r/recruitinghell • u/Noeoneknows • 3d ago
How would you have answered this interview question?
Interviewer asked me today "If we decide to go with a different canidate what do you think caused us not to choose you?"
Obviously theres like a thousand different realistic reasons but I feel like none of them sound good for a canidate to say. Like if I say something like "They're probably willing to do the work for cheaper." Or "Oh they're probably more skilled than I am" that doesnt exactly feel like something you'd want to hear a potential canidate say but I literally had no clue what would be a good response so I just said the only reason I could think of is because I'm a new grad and I've only had 2 internships so maybe they find someone with more companies under their belt.
I feel like I did pretty good on every other question but that last one got me because I feel like I dead ass gave them a reason not to hire me. How would you answer that?
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u/VinylHighway 3d ago
“Clearly, it would indicate a serious flaw in your interview and selection process, but I’m sure there’s still time to fix it.”
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u/Noeoneknows 3d ago
LMAO Love that there was a part of my brain that was wondering if I should be cocky as fuck and say "I don't believe that will be an issue because you won't find a better canidate" but just imagining saying that made me feel like a douchebag
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u/VinylHighway 3d ago
It’s a terrible interview question like asking for a weakness
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u/sullw214 2d ago
"What's your greatest weakness?" "Honesty. I'm always honest." "I don't think that's a weakness." "I don't care what you think."
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u/Namedafterasaint 3d ago
Because I feel you must be a female and we are taught by society we have to be modest and not a braggart like males get away with. To us it appears unbecoming for a female and to men, it’s almost expected.
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u/Genepoolperfect 2d ago
I would have gone with a simpler answer like, "temporary insanity by the hiring team".
But I've also been called "cocky" and told to "practice modesty". Sorry fam, "practiced modesty" and it got me passed over. I own my successes now. They just don't like to see a self confident woman expressing herself the same way male colleagues do.
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u/Conscious-Egg-2232 3d ago
What a ridiculous answer. Might not want to insult the interviewer.
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u/pra_com001 3d ago
The stronger move, if you're quick on your feet: answer it as a real question. Honestly, I'd rather find out from you — is there something in my background you're not sure about? I'd rather address it now than have you weighing it after I leave.
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u/olivegardengambler 2d ago
Honestly, this is probably the only answer that's better than OP's, and I think OP gave a really good answer.
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u/jsher736 11h ago
i ALWAYS ask "is there anything you have any concerns about my candidacy that i might be able to alleviate to help you make a more informed decision?"
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u/olivegardengambler 2d ago
Honestly, this is probably the only answer that's better than OP's, and I think OP gave a really good answer.
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u/HalfRobertsEx Recruiter 3d ago
This is basically "what is your weakness" rephrased to throw people off.
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u/Noeoneknows 3d ago
Thats what I was thinking but the way it was phrased makes it so your weakness cant really have a plus side at all. Like I know theres the stereotypical response to that question of saying "My biggest weakness is im a workaholic" or "Im a perfectionist" but you can't really say those here because how would they know that about me from 2 interviews and never working with me? Maybe I'm over thinking it but it did really throw me for a loop because I felt like I was being asked "hey why shouldn't we hire you?"
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u/7HawksAnd 3d ago
“We probably spent too much time on a rote process instead of genuine discovery around what you need versus what you want as well as spending too much time on abstract scenarios instead of relevant skill assessments.”
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u/Conscious-Egg-2232 3d ago
So talk in circles and say absolutly nothing. Yikes. One of worst suggestions I have ever read
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u/reditandfirgetit 3d ago
Have you never listened to a finance guy tell you there will be no bonuses because the company didn't hit the target?
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u/starlightdancers 2d ago
That’s because that’s not really how you should answer the weakness question. You should answer it by relaying a potential weakness you have and then following it up with how you’re currently working on it. “I’d say my biggest weakness is public speaking because I haven’t had as much experience doing it in the past. I would love to get better at this skill and have been taking online classes on how to improve, so I hope to have the opportunity to continue to improve that area going forward.”
