News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Ask HN: How to answer properly “Why we should hire you” question?. Parent comment

Re:Ask HN: How to answer properly “Why we should hire you” q... by awinder on Wednesday February 01, 2017 @11:16AM (#13541907)
I've always asked teams why someone should come work there during the interview process. For one, a lot of employees are not terribly good actors, so you can read the room if you see people stammer through this question. Two, by even just asking that question, you can flip the tenor & tone of an interview by nicely showcasing that: you have options, so you're looking to understand why this is a fit for you and not just a fit for the hiring side.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: How to answer properly “Why we should hire you” q... by ryandrake on Wednesday February 01, 2017 @11:29AM (#13542068)
That's pretty bold. I would imagine most companies' honest response would be "Well, you don't HAVE to come work here, we have 10 other people interviewing after you." I mean, congratulations if you have options, but in most employer-applicant relationships, there is a huge power imbalance benefiting the employer.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: How to answer properly “Why we should hire you” q... by HeyLaughingBoy on Wednesday February 01, 2017 @05:55PM (#13546233)
Please, please, please don't think this.

It's not bold, it's a perfectly reasonable question. In most parts of the US, it's a developer's market. Exploit that while you can.

FWIW, every time I've asked this question, the response is always for the interviewer (sometimes with a slight smile) to try to sell me on working there. Never have I gotten a response like you predicted, and I'd be very surprised if I ever do.

You're not a fungible assembly line worker; you're a highly skilled individual in great demand. Even if you don't really believe that, find a way to convince yourself of it temporarily before the interview: it will have positive results.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: How to answer properly “Why we should hire you” q... by jjpe on Wednesday February 08, 2017 @02:34AM (#13596538)
Power imbalances often arise solely because the people involved perceive it as such (i.e. it's a purely psychological effect). Therefore, simply perceiving the situation differently and then acting on that can make a lot of difference.
[ Parent | on HN ]