Re: Interview Debacles (Fiascos, Problems & Mind Games)
You guys ended up with all kinds of situations. I don't have any such juicy stuff.
While interviewing candidates, I usually limit my technical questions to the education and experience of the candidate as stated in their own resume. One candidate wrote in his resume that he did a whole project (wrote a report) on the Enron collapse and pasted a brief synopsis about his report. I asked him what were his conclusion about the Enron issue. He gave a broad and mildly interesting answer. Considering the dude had come in to apply for a public accounting position, I asked him what did he thought about the role Andersen played in the Enron scandal, his response was "whats Andersen?". I clarified saying "Arthur Andersen" and he said "whats Arthur Andersen". Now those who know what I am talking about can empathize with me when I gave him a look that said "you must be kiddin' me!!". Asked him a few more questions about the connection, and he had no clue. Later in the day (presumably after spending some quality time with Google), he sent me an email apologizing for the gaffe and saying next time he will better prepare for an interview. I replied back that the least he can do is be prepared to answer questions on stuff that he has put in his own (bloody) resume. Needless to say, we didn't make an offer.
Any students out there who are or will apply for a job in the future. Please note. Only put stuff on your resume if you can talk about them. :)