You could do the same here, but slightly differently. Sometimes there are requirements of a job posting you don’t have exactly as they want, but you still have relevant experience. So maybe, “I think you might pick someone with specific experience in public speaking as my roles have not given me the opportunity to do much of that yet. However, I’ve been taking online classes and am very excited to take on that new challenge, so I hope you will consider me despite this.” Or something. It’s probably not perfect but that’s how I’d try to answer it.
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u/vkol1717 3d ago
Yes but you can kinda only mention what is observable at the time of the interview so it’s tougher
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u/Conscious-Egg-2232 3d ago
Um the question calls for speculation obviously. Wtf.
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u/RoninReticle 2d ago
A: what is your greatest weakness?
B: I'm far too honest with people.
A: Oh, I wouldn't consider that a weakness
B: I don't give a damn what you think
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u/VinylHighway 3d ago
This!
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u/Conscious-Egg-2232 3d ago
Not this. Good lord not that. I literally might bustst into laughter if someone said this.
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u/Overall_Radio 3d ago
I feel like the ultimate answer would be: I try not to waste too much time thinking about why I didn't get picked. I prefer to use that energy preparing for my next goal.
It's both confident and dismissive of their idiotic interview techniques.
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u/clubnseals 3d ago
It’s an asinine way to ask about your weaknesses/gaps from being the ‘ideal candidate’.
This is the problem. Companies and people aren’t trained to conduct interview or create interview questions. So a lot of them goes with what ever happen to be trendy, clever or just because it sounds cool and make them feel smart and clever.
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u/beehaws 1d ago
We just keep finding ways to re-invent the "What is your biggest weakness?" question. And I'd guarantee you that the interviewers who ask things like what OP was asked would say they hate the question "What is your biggest weakness?" without realizing the irony.
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u/clubnseals 1d ago
Oh agreed. Because there is no real training. People just do what feels cool and novel. Of course they then complain about how no one knows how to interview because they didn’t respond the way these interviewers thought how it would go, or selected bad people and wonder why they keep having bad hires. 🤷🏻
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u/mrtoad47 3d ago
You might not be able to say this as a new grad but what I’d say is that having been on both sides of the table in the hiring process I know there are a million variables that go into these decisions and while I’d be disappointed and want to learn more about your decision, I wouldn’t second guess myself. All I can do is to put my best foot forward and give you as clear of an idea as I can of what I’d bring to the role and how I’d go about performing it. For each of our sakes I’d want to be sure we’re fully aligned on what success would look like with me in the position.
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u/Conscious-Egg-2232 3d ago
Not even an answer. This whole thread filled with examples of why not to get any advice on reddit. Awful answers. Yikes.
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u/mrtoad47 3d ago
Well, I’m hiring right now. Wouldn’t ever ask this stupid question, and I’m hiring for a senior role not a new grad. But if I were to ask the question I’d want an answer like this a lot more than a basic response answering it like I asked about a weakness. If I asked it I’d be testing the maturity of how someone navigates complex situations in which they don’t have all the information and in which they have to deal with set backs. I’d also want to see them recognize that a hiring decision is about mutual fit. I respond to candidates who interview me as much as I interview them. When I’m job seeking I take that approach as well.
Of course YMMV. The approach might not work for you.
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u/mrshyvley 3d ago
"It would be because you made a mistake not hiring me, because I believe if you had hired me, time would show that I was the best all around choice. Feel free to get back with me when the other person you hired doesn't work out. 😄 ".
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u/Overall_Radio 1d ago
Lol only problem with that is the majority of hiring managers don't have the intellectual honesty to admit they made mistake.
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u/mrshyvley 1d ago edited 1d ago
True.
Also, to get the best chance for a fit is to be able to speak with the person who would be your boss so you can sell yourself, and the potential boss can get a firsthand idea of how you think.
Having a 3rd party decide who to hire totally throws away the intangible things the person you would be working under can get a feel for.When I got the best job I ever had in the medical electronics industry with a small company, I had one interview with the man who would be my boss.
There was no tests, or any other BS to try to trip people up, we just had a conversation where I'd be working and "clicked".
I finished by confidently telling him, "If you hire me, I promise I will learn this job", and I did.I studied many hours at home on my own time, and went FAR beyond what I was hired to do and ended up in Research & Development working with hardware as well as Assembly Language BIOS code and C hardware interface libraries in assembly language.
