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AIBU?

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Original poster

Taking an object to an interview

269 replies

Stickseas0n · 05/10/2024 09:21

Okay, where do I start
I've just had a job interview confirmed and they've asked me to bring an object that best reflects my personality 😂
Never heard of this before
What does one bring? 🤔
Not strictly an AIBU but can I have some ideas please!

OP posts:
GingerPirate · 05/10/2024 10:11

Mumteedum · 05/10/2024 09:28

Bring a tub of soil. Explain that you are very down to earth. And give them a Hmm to take the hint about their bullshit.

Very good.
Idk where the fucking world is going, but don't like it 😕

meganorks · 05/10/2024 10:11

TotalAbsenceOfImperialRaiment · 05/10/2024 09:50

I'd take an old-fashioned broom and say I travelled to the interview on it.

This, but that you can also shove it up your arse and sweep while you go about your other duties.

(My FIL used to say 'would you like me to shove a broom up my arse and sweep too' when my MIL started reeling of loads of jobs for him to do.)

HoppityBun · 05/10/2024 10:11

Stickseas0n · 05/10/2024 09:37

I have lots of experience in retail, Supervisor experience so I do think I'd fit in but I'm just stumped

Then the issue is not the object but you being ok with talking, so practise today. Pick up a random object and improvise about how it represents you. Talk about its shape, its colour, where it was made, why you have it in your house and find the link in what you have described to your own characteristics and personality. Then do it again with other objects. Start to notice the type of objects you like picking up for this exercise and the ones you’re not so interested in. Have a think about what the difference between them is.

Gotosleep91 · 05/10/2024 10:10

Agix · 05/10/2024 09:23

I'd take a pillow. I'm a sleepy lady.

I had a team day when I was 6 months pregnant and I took a picture of my pregnancy pillow 😂

betterangels · 05/10/2024 10:09

"Bring your whole self to work"

No thanks.

Giggorata · 05/10/2024 10:08

I don't mind this sort of interview nonsense.
It's something a bit different from the run of the mill boring interview questions and gives you the chance to be a bit creative and stand out.
(I might be influenced by having to do loads of interviews myself in my working life)

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 05/10/2024 10:06

Selford · 05/10/2024 09:28

Do you like dogs - could you take a (toy) labrador? They are friendly, reliable, happy to be busy so that would tie in with reflecting your personality. Bonus points if you own a labrador which is quiet enough to sit still during an interview!

But what if the interviewers are all dog-hating MNers?

InWithPeaceOutWithStress · 05/10/2024 10:05

I think taking an old gig ticket is a great idea, it's genuine that you love live music, and you can also bring in that you went with friends and you are a real people person who loves sharing experiences with others, so you can get those qualities across too.

Stravaig · 05/10/2024 10:04

Running shoes, to express and facilitate your response to such wankery?

Parry5timesbeforedeath · 05/10/2024 10:03

i hate this sort of bullshit. And it tends to be a sign of a workplace that expects your soul while treating you like shit IMO

MsInterpret · 05/10/2024 10:03

Stickseas0n · 05/10/2024 09:23

I'm a friendly person, get on well with everyone, reliable, will gladly be over worked 😂

Take a kettle.

Or other workaday household object.

betterangels · 05/10/2024 10:02

Is this a thing now? Makes me dread looking for a permanent position after freelancing.

I'm in the grain of sand camp.

viques · 05/10/2024 10:00

A magnifying glass to show your forensic attention to detail.

A roll of toilet paper to deal with the bullshit.

Alternatively take nothing. If they can’t gauge you from the interview they shouldn’t be the ones interviewing.

sanityisamyth · 05/10/2024 09:59

YorkshirePuddingsGreatestFan · 05/10/2024 09:31

Vibrator

Shows you're hard working, always buzzing about and keen to get stuck in.

Fucking brilliant!! 🤣

godmum56 · 05/10/2024 09:59

unless I REALLY wanted the job I would have no patience with this nonsense and I say that as someone who did loads of interviews as the employer before I retired.

tinglingallover · 05/10/2024 09:59

I'd take a photo of my family, favourite food or holiday destination!!

Slobberchops1 · 05/10/2024 09:58

Oh we did this when we interviewed for premier inn . I grabbed some berocca ,

RosesAndHellebores · 05/10/2024 09:58

I'd take a pot of foundation and explain it sums up my vanity and approach to self care.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 05/10/2024 09:57

As it's a seasonal position I'd take a Christmas Cracker.

If they ask how that best reflects your personality I would say
"Well you work it out smart-arse, you came with the stupid suggestion."

(Of course, it does depend how much you want the job...)

VioletCharlotte · 05/10/2024 09:56

If I really wanted the job, I would think about what attributes they're looking for.So for example, if you wanted to say you're calm and keep your cool when it's busy, you could maybe take some lavender oil. Or to say you're always full of energy, a Duracell battery.

It's an odd interview technique and I would roll my eyes at it, but it's fairly easy to do.

Choochoo21 · 05/10/2024 09:55

CoastalCalm · 05/10/2024 09:54

Maybe something seasonal to stress how much you love Christmas time and how happy it makes you and how you love to see people out and buying gifts , naff but might help you seem like a positive person for the role

Love this idea actually!

Choochoo21 · 05/10/2024 09:55

Oh God this puts me off from applying for any new jobs!

What is it with these work places trying to be cool and unique.
Just give me a normal interview!!!

I definitely wouldn’t take the Lego or jigsaw and explain how each different part is whatever… it sounds a bit naff tbh and unoriginal.

Remember they will also google the question to see if you copy other people or come up with your own idea.

I don’t know what I’d take perhaps a photo of me eg completing a race or of my dog.
Or perhaps an empty purse and tell them I need money so please hire me 😂

CoastalCalm · 05/10/2024 09:54

Maybe something seasonal to stress how much you love Christmas time and how happy it makes you and how you love to see people out and buying gifts , naff but might help you seem like a positive person for the role

Clingfilm · 05/10/2024 09:54

RocketPanda · 05/10/2024 09:25

I'd bring one single grain of sand because that would be the measure of patience I'd have to deal with such bullshit.

Absolutely superb 😁

Such a hard and subjective question, I have no idea what I'd take. something practical like a roll of tape. Or a copy of private eye (cynical and political) 😜

LouH5 · 05/10/2024 09:53

Maybe something like a pumpkin spice candle…say you’re warm and welcoming just like a candle, it also reflects your love of baking. Cheesy AF but I’d probably go down that sort of route!