To want much better q's in job applications?

[massofmess]

Currently looking for work (groan) and getting fed up of filling in the same applications asking in minute detail exactly why I can meet the job description. Would love just one to ask something a bit more interesting and random, I would if I was an employer, really filter out the best applicants. I'd ask;

How many different types of Revels can you sort by sight alone? (Wouldn't even dream of employing someone who can't spot the chocolate and raisin ones, and one who could correctly sort an orange from a coffee would be up for interview straight away)

If you were allowed some secret internet time during work hours what site(s) would you end up on? (MN obv a winner, or anything quirky and interesting - anyone who answered just porn, Twitter or the Bounty website would be binned)

Using just what you have in your handbag/pockets/in this room how would you entertain a child for an hour?

What random questions/skills would you ask for?

Haha, what a great idea! No, YANBU. I totally get that. I think a good answer to a left-field, off-the-wall question or two would speak volumes about someone's ability to deal with the unexpected, be flexible, 'think outside the box' etc.

I think I would have a question about what you would do if required to present a 'party piece', if only to boast about my 3-ball juggling skills!

Good luck with your job hunt, btw!

I'm sick of "what makes you interested in this company?" and variants.

The money. Obviously.

Thanks Flatiron & Jessie - hate the 'standard approach' over and over, especially when I know I'd be good at the job but am not the best at writing essays about why.

Love the idea of a party piece, everyone's got one after all and it'd make it so much more interesting! My easiest would be turning my tongue upside down (hard to describe though!) - would be fun to be asked to in an interview!

Hate the 'what makes you interested' q too, with a passion! Are there really a lot of people thinking 'well the job's so fantastic I'd pay to work here if I could, don't worry about my salary'???

We had some odd qs on our application for my job, including if you had to get someone's name tattooed on you what font and why, what is your favourite song, and tell us something interesting. Was quite interesting

My husband asks some really random questions when he interviews people. He says they're specially formulated to test a different range of skills in each candidate. I think he's just taking the piss !

Sorry I would hate anything like that. I would spend hours agonising about what they are looking for in your answer.

Ha ha like your style!

What irritates me is where the company insists on an application form rather than a CV and then supply a form where most of the questions are totally irrelevant to the role.

This happened to me where I work now. An agent put my CV forward to the head of IT who immediately decided he wanted to interview me. I was interviewed by him and offered the job. Then HR insisted I also fill in the standard form which is used for everybody whatever their age or whatever role they are applying for. I don't really think the O level grades I got back in 1978 were really all that relevant to the job but hey - that's HR for you!

I'd make them do the timewarp, with music of course

Have you all worked for currys?!