I just read an interesting article about a well known marketing executive in NYC. One specific part of the article talks about how horrible he was to work for; the example given is that he would make employees do push-ups in front of clients (the reason for which is not provided).
This got me thinking about a story I heard once about an interesting question encountered at a job interview. The question was “What would be your response if I asked you to do some push-ups?” The job being interviewed for was something software related, development or testing; I forget. The nature of the job is unimportant except for the fact that there are not any physical requirements for the job, other than being able to show up at the office and operate a computer.
The answer that landed the job? “I’d ask you why you want me to do push-ups.”
From what I understand, the employer in question would not hire anyone that upon hearing the question decided to get down on the floor and do push-ups. Nor would they hire anyone who asked “How many would you like?” or any variation thereof. Many candidates when asked this question immediately got defensive, telling the interviewer it was inappropriate for them to ask for push-ups at any time, especially during a job interview. These candidates were also not considered for the job.
What most candidates for this particular company forgot to do was listen to the question. No one was asked to do push-ups. A question was asked about a hypothetical scenario in which an interviewee would be asked to perform a physical activity. The ideal candidate would know there is something wrong with an interviewer asking someone to do push-ups, but would be inquisitive and open-minded enough to inquire as to “why” push-ups would be requested before making their decision. Those candidates that immediately became defensive of their right not to have to do push-ups are not considering that there may be, even though they are unaware of the possibilities, a valid reason for such an odd request. It represents a closed-mindedness that the company was trying to avoid having in their employees. Candidates who immediately decided to do push-ups or ask for details about the push-ups they were about to do, while obviously eager to work for the company and willing to sacrifice, did not listen to the question, and lack the important instinct to question authority.
So, remember its OK to ask “why” during a job interview. But if an interviewer actually asks you to do push-ups, ask yourself if you’re OK with that level of disrespect.