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How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by mumumugu(m): 7:09am On Oct 15, 2021
This was in the 1980s when unemployment was high. A small company advertised a sales position in a local newspaper. It wasn’t clear what they actually sold and I didn’t have much experience, but it was close to where I lived, so I applied by letter anyway, and to my surprise was invited for an interview.

He asked me, “What do you think the purpose of life is?” and that question definitely caught me off guard.

The strange question must have at least revealed I was paying attention, because my immediate response was, “Why would you ask me such a question?”


“It reveals a lot about a person I’ve learned,” the business owner replied.

At that age I was totally unprepared. I was ready to explain sales strategies.

So I needed a moment. My first thought was that this might be an indirect way to learn about the religious convictions of a person, and that this might be a secret demand.

Still I managed to come up with a coherent answer, but I don’t recall what I actually said.


Eventually I didn’t get the job, which wasn’t a big deal. However I’ve always kept wondering whether the question was asked because of his religious beliefs, or that it was in fact an assessment relevant to sales positions.

Either way, the answer to such a question is always revealing.


From quora

8 Likes 1 Share

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by nikola(m): 8:47am On Oct 15, 2021
mumumugu:
This was in the 1980s when unemployment was high. A small company advertised a sales position in a local newspaper. It wasn’t clear what they actually sold and I didn’t have much experience, but it was close to where I lived, so I applied by letter anyway, and to my surprise was invited for an interview.

The strange question must have at least revealed I was paying attention, because my immediate response was, “Why would you ask me such a question?”

“It reveals a lot about a person I’ve learned,” the business owner replied.

At that age I was totally unprepared. I was ready to explain sales strategies.

So I needed a moment. My first thought was that this might be an indirect way to learn about the religious convictions of a person, and that this might be a secret demand.

Still I managed to come up with a coherent answer, but I don’t recall what I actually said.

He had originally asked me, “What do you think the purpose of life is?” and that question definitely caught me off guard.

Eventually I didn’t get the job, which wasn’t a big deal. However I’ve always kept wondering whether the question was asked because of his religious beliefs, or that it was in fact an assessment relevant to sales positions.

Either way, the answer to such a question is always revealing.


From quora

I do not think there is a big issue with the question. "What do you think the purpose of life is"?
To answer the question, one would have to be immersed in the abstract to understand the basis of life/humanity. Remember, we cannot remove strategies of sales from emotions. One has to be on a certain level emotionally, to make a decision or influence one.
Nice read.

12 Likes 1 Share

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by superCleanworks(m): 11:56am On Oct 15, 2021
Mr Interviewer: What do you think the purpose of life is

Me: Sir, do I look like Socrates or Plato to you?
well since you want to go this way, then get me a marker and a white board so i can start a lecture on philosophy.

32 Likes 3 Shares

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by Sonnobax15(m): 11:56am On Oct 15, 2021
lipsrsealed
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by ugwumichael(m): 11:56am On Oct 15, 2021
.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by MANNABBQGRILLS: 11:56am On Oct 15, 2021
Your life purpose consists of the central motivating aims of your life.
The reasons you get up in the morning.
Purpose can guide life decisions, influence behavior, shape goals, offer a sense of direction, and create meaning.
For some people, purpose is connected to vocation—meaningful, satisfying work.

Questions that may come up when you reflect upon your life purpose are:

Who am I?
Where do I belong?
When do I feel fulfilled?


Our purpose in life is to solve problems by changing the status quo.

Our purpose in life is making positive connections with others and enjoying those around you.

Our purpose in life is to make things better than the way we met them.


Biblically,
Our purpose in life is to glorify HIM.
God created us in His image to live in relationship with him and be His image bearers in this world.

WE RISE.

73 Likes 7 Shares

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by victorazy(m): 11:57am On Oct 15, 2021
Na wa
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by bukkysam(f): 11:57am On Oct 15, 2021
Executive Office chair and table for sale
Price:90k negotiable
Location: ikeja: sold

2 Likes

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by malabite3: 11:57am On Oct 15, 2021
A very philosophical question

1 Like

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by HarunaWest(m): 11:57am On Oct 15, 2021
Life is for Enjoyment......Next Please

4 Likes

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by ChasinGood(m): 11:57am On Oct 15, 2021
Let me reiterate,what do you think the purpose of life is? Man, everyone has a calling. It's about knowing what yours is and work to achieve it.

