Comments on: Why “Punch Him in the Nose” Is NOT a Good Job Interview Answer

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:04:10 +0000

Good question Mallory. Unfortunately a full answer is basically a course in management & leadership skills as well as effective people-handling skills. Let’s just say a person qualified for the position Jacques was interviewing for should have learned that punching someone in the nose within an organizational environment (or probably anywhere) would not only be ineffective at influencing behavioral change (beyond the moment), but it would most likely get him/her fired and be prosecutable in a criminal court.

That’s why the real skills of a truly successful business career are found in what you say, how you say it, whom you say it to, and most of all managing your emotional intelligence & conflict resolution skills. You’ll note boxing and kung fu are not part of the requirements for an MBA. Although come to think of it…they do teach about patience, learning about and respecting your opponent, and working hard to turn your strongest abilities into an art form. All useful in business skills.

~ Ronnie Ann

By: Mallory

Mallory — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:35:13 +0000

So what’s the answer to that question though? If the people on top keep telling you you’re wrong even though you’re probably right…what do you say to them? Or at least what do you say you’d say in an interview after being asked that question? I’m curious because I’m just starting out and probably don’t have the experience to know what a right and wrong answer that would be…of course I don’t have to be in business long to know not to say what that guy said…but what’s a good solid answer that the interviewer, in this case you, is looking for?

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:20:17 +0000

Hi Susan!

Thanks for the story. Just amazing. This guy was sure he was selling a concept you couldn’t resist, but he made the most serious mistake any salesman – or interviewee – can make…not listening!

By: Susan Ireland

Susan Ireland — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:12:56 +0000

I needed someone to work on my website, so after reviewing several candidates via email, it came down to a few people I wanted to interview by phone. One guy had basically the same answer to every question I asked, “Yes, we can do it for $5 an hour.” No matter what I asked, the answer was basically the same. Between his low-ball figure (which was obviously because the work was to be done outside the country) and his inability to hear my real question about my technical concerns, his interview was over in about five minutes. Of course I wanted a good price, but $5 an hour told me I was going to get crap.

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:08:29 +0000

Hah! These are great Dan G. Thanks for sharing both sides of the interview table with us.

Bummer that first interviewer was so close-minded, but clearly you went on to do very well without that job. I always see these interviews as 2-way streets. You lucked out since the first company probably wasn’t for you anyway. Still laughing at the MBA candidate’s painfully naive response. Ouch. Hope he wised up eventually.

Thanks again for the terrific stories, Dan G!

By: Dan G

Dan G — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:56:22 +0000

OK… one from each side of the table.

Way back when I was an EE/CS double major, I had a case interview with a major computer company. The interviewer described the technical details of the case and, clearly, had not noticed the breadth of my training. So, when she finished with “Any questions?” my response was, “Would you prefer a hardware or a software solution?” Instead of an appreciation for my potential versatility, the tone of her voice when she answered, “Software of course.” told me the interview had ended.

Years later, I was interviewing MBA candidates for a position in corporate strategy at a large industrial company. As part of the interview, I always tested the candidate’s resourcefulness at getting information critical to validating a strategic analysis. (It’s not just how you solve the case… but how you’d get the information to solve it!) When I asked one candidate how he’d get certain market information, he responded, “Well, I’d just have a junior analyst look it up for me.” Dude… when you’re interviewing for an entry role (no matter how senior), YOU are the junior analyst. Interview over.

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:41:14 +0000

Hi Terry B! Great story. Good example how loose lips can sink ships. Job interviews are not places for flip remarks. Not that we aren’t tempted sometimes!

Hi Muse! Hah! yes. That must be it. And there are times we can use a university bouncer! As for the mileage question…sheesh! I’m not sure I could have kept myself from laughing out loud. Just reminds me how much people need help with things those of us who have been around for a while take for granted.

I know I owe you a visit. Will try to pop by soon.

By: MusEditions

MusEditions — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:39:59 +0000

When I read your post title, I thought you must be speaking metaphorically. Oh, my!
I was once asked “Do I get mileage?” when interviewing a candidate for a receptionist’s position. Which involved no driving.
Perhaps your interviewee got mixed up and thought he was interviewing for University Bouncer?

By: Job Interview Guide

Job Interview Guide — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:19:41 +0000

Carear, Job Search and Job interview Blog Carnival – 2nd edition…

Welcome to the June 30, 2009 – 2nd edition of Carear, Job Search and Job interview Blog Carnival.
……

By: Terry B

Terry B — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:44:40 +0000

I was once interviewing an art director for a job at the ad agency where I worked. I explained that while we tried to maintain a good work/life balance, there were occasional long hours. When I asked if that would be a problem, he answered, “Depends on the salary.” For me, the interview was over then. The salary is what you use to decide whether or not you will take a job, not how hard you’ll work at it. The hapless art director realized his faux pas pretty quickly, I think, and later tried to back pedal, expressing great enthusiasm for the potential job, but I had already moved on at that point.