Advice need, please

[AlfonsoTheUnrepentant]

I am posting in AIBU for traffic.

I recently interviewed for a position for which I am qualified and experienced. The interview went well until the last question when the interviewer asked how I would handle working in a highly politicised department with lots of office politics. Note: the role has nothing to do with politics in any way shape or form.

I have autism and don't engage in office politics and really don't understand them, so I was stumped and said something fairly banal like "I would do my best to understand the undercurrents in the office, would listen to everyone and use my judgement on how to handle tricky issues. If I was not at all certain, I would ask my line manager for guidance." There was dead silence from the panel of interviewers after my response.

Not surprisingly, I did not get the job. I asked both in the interview for feedback and followed up after the interview for feedback but never received a response.

Could some kind soul please advise me on how I could answer that kind of question?

Thank you!

I would have no clue how to answer that either OP and I'm NT and also keep out of any politics. I wouldn't have a clue what they were looking for in terms of a "correct" answer!!

You answered correctly x

Your answer sounds fine, certainly better than anything I could have said.

I think you gave the best possible answer. It’s neutral, diplomatic and sensible. Sounds like a text book answer to me. I doubt the person who got the job did so because they answered that particular question any better! X

Can't see anything wrong with your answer tbh.
I don't do office politics either so my answer would have been similar.
That I always tend to be neutral like Switzerland, can ignore venting, am good at mediating but at the end of the day, I concentrate on getting things done.

You dodged a bullet! How bad do office politics have to be for them to ask that as an interview question?! Your answer was definitely fine, but who would want to work in a crazy place like that

@XelaM

You dodged a bullet! How bad do office politics have to be for them to ask that as an interview question?! Your answer was definitely fine, but who would want to work in a crazy place like that

Yes, good point!

I would hate to work there, it sounds exhausting. Office politics are usually just people moaning about other departments/managers etc and I'd think it must have shit leadership if that's an accepted part of the office.

I can't see anything wrong with your answer?

Unless (because it did sound very formal) they're looking for someone a bit more 'chatty' and relaxed in personality, to fit better into the team?

Also, it may have nothing to do with the last question. It's annoying that they won't clarify.

Your answer seems fine to me. Sometimes people choose whom to appoint for some very strange reasons! Don’t lose heart - keep trying!

Blimey, what a question to drop on you. It's not what you expect to be asked at an interview.

Maybe 'I wouldn't let it distract me and I'd get on with my job' would be a good answer.

Goodness that’s a Fantastic answer for such an out of the blue question. I’ve never been asked anything like that. I also agree that you had dodged a bullet. It sounds like a toxic work environment.

I, too am struggling to see how your answer was 'wrong'

Thank you, everyone who responded! Your answers have been quite helpful.

Unless (because it did sound very formal) they're looking for someone a bit more 'chatty' and relaxed in personality, to fit better into the team?

That may be it. I am a little formal initially but once I get to know people I relax.

That I always tend to be neutral like Switzerland, can ignore venting, am good at mediating but at the end of the day, I concentrate on getting things done.

I hope you don't mind if I nick that in case the question arises again!

Very odd question. What do they mean 'a politicised office'?

I would have asked for more info before I answered, so they gave some examples or contextualised what they meant.

That may be it. I am a little formal initially but once I get to know people I relax.

To be fair, it's hard to be chatty and relaxed in a formal interview isn't it? Some people do manage though. It's unfair they won't give you feedback and you're having to second guess.

@hivemindneeded

Very odd question. What do they mean 'a politicised office'?

I would have asked for more info before I answered, so they gave some examples or contextualised what they meant.

Good point. I'll remember to do that if the occasion presents itself again.

I think you answered brilliantly. I would have struggled with that sort of question - it's really an odd one. And agree with others that if the question is a reflection of that particular work place, you have certainly dodge a bullet.

@NanooCov

I think you answered brilliantly. I would have struggled with that sort of question - it's really an odd one. And agree with others that if the question is a reflection of that particular work place, you have certainly dodge a bullet.

Thank you! That's very kind of you to say. And, on reflection, yes - the role was a bullet dodged.

Your answer seems absolutely fine and I agree that their question is a huge red flag. I hate to imagine what they could have been thinking of

Excellent answer. I’d hire you.

I think I’d probably have asked them for more clarification on what they mean because it’s a very opaque question.

Dodged a bullet there. I agree.

Thank you, both.

Asking for clarification is definitely a way forward, should I be unlucky enough to be asked the same question in another interview.