On: Questions to ask in interviews

[expertentipp]

Interviewed by some startups (Berlin) I have been asked if I know or to explain them what they are doing... and the funniest thing is they were serious.

[Kluny → expertentipp]

Most companies should have that explained on their website - If you haven't done enough diligence to repeat what's on the website, you may not be a good candidate.

[expertentipp → Kluny]

Oftentimes what the website says, what the sales team is selling, and what the engineering team is doing are three different things

[s73ver_ → Kluny]

I've probably read it, but I doubt I'll have memorized it enough to regurgitate it back.

And usually it's just BS marketing fluff.

[matwood → s73ver_]

C’mon. You should at least know the industry and major product.

[toomuchtodo → expertentipp]

Maybe they want to know if you know their business? Seems like a fair question to ask.

[user5994461 → toomuchtodo]

It's a fair question.

The only trouble is that the vast majority of companies can't be understood if you don't already know the business.

[toomuchtodo → user5994461]

Research before the interview. Always know going into the job what the company does, as it'll help you infer where you can add value.

[user5994461 → toomuchtodo]

My point being that the vast majority of research will not tell you anything meaningful about the company.

[matwood → user5994461]

And that’s a valid answer. “I went over your web site and read some press releases but I’m not quite sure what you do yet. I think it is along these lines...can you explain further?”