?
answered Jul 1 '12 at 15:36
drabsv
23118
You should have asked them to clarify what they meant, as pointed in the comments to your question. But, whatever they meant, I hold that a good response is an honest response.
Are you ready to give "good responses" and then get a job in a social environment you dislike? Would you be happy simply getting a job and spending the working day with resentment or apathy?
answered Jul 1 '12 at 15:36
drabsv
23118
edited Jul 2 '12 at 11:17
answered Jul 1 '12 at 15:36
drabsv
23118
answered Jul 1 '12 at 15:36
drabsv
23118
answered Jul 1 '12 at 15:36
drabsv
23118
23118
They did ask for clarification, and was told 'no questions'.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 13:43
1
The author added those details additionally, after I posted my answer.
– drabsv
Jul 2 '12 at 15:57
my apologies. i did not notice that.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 16:00
add a comment |Â
They did ask for clarification, and was told 'no questions'.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 13:43
1
The author added those details additionally, after I posted my answer.
– drabsv
Jul 2 '12 at 15:57
my apologies. i did not notice that.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 16:00
They did ask for clarification, and was told 'no questions'.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 13:43
They did ask for clarification, and was told 'no questions'.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 13:43
1
1
The author added those details additionally, after I posted my answer.
– drabsv
Jul 2 '12 at 15:57
The author added those details additionally, after I posted my answer.
– drabsv
Jul 2 '12 at 15:57
my apologies. i did not notice that.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 16:00
my apologies. i did not notice that.
– acolyte
Jul 2 '12 at 16:00
add a comment |Â
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3
Since that particular question is pretty nonsensical, I'm wondering if this question should really be "how should I respond when I do not understand an interview question?" Whether you misheard it or not in this case you clearly needed a better idea of what the interviewer meant to ask.
– Rarity
Jul 1 '12 at 15:41
28
"I was not allowed to ask questions. Strange, but that was the rule from the get-go" - And you think it's unfortunate that you didn't get the job? I might actually have walked out at that point.
– pdr
Jul 1 '12 at 16:11
2
Was English the interviewer's first language?
– Keith Thompson
Jul 1 '12 at 19:05
1
@KeithThompson - Yes it was.
– Adel
Jul 1 '12 at 21:15