Everyone started to chat about the small details that expose who we are when Redditor FamiliarStreets asked the online peeps:
"What is a seemingly mundane question you can ask somebody that will tell you a lot about their personality?"
Do you like ADELE? The answer is all I'll ever need to know.
Know It All
Presentation GIF by H&Z Management ConsultingGiphy"Wow, coincidently just had this conversation earlier today and my friend proposed:"
"'What topic could you give a 30 minute presentation on with no preparation?'"
"I thought it was genius."
theGrodon
The Best Of Me...
"Favorite compliment they've ever received. It tells you a lot about what people think of themselves, and what they tend to value."
howdidthishappen2850
"I had a really good (platonic) coworker friend who was a good bit older than me, but we'd pal around and get lunch sometimes on our breaks. We always laughed a lot together and one day at lunch he said, 'you invigorate my life.'"
"This was like 13 years ago and I'll probably never forget it. I thought it was such a great way to share that he enjoyed spending time with me, had a lot of fun, but was still keeping things platonic. It was really special and made me feel really special."
"Miss you, Heath!"
Hambulance
Explain It
"How would you describe the internet to a caveman?"
"It will show you how they look at what the internet is used for. For example, some might say it's a source of information, or it's a way to connect people who are far away. I know one person who said they wouldn't explain it to a caveman because they wouldn't go back in time without AC."
not_a_library
Animals
"My father-in-law went on a job interview about 10 years ago and absolutely nailed the interview, as he was being shown around the office a high level person in that company who normally wasn't there just happened to be there that day. After they were introduced he asked my FIL what kind of animal he would be."
"My FIL said he panicked and picked bear (he's a bigger guy) and the other guy said something along the lines of 'that's a little too aggressive maybe this isn't the job for you.' So he didn't get the job but I guess it worked out because he's got a pretty good job now and if I was him I wouldn't want to work for someone who hires people based on what animal they think they would be."
Darth_dubj
Riches
"What would you do if you won the lottery? For me, it's a non invasive way of listening to people's attitudes on finance in general, and also how they feel about the rich."
How you would help others with your profit? So important.
dinner GIF"It’s really cool to hear about what people like, what their culture is like (because food is a huge part of that), and generally just how they live. Expensive or cheap? Quick or elaborate? Adventurous or safe?"
ShiraCheshire
Interest
"One I saw on a dating-site of all places (I forgot the name of it) was:"
"'Do you think the concept/consequences of a post-apocalyptic world is, in some ways, interesting?'"
"And it really resonated with me. It shows whether a person is interested in abstract thinking and imagining. Most people on the site voted no."
"I even had a conversation with someone who was like 'No? Why would you want the world to end?!' - I don't, but the idea of how it would be like, how the world ended, what society looks like afterwards, is interesting. I probably don't match up well with anyone who would vote no to that question."
SuiTobi
“got it”
"What was the last thing you did that gave you child-like joy?"
mntucker10
"My 14-year-old asked for a longboard last spring. I’d said no before because I figured it’d be something I spend a few hundred bucks on that she’d try once, not be good at right away, and never touch it again. It wouldn’t be the first time. After being locked up for two months with quarantine I figured why not?"
"It gets her outside and maybe something she’ll enjoy. At that point I just wanted to get her out of her room and off her phone. I’d never seen her work so hard at something she wasn’t good at right away. After two back-to-back six hour days of practice she started to get the hang of it and asked me if I wanted try."
"I couldn’t even stand on a board when I was a kid, but as an adult I just 'got it.' I wasn’t on it 5 minutes and I said, 'I need one.' We left right then and picked one up for myself. We cruised all spring, summer, and fall. Not only was it great for bonding, I hadn’t felt that kind of joy since I was little. A moment I’ll never forget. Can’t wait for the snow to melt."
Elemental-Mogwai
Special Gifts
"What super power they want."
_-_bort_-_
"I know there are more powerful powers that could get me wealth or whatever but man... teleportation would be dope."
"Can travel the world but always sleep in your own bed and never need to book a flight. Never need to use a public restroom. Easily visit family. Only take road trips if I want. Can live and work anywhere."
"The rest of life could be normal but it’d be great."
helloisforhorses
Small Talk
Episode 11 Love GIF by The BachelorGiphy"My co-worker asked me how I was doing and I randomly blurted out 'I want to die.' We've been dating for nearly 2 years now. The unexpected honesty is what made him want to talk to me more. It was originally coworker small talk. Then apparently the passion I have for my hobbies. Not shutting up about D&D in a crowded break room was the final straw. LOL."
