Ask The Work Buzz!
By CareerBuilder blogger on Sep 18, 2008 in Featured, How to search
We have a feature here at The Work Buzz called “Ask The Work Buzz!” where we answer your questions on careers, job searches and workplace issues.
Today’s question comes to us from Ethan in Illinois. Ethan writes:
“I was recently on the job market; in many interviews, they would have me start with the HR director, interview with a few other people, and then go back to the HR person’s office afterward.
In several interviews, the HR director would ask something to the effect of “so, how did it go?” I don’t feel like I gave an especially satisfactory answer. What are they really asking and what’s the best way to answer it?”
Ethan, thanks for your question!
My initial response is to assume the simplest explanation is the correct one: the HR director may have just been expressing general interest and concern.
If there was another layer to that question, it’s likely that the HR director was trying to find out if you had any additional questions about the company, the position or the hiring process. It’s far more efficient for them to identify any questions a candidate might have at the time of the interview, instead of fielding a half dozen phone calls or e-mails later on.
One other possibility is that the HR director is performing “quality assurance” and is making sure that the hiring manager is performing his or her role well. If the interviewer is not explaining the job well, or isn’t engaging the candidate in ways that we would normally expect in an interview, the HR director will want to know that.
If you have a question you’d like us to tackle, please post your question in the comments section. Comments are screened for privacy.
I was employed with a company beginning in 2000. In 2001 I waqs involved in a work-related car accident. The case didn't go through workers' comp because our WC insurance had lapsed 11 days prior to my accident. The case finally settled in 2005. The owner took out a second mortgage to pay the claims. How do I handle this when asked WHY I left that position and what date do I use as having left my position? Do I use the date that my doctor put me on medical leave, or the date that the case settled? The case settled in April 2005, but I never tendered my resignation until July 2005. I never went back to work for that company and I was never fired. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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