The worst job interview I ever had (oliverio.dev)

Article summary

The author recounts their worst job interview experience, where they felt emotionally drained and vulnerable after being asked invasive questions about their personal life, including their hardest day and biggest life challenges. The interview was with a mental health startup, which the author found ironic given the sensitive nature of the questions. The author argues that while cultural fit is important, it should not come at the expense of making candidates feel uncomfortable or judged. The author suggests that companies should reconsider their approach to evaluating cultural fit.

Main themes

• Job interviews
• Cultural fit
• Personal boundaries
• Mental health
• Startup culture

What commenters say

• Some commenters believe that the interview questions were a legitimate attempt to assess the candidate's ability to handle adversity and stress, and that the candidate overreacted.
• Others argue that the questions were indeed invasive and crossed professional boundaries, and that companies should prioritize respect and empathy in their hiring processes.
• A few commenters suggest that the interview may have been a form of behavioral interview, designed to elicit specific responses from the candidate, but that it was poorly executed.
• Some argue that the experience was a red flag for the company's culture and values, and that the candidate dodged a bullet by not getting the job.
• There is disagreement over whether the term 'cracked engineer' is a common or acceptable phrase, with some arguing it is a legitimate term and others finding it confusing or unprofessional.
• A few commenters emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and being confident in job interviews, and that meekness can be seen as a weakness.
• Some argue that companies should prioritize technical skills and competence over cultural fit, and that invasive questions are not an effective way to assess a candidate's fit.
• Others suggest that the experience highlights the need for greater awareness and training on appropriate interview practices, particularly in the tech industry.