ShortAndStoned
It's so easy to get to the truth.
What questions would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.
Curious to hear of the warning signs to be cognizant of, Redditor SwagYoloThiccChilFam asked:
"What's an immediate red flag to hear from HR during a job interview?"
These Redditors took issue with companies and misleading salary details.
Undervaluing A Potential Employee
"'What would be the lowest salary you would work for? Absolute minimum that you can tolerate?' What a nice way to make a possible new employee feel appreciated."
– lizztastic_chick
False Advertising
"On two occasions I got a job offer but the official salary was different than what was in the job listing. Each time I was told it was because 'listing a higher salary attracts more qualified candidates.'”
"Declined both offers right there on the spot."
Boasting About Having Integrity
"In the same breath they’ll talk about how honesty and integrity are core values they expect of every employee (below a certain pay grade)"
– zipperkiller
It's Conditional
"If you don't give me a salary range I'm out."
"If you offer compensation that falls outside of the salary range you gave in the ad or in talking to me, I'm out."
"I mean unless it's more than the range you're offering me. I'll probably take more."
– IceciroAvant
The demands of working for a a start-up were mentioned here.
Since They Asked
"I interviewed for a job recently with a small start-up and they asked me if I had any questions. I told them work-life balance is important to me and asked what a typical work day looks like for their employees. They told me that was a risky thing to say in an interview and most start-ups would consider that question a red flag. I said I didn't need to work for that kind of company."
– earlysong
Pressure
"Work Hard Play Hard (Translation) Prepare to be worked so hard that your only options will be to quit or become a high functioning alcoholic."
– SpareAd2794
Toxic Culture
"We're no longer a startup, but still have the startup culture. This really means 80 hour weeks and low pay even if the company is doing well."
– arelath
So Much For Company Loyalty
"Recently happened to my Dad. Was one of the original employees, they have grown significantly but refused to pay him fairly when newer employees (younger guys 25-30)were starting at a higher wage than him (25yrs experience in the field). They had switched him to salary a couple years back and just got more hours for less raises."
– KaiNCftm
False Label
"The whole 'startup' tag is suspect. I did a job reference for a friend who was applying at an 11 year startup. If you are still hunting for investors after 11 years you have to wonder about your business model."
"It seems to be a buzzword for cool, cutting edge, and a culture of overwork."
– ElectricMan324
Stumping The Interviewer
"I’ll tell you what I heard a few days ago in an interview. The woman was talking about how much work there is to do being a startup. I said given that, I’m concerned about work-life balance. What is that like? She pauses and goes '……that’s a good question….' Which told me all I need to know lol"
– peteypeteypeteypete
Bullet Dodged
"I had a recruiter reach out to me about a job months ago. I went through the process, and when I got to the last interview I asked the VP about the work life balance, since I’m very happy with my current company’s position in that regard. The recruiter reached out to me a few days after and told me that one question, which took two minutes, 'put them off' and they decided to go a different direction."
"I was like…I’ve got a great job already and you reached out to me, fella. Bullet dodged no doubt."
– Infected_Pretensile
The demands were already too much from the outset.
A Pre-Requirement
"You need to buy X to start training."
– thekillercook
Beware Of The Alternative
"Or sign a contract that will charge you for training if you do not work there for so many years and a non-compete clause to force you into a different line of work if you leave. I believe some of these have been outlawed in some places now."
– fanestre
Peace Out
"'You'll wear a lot of hats.' We're going to make you do the work of three people but only pay you for one. 'We have a hard time keeping people in this role.' People realize this job sucks and bail out quick."
– about_a_biscuit
The Usual Suspects
"Anything that changes. Job title, pay, manager, interviewers, work location (a lot are saying hybrid and then want you in everyday), etc"
– Harrydinkledorf
Toxic Work Environment
"This. Interviewed for a remote position, after arriving told it was in person. Reluctantly took the job only for my trainer to never train me. Just sexually harass me and use his upper role to justify it. Was told by a top manager 'it’s not what you know, it’s who you know." the same day I asked my trainer to please stop asking me sexual things it’s inappropriate and making me uncomfortable. I quit due to 'safety issues'. Aegis (Ancora) I’m looking at you. This individual did this to several other women in under positions and was promoted also."
– justherelooking2022
Many of the examples above demonstrated that your self-worth will always be a priority.
It also served as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest indicator that something is off with a job prospect is what your gut is trying to tell you.
Listen to your instincts.
It could save you a lot of time.