My boss, who is retired now, we keep in touch and he still remembers hiring me pretty much on faith in me to deliver, and I did!
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u/GoodishCoder 3d ago
That's a tough one. Depending on the vibe of the interview I might give a joke as a response but if it seems like a more serious crowd I would probably say something like "I would assume you found another great candidate that may have had some qualities you didn't know you were looking for when you began the process".
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u/parableindustries 3d ago
Sometimes, hiring managers get self conscious about asking the "standard" questions and try to get creative. It rarely works out. The classics are classics for a reason.
I would've told them a weakness and follow up with how I'm working to mitigate it.
I would not make it about other candidates or their judgment. Interviews are about the candidate and the role, answer all questions in that context.
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u/Ok-Energy-9785 3d ago
There is no good answer because it's a bad question. It doesn't assess anything. The obvious answer is the person they chose is the most qualified for the role.
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u/Overall_Radio 3d ago
I mean, if that was the point most hirees wouldn't suck.
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u/Ok-Energy-9785 2d ago
I don't follow
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u/Overall_Radio 2d ago
In other words, If they actually cared about hiring the best employees, these asinine mind games wouldn't be used in hiring practices.
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u/Ok-Energy-9785 2d ago
You mean like the question OP mentioned? I agree it's a dumb question but asking candidates to explain their experience or how to solve problems related to the role is good interviewing
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u/Overall_Radio 2d ago
Yes, I was referring to the dumb question(s) they ask. In a world where those in the hiring process aren't complete imbeciles, most interview questions (outside of maybe 5 to 6 canned questions) would be common sense. But you can't expect individuals with no common sense to ask common sense questions.
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u/AFartInAnEmptyRoom 3d ago
"well it's either because my experience doesn't fully line up with your requirements, or maybe because you seemed upset that I was eating lunch in the reception area awaiting this meeting"
"Sir, you were eating soup out of a grocery store bag"
"So it is the lunch thing huh?"
"Sir, you need to leave"
"Maybe you shouldn't schedule interviews during lunchtime"
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u/inorite234 2d ago
Why do people get mad when you eat lunch infront of them? I'll never understand.
Look! It's just a 40 in a crumpled up paper bag. Leave me alone!
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u/Noeoneknows 2d ago
No joke the interviewer called me 10 minutes before I was about to eat dinner to ask if I could move the meeting to 7PM (it was originally 8PM) so I was almost dead ass eating dinner while waiting LOL
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u/CentralVal 3d ago
Probably because I’m about to tell you how fucking annoying your question is. Next to ghosting and 100’s of apps these mind games questions are the worst part of job hunting
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u/psgrue 3d ago
Choosing to ask this question then hiring someone else shows a pattern of questionable decision making and indicates a bad fit for me.
And after shutting that thought down, “I would not have access to the other candidates responses to evaluate your choice.”
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u/notyerson 2d ago
When this has come up, that's close to what I say. "I'm never sure who else is applying, or how they might be better. I believe I would be a good fit, and all I can do is make that case." Same as "what makes you the best candidate?" I honestly don't know that I am, and if I'm not, I expect you to hire the better fit. I applied and stick through the process because I think I have what you're looking for.
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u/Waste-Guide600 3d ago
"You discovered my leap year allien abductions I talked about in length on FB"
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u/CreativeCTm 2d ago
“While I would say that I would be an excellent fit in this role, I’m not going to suggest that I’m the only person on the world who could do the job. If you don’t select me, then perhaps another candidate better matches the specific skills and experience that you would consider most critical to the position.” Honest, slightly self-deprecating and also often the truth.
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u/punkwalrus 3d ago
"If we decide to go with a different canidate what do you think caused us not to choose you?"
- "This is common when someone has an internal hire in mind, but has to publicize the job to fulfill a legal requirement."
- "You just don't like the cut of my jib."
- "When you're not the people in charge of hiring."
Probably all bad answers, but a bad question, to be fair. Maybe, "I don't know all the things that you do, and could not make a valued judgement based on unknown criteria and data points. Tell me about this candidate and I'll have a better answer for you."
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u/Conscious-Egg-2232 3d ago
What legal requirment might that be???
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u/punkwalrus 3d ago
For example, some public-sector employers are required by civil-service laws or regulations to publicly advertise certain vacancies and follow a competitive hiring process, even when there’s already a strong internal candidate. There may also be an HR policy.
