The Idiot Game

Yesterday I had a job interview - a 2-hour conference call with 4 (or was it 5) unseen interrogators in Toronto. Considering that it was my first job interview in 19 years, it didn't go too badly. I did flounder on some of those interview-y questions, such as "Describe a time when you made an error of judgment" and "Describe a time when you showed initiative and leadership." I don't know why they bother to ask questions like that. The only thing they are testing is how well you play the interview game. If I'd had more time to prepare for the interview, I could have prepared a response for those questions, but it would have been b.s. Fortunately, I don't think my ability to play this game will be the thing that determines whether or not I get the job.

That question about your weaknesses or errors always reminds me of the game they play in Dostoevsky's The Idiot. One character, who feels the need to confess some grievous sin, proposes a game whereby everyone will tell about the worst thing they have ever done. Then, after he has told about doing a really shameful and sneaky thing, the others tell stories, probably invented, about actions which, while technically bad, show them off to good advantage. I could probably come up with one of those "Idiot" stories if I really tried, but I would lose some of my respect for myself if I did.