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Odd interview question--what would you have said?
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I have been looking for a job since I got laid off in December 2007. In that time I've had two short-term temp jobs and I've gone to graduate school.
I am a writer and editor. Twice recently I have been asked the following question at two different companies: "From a usability standpoint, what areas of our website do you think need improvement?" Both of these jobs were editorial jobs where I would have been doing some web content writing. I have NO idea what they're getting at, and I've fumbled both times. I had a phone interview today that was going well until the interviewer asked that question. I won't name the company, but it's a well-known online business, and they have worked out most of their kinks, and I haven't had a problem with them. The interviewer also asked me what companies do I think have a good customer focus and which have a bad customer focus. I've been living in poverty so long that I NEVER go shopping. My clothes are little more than rags, I don't buy books or music, I don't change my cell phone plan, I buy shoes once a year. I don't even buy FOOD because I go to the food bank. So I don't know what companies have good or bad customer service! Are these common questions? What would you say? In particular, I'm asking for potential answers to the website question. I have NO idea what they'd want me to say about an established business with a website I've never had a problem with! Posted on 09/17/09, 07:09 pm |
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One of the things potential employers want to know is how much research you have done about them. The theory being that a person who researches the company (including their website) is more serious about the job. Asking a website question is a way to determine that interest.
It doesn't mean the theory is correct or valid but that seems to be a current trend. One idea (prior to the interview) is check out the website of a potential employer including all the drop downs as far as you can. Make notes about anything you like or don't like about the website. If the question comes up give them an honest opinion and reference a couple of pages that are way down in the site. That way the interviewer will know you looked all over the site. Best of luck in your job hunt. Keep us posted, please. Sincerely, OldChurchGuy 
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Hi! New kid here...But yeah can I sympathize! (broke, Broke, BROKE)
I have had interview questions like that though. I think the point behind it is to find out just what you think you'd have to offer the company.
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Thanks for your responses, guys. I agree Wendy, they probably want to know what I can offer them. I still think it's a bad question because I am NOT a web designer nor am I applying for web design jobs. I write and edit content! The content on their site has already been edited, and the only things I could say about it (most of the time) would just be only about minutia.
I think I'll try to do that, oldchurchguy. I generally prepare for interviews, and it's never occurred to me to look for something to critique. Also, it just seems like criticizing the company where I'm trying to get a job is just...bad!
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