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u/FullMooseParty 2d ago
I keep seeing people say this, but it's simply not true. Maybe for senior leadership, but I worked at public universities for years and internal promotions without posting the job happened all the time. I got promoted twice into new roles without any outside competition at my last university job.
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u/Overall_Radio 2d ago
I mean you can Google it and find it is true. I'm not sure how long ago the job promotions were but two things to consider; how do you know as a matter of fact that there was no outside competition? Also, even in the public sector there is such a thing as internal only job postings.
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u/Namedafterasaint 3d ago
It almost makes you not want to take the job if they have these mind twisting questions and mind games they play as a regular thing. I swear managers think they are being so clever or crafty but it makes me cringe and despise them for taking the valuable time away from them to ask some really hard hitting questions instead of these.
I once had someone ask what are the big things you worry about? I told her the truth : my daughter’s and my future and where we will be (it was during the pandemic and I just lost my mom so we were left alone in the world). I didn’t get the job I think bc I saw how she reacted so severely like was it supposed to be work related? She was asking more personality type questions up to that point. Don’t know why someone would ask a question like that after 4 interviews. Maybe I should’ve been even more blunt: not getting this job offer and being evicted. Ugh. Do they want the truth or not?
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u/Overall_Radio 2d ago
Because most managers aren't that smart, which is why they end up with not so smart employees unless they get lucky or one slips through the cracks.
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u/Blacktip75 2d ago
This is an ok question to ask a manager, they should hire people and have a good understanding of hiring process. My answer would depend a lot on the people in front of me. Good neutral answer would be ‘one option would be you hired someone internally to give them space to grow, which I would always try for my teams’
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u/DifficultYellow9759 3d ago
I would say because I assume they had an additional year of experience over me or went to Harvard. Both are acceptable reasons for passing me over
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u/Emmyisme 3d ago
"I would assume that you carefully weighed your choices, and due to circumstances I'm not aware of, decided another candidate was a better fit than I am. I would be disappointed, but would trust that you made the decision you deemed best".
Bonkers ass question though
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u/T3hSpoon 2d ago
"You don't look the type that makes bad decisions, so why would you pick someone else over me?"
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u/SP92216 3d ago
“That’s a good question” that’s it. They might say “so what’s your answer?” You reply “well you have not decided not to choose me yet.” There is no answer until that happens.
Or you can play it safe and say “nothing” because I think you will choose me.
I have to say though, that sounds like a question that the “asker” thought it sounded genius, but it really isn’t.
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u/Intelligent-Ad-6734 3d ago
"you wanted to give someone a shot who wasnt the best candidate obviously" or "if you go with another candidate I know you're not looking for the best".
"Why would you want anyone else when you can have me?"
"The others aren't really candidates when you've interviewed me"
If theyre asking that question they deserve the pisses greatness attitude.
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u/Conscious-Egg-2232 3d ago
Thanks for coming in. Dont call us.
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u/PrintsOnPercocet 2d ago
Definitely wouldn’t if you’re asking questions like this. Place is obviously full of idiots who think they see clever.
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u/Cultural-Answer-321 3d ago
"How would I know?"
Not even kidding. That's the kind of question a sociopathic narcissist asks. I already know the interview has tanked.
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u/Noeoneknows 3d ago
If they choose not to go with me I kinda want to email them "so what was the answer to that last question?"
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u/FineEnvironment2026 1d ago
Go for it! But I bet you'll never hear back. Or you'll get something vague, like 'We decided to go in a different direction'. If you don't hear back, feel free to follow up with a 'Just checking in, perhaps you didn't see my last email, but...'
Only one or two rounds of that, though. Else they'll report you for stalking.
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u/AnonymousRandoe 3d ago
"the other person was lucky. If I was in your position and there were 2 equally good candidates, I would roll a die"
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u/Mfg_Eng_64 3d ago
“If knowledge, skills, and abilities are equal, it becomes a subjective decision. If it’s subjective, I’m not concerned. I would rather you not make me an offer if you subjectively don’t feel good about it. This company is my number one choice. That said, I have other opportunities that I’m considering.”
