All community posts

Paul Grey


Career development 21h
Hi everyone! Can someone please tell me what these ridiculous interview questions are and how you’re supposed to answer them? Yesterday, at what seemed like a respectable company, they asked me which part of a bicycle I associate myself with. Is that even normal? I don’t associate myself with a bicycle at all.

What would you have answered? And what should I have said? Thanks.

3   

  • Calvin Mulligan

    3h

    The question is similar to the question, "If you could be any animal in the jungle, what animal would you choose to be." Presumably, the interviewer... interprets your choice of animal as indicative of how you view yourself and your personality or capabilities. If you said, "a lion" for example, it may suggest that you are a confident individual with leadership aspirations.

    While the bike analogy is different, you can appreciate that there are nonetheless parts of the bike associated with different functions or contributions to the whole. Consider there are parts associated with steering, (handlebars), providing structure or support (frame), propelling the bike forward (pedals), supporting the rider, etc. While you don't know how your particular choice will be interpreted, you can ensure your response isn't misinterpreted by saying why you chose the part that you did. For example, "I identify with the gears because I am a specialist at transforming energy (applied to the pedals) into action and forward movement by the bike or analogously a team."      more

  • Peter Byrd

    4h

    I thought of it as a chance to be creative, like "I'm a wheel that functions for forward motion". Don't let it throw you.

  • Goga Mayer

    13h

    Wit questions like those they see how you act in strange conversations, there is not right or wrong answer, you can answer that you love the design of... their bikes and fastness , comfortable seat ect. Wish you luck 🫵🏼 more

  • Tim Marsh

    16h

    Some times they just want to see how you deal with something out of left field. Just give a thoughtful answer

  • Batie SHERIF

    17h

    In my understanding, it is just to find out how valuable you will be to them. Each part of the bicycle 🚲 has its purpose. For example the paddle, if... you don't use the paddle, the bicycle will not move as you want it to. You need to keep paddling it for it to move.
    The chains translate the effort that one puts into the paddling to the wheels which makes it move.

    So in effect, what they wanted was to find out if you're a good investment. Will you be able to translate there resources into something meaningful if you're hired?

    As for whether you answered right or wrong, I have no idea.     more