Interview questions
I have 2 questions !! I was asked in one interview where my "moral compass" was ?!? Huh ? Ummm - my nightstand ? No, seriously that one really threw me. I usually interview very well. I'm in a market with a ton of jobs and dealing with stiff competition. That question put a deer in headlights look on my face but I thought I recovered quickly by explaining that I wasn't sure what they were asking !! No explanation was offered as to what they were looking for. Honestly I got so frustrated I basically took a psss on the question. Moral compass !? What the heck do you say ?? I'm a good person, I love children and animals. You're gonna do a background check and that's fine. Nothing to hide here. You're gonna do a drug test - no problem. I left knowing I'd never hear back. What kind of response are they looking for ??
Another one I've been asked often is "why should we hire you over all the other candidates"? I'm qualified or I wouldn't be sitting here. I'm loyal. Team player. Friendly, outgoing. If I didn't want this job I wouldn't be here. The jobs I'm interviewing for are clerical and Paraeducator jobs. These aren't the kind of jobs where I'm interviewing for a position to save the school district from destruction. The positions themselves are public service types. That's not to say that the position I'm interviewing for isn't important to educators, students and parents but what do you say to that question without sounding arrogant. At one point I simply pass the stack of reference letters to the person interviewing me and explained that my recommendations speak for how I operate as an employee. No luck there either :(
Moral compass- knowing and doing what is right...not getting it twisted with accepting what is wrong as being right(not by manmade standards).
Christina - My answer to the first question would have been "true north", next question. You're right that is an odd question and is on the borderline of being an EEOC violation. The question can be interpreted as leading the candidate to disclose their religious beliefs. The second question is very common, so you may want to come up with a strategy for answering. My advice is to leverage the question as a way to summarize your skills and fit for the position with quantifiable metrics from past performance. For example, "I reduced the number of open requisitions with my last employer by 30%, and if given the chance I believe I can do the same for your organization." Lean on hard quantifiable skills rather than soft skills like, "I'm a hard worker", or "I get along well with others". - KD
"Its in my interview survival kit"
When I think of claiming that I am a good person, I truly have to wonder. Am I good based on my own standards or society's; or Jesus's standards? Now, to better answer the question of where my moral compass is.Let's just say I don't compromise my relationship with the Lord and Savior of my life based on what or how everyone else does or thinks. This involves issues with abortion, same sex relationships, marriage vs. cohabitation, premarital sex and so forth. Basically, if I don't stand for what I know is right according to Jesus's standards, then I'll end up falling for everything that is foolishness. Having a right standing with God along with Godly character and His guidance makes for a great moral compass...knowing how to live life the way He intended.
Hi Christina - Thanks for sharing - especially the moral compass question - I'll be sure to add that to my "left-field" interview questions. I think as long as you try to align with the values that the co./organization has stated that they value - without of course mimicking or sounding completely absurd, that should satisfy the moral compass question. The "why you?" question - another subjective one (sometimes it's like selling your soul to the devil..) show what makes YOU stand A - Part from the pack. As you said, it's super competitive out there - regardless of the field/industry. BEST!
wow! I hate interviewing. Maybe you could have asked them what did they mean exactly? Your post was intriguing! Thanks!
Wow that's crazy I felt stupid when the warden had asked me a ques about inside the prison he asked me several times then they allasked me I was like I don't understand sir and I felt like I wasn't going to get the job. I got it but felt so stupid
Hi, Christina: Hoping that you are well and in a good spirit. As per ur first question I would say that integrity and honesty are very essential for the person. If you do something good it become the word of mouth and spread in the community very fast. if you are honest people give you the trust. slow and steady u built ur reputation and that's make a hell of difference. If you have (integrity, honesty and enjoy working at your place) then u become a symbol in the community.
The second question: I need a job and if I got the job, my all affiliation should be with the company and for it's betterment. I would work hard to prove myself worthy of company or employee's confidence. God bless u all. shahidsheikh301@yahoo.com
Ha, wow.... Moral compass gomma have to ask my friend woth executive status about that one!!
Dear Ms. Christina.
Ref; Two brilliant questions. Most likely someone answered it for you in the 311 comments.
Question #1. I'm sure you already know the person that ask such a question was very interesting. The question was a behavioral science question.
Question #2. Another brilliant question which I was asked years ago as well. Both questions require behavioral science responses.
Before you attend you next interview in the future, reach-out in advance, perhaps we can share the responses that they were looking for so you can get hired. (We know exactly what they were looking for.
I Believe You Can...!