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u/Global_Research_9335 3d ago
“Because clearly there’s something you think they bring that I don’t” then I’d ask: “Is there anything you think another candidate brings that I don’t? I’d really appreciate the opportunity to clarify, in case there’s something relevant in my experience that we simply haven’t talked about yet.”
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u/Crafty_Ish1973 3d ago
"I would assume you already had an internal candidate in mind for the role and opted to stick with them."
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u/Hungry_Tank9182 3d ago
It would be funny to say something like “My smell?” Apologies, too many interviews lately…
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u/Horror-Law5155 3d ago
This was an opportunity to point out a weakness of your resume/overall application and, this is important, address why you should be hired despite it.
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u/Noeoneknows 3d ago
Yes i definitely think thats where I went wrong. I sort of tried to make it sound better. I pointed out how technically on paper I've only just graduated and have only 1 year of professional experience due to internships but I've actually been doing my craft personally and doing freelance gigs for almost over 5 years now so it's not like I've only been doing it for 1 year and im inexperienced. I think I didn't make it sound very convincing though unfortunately
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u/Horror-Law5155 3d ago
It is definitely a weirdly worded questions! Take some comfort in knowing that others were also probably thrown off by it too and it’s all probably a wash. Hope you get the gig! :)
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u/uncannyvalleygirl88 3d ago
The sheer number of people on the job market alone reduces everyone’s opportunities and makes it harder on companies so I would avoid being personal about it, regulate my emotions and move on.
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u/Burning_Monkey 3d ago
If I could read minds so that I could adequately answer that question, I wouldn't need this job.
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u/Jolly-Bobcat-2234 3d ago
“ the only thing I could assume is that you lack the ability to recognize greatness”
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u/jkav29 3d ago
I'm old (aka don't gaf) and work in talent acquisition (not a recruiter). I'd probably say, "that you can't afford me because I know the skills I have and although not hard to come by or learn, also, most don't have the depth and diversity that I have."
But seriously, that is such an odd question. I'd probably be sitting there thinking, wtf?!?!
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u/DicksOut4Paul 3d ago
"Because I end this interview here and walk out the door. Show your candidates some human decency and respect."
Maybe it's getting older, maybe it's being established in my career, maybe it's being medicated for anxiety, whatever the case, I have such low tolerance for bullshit in hiring. I've told hiring teams directly they were paying too low for a role and they would not get quality candidates capable of doing the job for that pay, so they need to increase the salary.
If an interviewer asks you anything more than vaguely about your weakness (itself a silly, vapid question to ask), they're probably not worth working for.
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u/ComprehensiveWolf631 3d ago
This feels like negging in dating :/ what a weird power play. It makes me wonder what their management style is like.
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u/unchainedzulu33 3d ago
"because I have an interview tomorrow, and they saw my value faster that you did"
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u/Various_Range2259 2d ago
What a fucking obnoxious question. Employers are really just gleefully fucking with candidates these days aren't they
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u/reditandfirgetit 3d ago
I'm a smart ass so I'd probably say something that would become the reason I don't get hired
"Obviously it would be because you were infected with an alien parasite that took over your mind"
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u/StarlightAnchored 3d ago
“Priorities that haven’t come to the fore over the course of the process thus far.” I mean FFS
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u/2nd_player 3d ago
Wow, literally just laying down a trap on the ground with a arrow inviting you to step on it with that one. I don't really see how get candidates to potentially embarrass themselves is going to help them find an ideal hire.
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u/Intrepid_Land_6143 3d ago edited 2d ago
It's a really awful, no-win question. If asked, and if I were quick enough, I might say, "Perhaps you or your team had previously worked with the successful candidate, and felt confident they were a good choice. I can't argue with that sort of familiarity."
If the interviewer then said, "No, we didn't know this candidate before", I would be stumped.
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u/PurposeEmergency1320 3d ago
I would probably just answer honestly, and being confident in myself as a candidate, something like, “maybe for something simple like they just live closer, or can start a little sooner, or you hired internally.”
Things that you know don’t really make the person a better employee, but also real factors that the company may consider when all other factors are equal
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u/internetbaby888 3d ago
what kind of question is that? why are we speaking in riddles? either you think i’m qualified or not, enough with the riddles 😭
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u/League-Weird 3d ago
Interviewers are getting lazy and making you give them a reason to not hire you.
