Very well written and articulated article! I, however, have the opposite point of view as I don't believe there is any reason to ask this question, at all. It's even less reasonable to ask it when the candidate is invited in for an interview.
Sure, as a candidate I am actually interested in doing the basic Google search (note it's a search, not a REsearch) to understand if your industry is minimally interesting, if the product market fit is there and if it makes sense to pursue an opportunity for a risky startup (if applicable) that, statistically speaking, is going to flop.
I have gladly been on both sides of the interviewing process multiple times and I never asked this question. Much rather the opposite: I tried to sell the company idea as much as the time allowed me to.
As anecdotal as this may be, it was quite measurable the difference in interview quality I experienced when compared to my other peers that followed the "standard".
A good rule of thumb is: Imagine if the candidate asked the same question (e.g.: "Why would I work for you?").
If that sounds weird or awkward, then you, as an interviewer, shouldn't ask it.
Thanks for reading the article. I appreciate your comments.. your views are also echoed by several others in the comments below. I've responded to them in detail.. thanks once again!!
For further actions, you may consider blocking this person and/or reporting abuse
We're a place where coders share, stay up-to-date and grow their careers.
Very well written and articulated article! I, however, have the opposite point of view as I don't believe there is any reason to ask this question, at all. It's even less reasonable to ask it when the candidate is invited in for an interview.
Sure, as a candidate I am actually interested in doing the basic Google search (note it's a search, not a REsearch) to understand if your industry is minimally interesting, if the product market fit is there and if it makes sense to pursue an opportunity for a risky startup (if applicable) that, statistically speaking, is going to flop.
I have gladly been on both sides of the interviewing process multiple times and I never asked this question. Much rather the opposite: I tried to sell the company idea as much as the time allowed me to.
As anecdotal as this may be, it was quite measurable the difference in interview quality I experienced when compared to my other peers that followed the "standard".
A good rule of thumb is: Imagine if the candidate asked the same question (e.g.: "Why would I work for you?").
If that sounds weird or awkward, then you, as an interviewer, shouldn't ask it.
Thanks for reading the article. I appreciate your comments.. your views are also echoed by several others in the comments below. I've responded to them in detail.. thanks once again!!