Re: Number 1 mistake to not avoid during an interview

So why do people feel compelled to display about as much emotion as they do when filing their fingernails? Is this supposed to be "professionalism"?

I once intereviewed a candidate for a Unix Engineering position whom I asked if he wanted a cup of coffee. I thought that I was being nice and thought he'd loosen up a bit and after all what Unix professional doesn't drink lots caffeine on a constant basis?

His answer to me floored me. I expected maybe "yeah that would be great" or "no thanks I don't touch the stuff" or something like that. Nope! His answer to me was "No! I came to interview for a job not drink coffee and engage in small talk!"

Needless to say the interview did not progress too much further. I expect some social graces from co-workers...

Peter L. Berghold -- Unix Professional Peter at Berghold dot Net
	Dog trainer, dog agility exhibitor, brewer of fine Belgian style ales. Happiness is a warm, tired, contented dog curled up at your side and a good Belgian ale in your chalice.

Edit by tye, change /u to /ul

Comment on Re: Number 1 mistake to not avoid during an interview

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Re: Number 1 mistake to not avoid during an interview by Abigail-II (Bishop) on Sep 18, 2003 at 14:56 UTC
I once went for an interview were the interviewer was the one who wasn't comfortable to speak (he was a techie as well, and assigned to do the interview because he happened to visit a customer in Amsterdam, and that was cheaper than to fly me to London). The whole interview lasted 10 minutes, and that included ordering coffee. I remember the one technical question: Suppose someone comes to you saying they can't telnet to a certain box, what do you do?. To which I answered I'd go over and read the error message. I got the job. Abigail	[reply]
Re: Re: Number 1 mistake to not avoid during an interview by Jenda (Abbot) on Sep 18, 2003 at 15:23 UTC
When I am at an interview then coffee is a must. Or rather ... the mug is a must. When I started looking for job first I used to refuse coffee, I guess I was simply too nervous. Later on I found out that beeing the introvert I am I actually need the mug to hide behind. This may sound silly at first, but I don't have to worry what do I do with my hands since I hold the mug, if I need time to think about something I can sip the coffee to look occupied, and all in all I just feel safer. Jenda Always code as if the guy who ends up maintaining your code will be a violent psychopath who knows where you live. -- Rick Osborne Edit by castaway: Closed small tag in signature	[reply]
Re: Re: Number 1 mistake to not avoid during an interview by runrig (Abbot) on Sep 22, 2003 at 02:41 UTC
I once intereviewed a candidate for a Unix Engineering position whom I asked if he wanted a cup of coffee. I say if you drink the stuff, you may as well find out early on if what you'll be drinking day in and day out is palatable...then again, no matter how bad it is, I guess you'll get used to it...	[reply]