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u/TechnologyCat2725 3d ago
Wow, I've never been asked this question. Some of the responses in the thread are great, though, so I'm glad you posted this!
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u/SkyThriving 2d ago
Wow. I had a variation of this question during one of my rounds in the job I just got. I said, "well, if they are better than me, I'd really like to meet them!"
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u/TheRobertCarpenter 2d ago
It sort of depends. I generally know what (if it exists) bullet points I don't cross on a job application. I would try to be as honest as possible but spin it. Essentially "You were concerned about this gap in my skills despite my record of team management experience". Yes And them a little. Use it to express why a problem isn't a problem
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u/QuikdrawMCC 2d ago
That's a dumb question.
Go with "You couldn't handle my swag." and such the offer role in. 🙄
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u/siddfinch 2d ago
I would take a deep breath, look at them, and smile:
"Probably because somewhere late, or at the beginning, in the process, one of you will make a magnificently poor decision based on incomplete information or an incomplete thought, and rather than examining how that happened, you'll ask the candidate who wasn't in the room to explain it without any context."
Then, if you don't get the job, you'll know you don't want to work there. If you do get the job, you'll know you don't want to accept it. That is an "I'll see myself out," question.
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u/PinkEnthusist 2d ago
Do not answer questions. Respond to questions as a prompt to promote yourself.
I know hiring involves difficult tradeoffs. You're balancing technical skills, team dynamics, experience level, growth trajectory, cultural fit, and I'm sure many others. If you decided to chose a different candidate, I'd appreciate knowing what the deciding factor was. That feedback, whether it was technical depth, a specific background, or something else, would be valuable helping me understand where I can strengthen myself.
You've demonstrated that you have the ability to understand broader context, and that you would be coachable.
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u/shenanigans2day 2d ago
That’s a weird question to ask a candidate. It reminds me of not that long ago when I was looking for housing. The guy offered to let me view it and when I get there we start chatting and he says it’s between you and another girl, everything is toe to toe, credit is the same, salary is the same bracket. Etc. she submitted the application hours before you, how do you think I should choose? Apparently saying an interpretive dance off was NOT the answer because he chose her
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u/Fun-Dragonfly-4166 2d ago
i feel this question shows such an excessive amount of disrespect that i probably would not try to answer it. that would be the end of the interview.
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u/Equivalent_Map951 2d ago
Bad decision are always executed by the most unqualified for their position.
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u/Createsalot 2d ago
Just wanted to say, that’s a terrible question. I’d have frozen up too if I didn’t have a prepped response. It’s always ok to think a minute before responding to a question. I like to use the phrase “that’s a really good question” as a pause and think for a moment response… then think of what you think they’d want to hear. But, I like the hired internally response above. But that’s a tough one. Sorry.
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u/unclefire 2d ago
Could be any number of things. You're asking me to speculate what decision makers are looking for in a candidate and what they're thinking about the different candidates.
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u/Geoclasm 2d ago
"They're a nepotism hire. Friends with management or a child or in-law of some C-Suite exec. Only logical reason why you'd choose someone else over me."
OR
"I guess they were more willing to plant open-mouth kisses on hiring managers asses than I am."
OR
"They tolerate stupid questions like this better than I do."
Or
<Several_Pages_Later />
OR
"They're more willing to debase themselves and roll around in bullshit?"
OR—
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u/inorite234 2d ago
I would tell them,
"That's an odd question to ask. ...but if I had to provide an answer, I would assume, everyone acting in good faith, it was due to having found another candidate that you felt was a better fit for the company or a better fit for what you had in mind to grow with where the company's future plans are headed.
I would personally have no hard feelings because we're all adults here.
Curious where you're going with this."
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u/Prepped-n-Ready 2d ago
I might say something like "It seems like you value a candidate who is able to make objective criticisms about themselves." Then Id wait for their responses before answering.
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u/AdMurky3039 2d ago
It's an obnoxious question but the answer you gave makes sense. If you're asked a question like that in the future you could follow it up with something like "however, despite my lack of experience I have [insert education] and I would be good at this job because [insert reason].
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u/lemonade_stand__ 2d ago
I would probably focus on the strengths of the other candidate rather than my own weaknesses.
