Job interviews are the worst, can we all agree on this? We’ve already gone over what you need for a bangin’ resume and how to nail your interview, so let’s be honest here. We can stand in front of the mirror for a hour the night before a big interview practicing the answers to “what are your greatest strengths?” and the dreaded “tell me about yourself!” But will my problem solving skills and incredible attention to detail really tell you who I am?
Recently I was sitting in the lobby of a nonprofit organization waiting for my interview, straightening my blazer that was a little bit too small. I looked over my resume and thought about all the cool things I’d done in between my various office jobs: The people I’ve met, the TV shows I’ve yelled at, and the books I’ve fallen in love with. And sure, I can handle a copier like nobody’s business and my handshake is as firm as they come, but if you want to get to know me, here are 10 questions you should ask me in an interview:
1. What is your reaction to the fairly recent news that JK Rowling thinks Harry/Hermione would have made a better fit? How do you think this would have affected the dynamic of the trio or the integrity of Hermione’s character? On a scale from 1-10, how happy are you to have your favorite ship redeemed?
2. Discuss in great length your favorite A Song of Ice and Fire crackpot theories.
3. Let’s talk about The Wire. (There would be no follow up questions needed, because I’d launch into a 15 minute monologue about the year I spent in Baltimore and what makes The Wire the greatest TV show. You come at the king, you best not miss.)
4. What is your favorite Taylor Swift song and why?
5. Is living in DC really like House of Cards? Are you afraid to ride the metro?
6. Les Miserables. Which Broadway musical recording do you prefer? Original London? New York? International? Let’s compare and contrast the book, Broadway show and movie.
7. How do you like your tea?
8. Please recite The Prophecy from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix one more time, we’re so impressed that you can still do that even though it is 2014 and this information is no longer relevant.
9. Name your top five favorite books. What book changed your life? What book would you recommend to a friend?
10. The LOST series finale was a cop out. Discuss. (At which point I jump on the desk and start yelling about redemption and faith and Jack/Kate until someone escorts me out of the building, but that’s OK because who wants to work for someone who didn’t get the entire point of LOST anyway?)
So darlings, what questions would you like to be asked in an interview? Tweet us @litdarling!
This is so accurate and funny! Everytime someone asks me what my favorite book is in an interview I get all nervous and sweaty like this answer holds the key to life.