Interview etiquette question.

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C

Corporate Thug

Lifer
Apr 17, 2003
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So I have an interview in a couple of days. The person conducting the interviewer is a partner in the company. His partner is a friend of a friend.

I found out through the friend of a friend that there was a death in the interviewers family. Is it my place to express my condolences?

UPDATE: I didn't express my condolences. I got the job on the spot :thumbsup;
 
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C

Corporate Thug

Lifer
Apr 17, 2003
37,622
0
76
just to clarify, the other partner who told me is a friend of my extended family and the interviewer is his best friend if that changes anything.
 
rcpratt

rcpratt

Lifer
Jul 2, 2009
10,433
110
116
I definitely wouldn't bring it up unless you know the interviewer personally, which doesn't sound like the case.
 
Cogman

Cogman

Lifer
Sep 19, 2000
10,286
147
106
Corporate Thug said:
just to clarify, the other partner who told me is a friend of my extended family and the interviewer is his best friend if that changes anything.
Click to expand...
Is the Interviewer YOUR best friend?

Think of how you would feel if a complete stranger brought up painful memories while you are just trying to do your job.
 
JulesMaximus

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,586
986
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Corporate Thug said:
I've met him once or twice at family get togethers. Last time was probably 3 or so years ago.
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Unless he brings it up I wouldn't mention it. It is completely unrelated to the interview and bringing it up might just make things awkward.

I have close friends I've worked with/for in the past and I've interviewed for a job with one of my previous supervisors and her boss. I never brought up anything related to our personal friendship during those interviews. It isn't relevant at all and should really be avoided IMO.
 
JulesMaximus

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,586
986
126
Corporate Thug said:
really? I love talking sports.
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Just be general about it. My current job I interviewed with the CFO during my second interview and I nailed it. He is into hockey, even plays it, and I couldn't possibly care less about hockey but I did bring up the fact that I saw Gretzky play and talked about some of the sports I am interested in. It was a way to make a connection, I wouldn't bring up team loyalties or start bashing teams I hated or get into great details though.

I definitely wouldn't get into politics or religion. That bullshit has absolutely zero place in a job interview.
 
xanis

xanis

Lifer
Sep 11, 2005
17,571
8
0
Absolutely not. If he's wants condolences he'll mention something. Otherwise, keep yer trap shut.
 
C

chusteczka

Diamond Member
Apr 12, 2006
3,399
3
71
summit said:
death, politics, religion, sports. don't talk about them.
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I think you mean sex, politics, and religion as subjects not to discuss in the workplace. Sports and death are acceptable.

However, it would be rude to introduce a painful topic with anyone other than a close friend. If the subject is introduced by someone else in yours and his presence, then the subject is on the table and open for an expression of condolences.

This topic of conversation will only create pain and sorrowful feelings in someone the OP hopes will hire him. This person will not hire the OP if he is associated with sorrow.
 
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silverpig

silverpig

Lifer
Jul 29, 2001
27,703
12
81
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Don't say doin' your wife. Don't say doin' your wife

Uh, doin' your... son?
 
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