Think I heard the worst answer to a job interview question this morning

[Illustrious Potentate]

Dude interviewing for a foreman job at a different location. The company likes to pull a couple guys in leadership positions from the area to sit in on those interviews and tell the candidate what goes with that position and ask a few questions that HR provides us with.

This morning I was picked. 7:30 AM interview.

Candidate been with the company for 10 years.

HNIC at the location the job is for asks “What would you consider to be your most valuable asset as a foreman?”

The only answer anyone is looking for is something that means “the employees/workers/people”

This guy says “well, I guess the pit loader is the most expensive, but you can’t sell any product without a shipping loader”

The three of us sitting in on the interview all gave each a look that we all knew this guy probably wouldn’t be getting a follow interview with the area manager and big wigs.

I mean, if you’re going for most expensive, it’s the primary crusher. If you’re going for most essential to the operation, you’re not gonna have any rock on the ground to sell without the pit loader, haul trucks, crushers screens or conveyors. Dude was wrong on all counts

I have no way of knowing if he eliminated himself, but I’d say he’s gonna be stuck at his current position for a while

 

[ill]

technically his answer isn't wrong...

 

[NinerSpartan]

you shouldn't look down on your fellow neckbeard, chewy

 

[Deep Dish Pizza Goat]

I mean, if you’re going for most expensive, it’s the primary crusher. If you’re going for most essential to the operation, you’re not gonna have any rock on the ground to sell without the pit loader, haul trucks, crushers screens or conveyors. Dude was wrong on all counts

I mean, who didn't know...if you’re going for most expensive, it’s the primary crusher. If you’re going for most essential to the operation, you’re not gonna have any rock on the ground to sell without the pit loader, haul trucks, crushers screens or conveyors. Dude was wrong on all counts

 

[Illustrious Potentate]

I mean, who didn't know...if you’re going for most expensive, it’s the primary crusher. If you’re going for most essential to the operation, you’re not gonna have any rock on the ground to sell without the pit loader, haul trucks, crushers screens or conveyors. Dude was wrong on all counts

When the answer we’re looking for is the employees, naming any piece of equipment is dumb. Especially considering it’s a generic question asked at every interview for a leadership position

 

[rfjeff9]

It was an opinion question. He gave it. so in this case, he answered correctly.

He just has a shitty opinion.

 

[rfjeff9]

When the answer we’re looking for is the employees, naming any piece of equipment is dumb. Especially considering it’s a generic question asked at every interview for a leadership position

Maybe he was referring to the persons operating the machinery he listed.

Nah, he’s a dummy.

 

[ill]

When the answer we’re looking for is the employees, naming any piece of equipment is dumb. Especially considering it’s a generic question asked at every interview for a leadership position

I think you are being overly critical in saying he gave the "worst answer" though

 

[ill]

It was an opinion question. He gave it. so in this case, he answered correctly.

He just has a shitty opinion.

or his opinion doesn't match up with what management is looking for.

he isn't drinking the kool aid

 

[moxie]

When the answer we’re looking for is the employees, naming any piece of equipment is dumb. Especially considering it’s a generic question asked at every interview for a leadership position

I think it’s genius. Fuck those people! Get robots! An army of robots!

 

[Kburjr]

He obviously doesn't read company newsletters. It's right there in the letterhead.

 

[Illustrious Potentate]

I think you are being overly critical in saying he gave the "worst answer" though

Maybe, but I think when interviewing for a position where the employee performance is gonna be used to evaluate your performance, it’s pretty dumb.

 

[Deep Dish Pizza Goat]

When the answer we’re looking for is the employees, naming any piece of equipment is dumb. Especially considering it’s a generic question asked at every interview for a leadership position

Maybe you need to stop looking for answers and let the answers come to you.

 

[Illustrious Potentate]

I think it’s genius. Fuck those people! Get robots! An army of robots!

Might be on to something there, though one of those self operating drills malfunctioned and walk itself off a high wall in South GA a few weeks ago

 

[williewilliejuan]

Maybe you need to stop looking for answers and let the answers come to you.

Like a Jehovah’s Witness?

 

[Illustrious Potentate]

Maybe you need to stop looking for answers and let the answers come to you.

I didn’t ask the question. I was just sitting in on the interview.

 

[RobBase]

If he had told you his greatest asset was his stash of coke, he’d have that job right now.

 

[williewilliejuan]

If he had told you his greatest asset was his stash of coke, he’d have that job right now.

Doubtful. He’d likely have a knot on his head and a missing stash of coke.

 

[ill]

Maybe, but I think when interviewing for a position where the employee performance is gonna be used to evaluate your performance, it’s pretty dumb.

if the equipment isn't properly maintained and cared for, you can't get work done either.

 

[dikowt dowg]

Meh....the worst answer I ever got may have cost the lady a promotion. It was a deal breaker for me. The person I was hiring for this position would most likely be the person replacing me when I moved on so I needed vision as much as I need a skillset.

I asked why I should hire her over the other person that applied for the job. She knew him. Her answer was I probably should hire him because he had been there longer.

That answer removed her for consideration as far as I was concerned.