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What is the correct response to this interview question?

92 replies

DoesThisLookRight · 23/08/2019 21:36

It’s obviously not what I replied with but it’s been bugging me ever since as I can’t think of anything even vaguely acceptable.

Trying to get back into work as youngest will be starting school soon. I had an interview today for a job I didn’t particularly want but thought interview practice would be good. All going along fairly well, I thought until I’m asked ‘what would you say the worst thing you’d ever done is?’ I ask if they mean in a work capacity and interviewer 1 says ‘no, just in an overall capacity’ while interviewer 2 gives an expectant head tilt. For reasons I don’t fully understand I said ‘I’m a compulsive liar, everything on my CV and that I’ve just told you is a lie’ and then giggle. They both look at each other raise eyebrows and continue with the interview. I did try and tell them at the end that I was just joking but I think they’d written me off by then Blush.

I’ve spent the afternoon cringing and trying not to think about it. But what is the correct answer? I can’t think of anything you could say that wouldn’t make you look like a liar or a terrible person. Is that a normal interview question now? I was all practised for the ‘what are your strengths and weaknesses’ type questions but not ready to tell them the worst thing I’d ever done!

Also, if by any ridiculous miracle my interviewers are reading this thread - I was really nervous and I thought it was vaguely funny and infinitely better than actually telling you the worst thing I’d done.

OP posts:
IDontDrinkTea · 23/08/2019 21:39

God I have no idea. What a hideous question!

WarmSunBlueSkies · 23/08/2019 21:39

I think that was a brilliant answer to a really stupid question, so well done.

You didn't want the job anyway and yes, just see it as a warm-up for other interviews.

They sound like knobheads, sorry.

Blubluboo · 23/08/2019 21:39

OP this has made my day. I think that is the most ridiculous interview question ever, and I'm really happy that you answered it in that way. If they didn't laugh then more fool them because I'd have never have thought of that answer!

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Noonemournsthewicked · 23/08/2019 21:41

I think that's a perfectly reasonable answer to an absolutely batshit interview question.

RedRedBluee · 23/08/2019 21:41

Ridiculous question. I wouldn’t even want to work for them after that.

ISmellBabies · 23/08/2019 21:41

What a horrible question, what on earth could they be hoping for with that? Sympathy op, it's not you, it's them!

SouthWestmom · 23/08/2019 21:42

Was it question 5 - are you applying to work in a role with children, or similar?

www.reconstruct.co.uk/public/docs/materials/CornwallIslesScilly/Safer%20Recruitment/Guidance%20on%20Warner%20questions.pdf

DoesThisLookRight · 23/08/2019 21:43

Phew, glad it’s not a normal question! It was an interview for a call centre customer advice type job. They’d spent ages telling me that I needed to be friendly and able to give quick answers so maybe that’s why the weird questions? I don’t know. Glad you don’t all think I’m a complete tool for saying something stupid. I died inside a bit in that room, it was dreadful.

OP posts:
cashmerecardigans · 23/08/2019 21:43

It's just a really awful question. I think I might say something like I'm not really prepared to answer that specific question, can I ask what is it you are trying to learn about me?
I'd actually want to say I'm not prepared to answer that and I don't think I'd want to work for an organisation that thinks that's an appropriate question to ask!

EskewedBeef · 23/08/2019 21:43

What is the worst thing you've done?

I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours.

PhonicTheHedgehog · 23/08/2019 21:43

I wish I worked with you!

madeyemoodysmum · 23/08/2019 21:45
Grin
NoParticularPattern · 23/08/2019 21:45

“Apparently it was applying for this job...”

DoesThisLookRight · 23/08/2019 21:46

eskewed I went on a three day bender and ended up shagging Russell Brand. But I don’t think that’s the answer they were looking for.

OP posts:
MoltonSilver · 23/08/2019 21:47

The answer I'd want to give is 'none of your business' but I think eskes answer is better.

CrotchetyQuaver · 23/08/2019 21:48

If you ask a silly question, you'll get a silly answer.
God that was an awesomely fabulous silly answer, I wish I could give quick comebacks like that PMSL
GrinGrinGrinGrinGrin

31RueCambon · 23/08/2019 21:51

Ha ha, great answer to a stuuuupid question!

dun1urkin · 23/08/2019 21:51

I’d ask what relevance the question had to their assessment of my suitability for the role...

extremity1 · 23/08/2019 21:51

Worst thing I've ever done was...

  1. Come to this interview unprepared for that question
  2. Wore this outfit today
  3. Tried a new hairdresser
  4. Bean burritos and beer before a transatlantic flight

What a horrendous question and well answered.

Hopefully its in a creative sector and you've aced the interview x

onceandneveragain · 23/08/2019 21:52

Ooh I like noparticularpattern's answer! Hmm, if I was trying to be very professional (and had the wit to consider it whereas in reality I would probably just be Confused at what really is an utter wank question), I wouldn't even bother to clarify the in/out of work and just go straight into a work one, e.g. 'one time I [any example of a mistake made] but I then [ how you fixed it] and [what you learnt from it]''

I assume that is what they wanted, evidence of you being able to think quickly and turn the question around to something you can answer rather than really wanting to know your deepest darkest secrets. I bet they got some funny answers from people though! I would have been tempted to confess to a murder or something just to see how they'd react!

PegasusReturns · 23/08/2019 21:53

That's is an absurdly awful question. I can't even fathom the purpose.

I can only imagine it was anticipate you'd give some story of faux-awfulness where you emerged heroic and victorious. I can't think of an example but would imagine it reading something like this:

"The most awful thing I have done was falling in love with a man with a girlfriend. Whilst I loved him from afar, his girlfriend had a torrid affair with a mass murderer and joined him on his killing spree. I was there to heroically pick up the pieces and forgive the couple whilst supporting my now DH. We've since fostered 37 children".

honestly fuck knows - ridiculous!!

Oblomov19 · 23/08/2019 21:55

Russell Brand? ShockGrin

Time40 · 23/08/2019 21:55

That was a really great, quick-witted answer to a stupid and intrusive question, OP. If they have any sense they will offer you the job.

TooTrueToBeGood · 23/08/2019 21:56

Fucking unprofessional idiots. Interviews are not an opportunity to indulge in a game of truth or dare just because you've got a captive audience desperate for a job.

Time40 · 23/08/2019 21:56

Russell Brand?

I think she's probably joking (again)