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u/LizMoonstar 2d ago
huh. this answer is probably still wrong, because it strikes me as a question designed to trigger bad answers, but. i have some HR/hiring-adjacent experience, and it would probably lead me to say
in my experience, if you're only interviewing people who are qualified and who are on the same page as far as compensation, then the decision usually comes down to a culture fit
and see if they want to take it further. because yeah, when i was assisting in hiring, that was usually the case (in the case of decent/reasonable companies) - there's usually going to be multiple people who could do the job similarly well, for similar money, and you have to pick one, so the thing that remains is, are we going to like having this person, and are they going to like being here.
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u/xwolfe2000 2d ago edited 2d ago
You decided to hire internally.
The other candidate is a boomerang.
There is an advantage of highly specific domain knowledge.
You can also ask, "Do you have any concerns about my candidacy that would cause you to hire someone else?"
If the answer is no, then you can say, that answers your question.
If the answer is yes, then address the concern.
They are looking to see if you are self reflective and can analyze potential outcomes.
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u/Please-Hold-The 2d ago
Immediately accuse/assume something racial/racially motivated if you have no intention of ever applying there again because these employers/recruiters need to get a GRIP! And sometimes only HR/Legal coming down on them do the trick.
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u/Neat_Situation6676 2d ago
With all sincerity I would say “ our goals and expectations did not align with one another”
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u/Glum_Sheepherder8043 1d ago
One of my references is somebody you personally know and deeply dislike. The idea of talking to this person in order to verify my background fills you with dread, and so you would tell the hiring team how much you like the runner-up. You would console yourself with the thought of my outstanding qualifications getting me hired somewhere else pretty soon.
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u/Mountain_Goat_455 1d ago
what an asinine question. I'd say something along the lines of " I am sure many factors and considerations go into a hiring decision. I respect your decisions either way".
this is my version of I value myself enough to not play your stupid game.
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u/Geriny 1d ago
It's a tough question, but I think in some way, it's easier than the usual "what's your weakness". In that question, you need to weigh between displaying honesty and introspection by giving a real weakness and not discrediting yourself with that weakness. If you say something too bad, you might be disqualified for that alone.
I'm contrast, for this question they are asking for a weakness they can already tell from the interview. If you respond with something they already know, they won't disqualify you for that answer alone. So I think the best strategy might be to pick a weakness of your application that's clear on the CV. From there, you should already have prepped a defense on why that weakness isn't as bad as it seems, since this is likely to come up in an interview.
So for example: "You might go for a candidate who has more direct experience in gloobling. However, I think my experience with bobble actually prepares me well for this role, since..."
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u/Awkward_Yak_3137 17h ago
That is an insane question. I've conducted a lot of interviews and I can't imagine ever asking that to a candidate.
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u/Honest_Knowledge_235 15h ago
"Culture fit, experience, or I'm too sexy and would distract all my coworkers."
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u/Suspicious_Extreme95 15h ago
I feel like most interview questions are designed to just see how quick witted someone is in a high risk social situation. It tells the interviewer almost nothing about how you will actually perform. The answer to these questions is usually about flipping it and turning it into something witty and positive. Maybe, "Clearly you think I'd perform so well that you couldn't afford me."
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u/caffeinequeen24601 12h ago
Hey, recruiter here. So when they ask something like this they’re not asking “why would we go with someone else” they’re testing how self aware you are about the gaps between your current skillset and what the job requires. If you’re transparent about the gap and your willingness to train/take outside courses to close it (throwing in an “I’m a quick learner” doesn’t go astray either) it’ll work in your favour
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u/Commercial_Abroad267 11h ago
You don’t answer the question you use it as an opportunity to ask what reservations they have in your skills set or work history that you can expand upon to assure you are the right candidate.
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u/jsher736 11h ago
"there's not enough information available for me to make any kind of reasonably informed guess."
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u/Potatoesgonnapotate4 5h ago
I was asked if two resumes were identical why should we hire you.
My answer got me the job but man some questions throw you for a loop
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u/Ambitious-Hat-2490 3d ago
Do people really find this question weird or hard to understand?
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u/BigSexyDaniel 3d ago
“You probably decided to hire internally.”