3 Likes

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by bigdammyj: 11:58am On Oct 15, 2021
If only you can think deep
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by divinehand2003(m): 11:58am On Oct 15, 2021
Hmm

"Why would you ask me such a question", is a great response too.

There is no formal and definite way to answer such a question without going in the direction of one's religious belief.

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by Drkelv(m): 11:58am On Oct 15, 2021
Landed
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by Isobug: 11:58am On Oct 15, 2021
nikola:


I do not think there is a big issue with the question. "What do you think the purpose of life is"?
To answer the question, one would have to be immersed in the abstract to understand the basis of life/humanity. Remember, we cannot remove strategies of sales from emotions. One has to be on a certain level emotionally, to make a decision or influence one.
Nice read.
Yo did not answer the question

4 Likes

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by victorazy(m): 11:58am On Oct 15, 2021
mumumugu:
This was in the 1980s when unemployment was high. A small company advertised a sales position in a local newspaper. It wasn’t clear what they actually sold and I didn’t have much experience, but it was close to where I lived, so I applied by letter anyway, and to my surprise was invited for an interview.

He asked me, “What do you think thee purpose of life is?” and that question definitely caught me off guard.

The strange question must have at least revealed I was paying attention, because my immediate response was, “Why would you ask me such a question?”


“It reveals a lot about a person I’ve learned,” the business owner replied.

At that age I was totally unprepared. I was ready to explain sales strategies.

So I needed a moment. My first thought was that this might be an indirect way to learn about the religious convictions of a person, and that this might be a secret demand.

Still I managed to come up with a coherent answer, but I don’t recall what I actually said.


Eventually I didn’t get the job, which wasn’t a big deal. However I’ve always kept wondering whether the question was asked because of his religious beliefs, or that it was in fact an assessment relevant to sales positions.

Either way, the answer to such a question is always revealing.


From quora

What's big deal there.
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by Drkelv(m): 11:58am On Oct 15, 2021
Present
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by blueghost(m): 11:58am On Oct 15, 2021
shocked
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by BrendanJo(m): 11:59am On Oct 15, 2021
This one major reason while one don't need to prepare any particular questions, but try to be versed, so one won't be throw off balance.

2 Likes

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by igbowoman: 11:59am On Oct 15, 2021
This was an opportunity to show the interviewer who you really are,what makes you tick, your passion,your humanity.
But always stay in the center because you don't know the leanings of the person asking

4 Likes

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by KhingLufem1(m): 11:59am On Oct 15, 2021
Ok
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by Oduduwa707: 12:00pm On Oct 15, 2021
This is a very relative one, I guess. Everyone got a different purpose to life. Instinctively, our sole purpose in life is to survive but, theoretically, it's changed with time as human civilization advanced.

MC Oluomo's purpose in life is practically different from Wole Soyinka's or Tinubu Oloriburuku. angry

It depends on the individual. cool

3 Likes

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by Kingofgods: 12:00pm On Oct 15, 2021
The purpose of life is to complement one another. Whether terrestrial, celestial, aquatic or physical life, all were created to benefit one another

4 Likes

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by KakeMP: 12:01pm On Oct 15, 2021
Kingofgods:
The purpose of life is to complement one another. Whether terrestrial, celestial, aquatic or physical life, all were created to benefit one another
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by Godfullsam(m): 12:02pm On Oct 15, 2021
The purpose of life is to.... is to.... hmmm....

OK, OK..

I mean the purpose of like is....


How an average Nigerian lazy youth behaves when face with a question he has no idea of.

2 Likes

Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by Honourable1901(m): 12:04pm On Oct 15, 2021
Okay,let us observe for today, tomorrow we will respond
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by Nobody: 12:05pm On Oct 15, 2021
This is no right or wrong answer, as people's views about life's purpose differs.

However, what helps is to understand the context from which the question is asked.

For me, the purpose of life is to grow, contribute to the world, pass on what you have learned to the younger generation, and death.

Like I said, there's no right or wrong answer.
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by dannypaul(m): 12:05pm On Oct 15, 2021
Coming
Re: How Does One Answer This Strange Interview Question by Abortion7: 12:05pm On Oct 15, 2021
...

1 Like 2 Shares

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