If we weren't hiring, which company would you apply to?
Lately, I have been getting this question at multiple mid-sized companies in hiring manager rounds. I want to get ideas from you all how would you answer it? What's the purpose of this question? This is the exact question: "If our company didn't exist or we weren't hiring, which company would you apply to?"
Your competitor. Somehow i fell small companies have an inflated sense of their worth. Its okay to be a bit of an ass for such a question
Really? That's the kind of answers I have been avoiding completely. Not sure how that's going to turn out.
Any chance that's not the translation they have in mind? Maybe they are looking for something else?
I'm not sure that's just mid tier thing. For example, even Palantir asked me this question. I know there are some concerns about that company but they wouldn't have any doubt about their caliber. What do you think?
I usually find something like “I want to work for a company that” - works in the consumer/retail space (Amazon/Uber) - in the start up space (AWS) - leading the technology (Google) Or something that is unique to their field and close with “ and yours fits the bill perfectly”. I often notice they just take note of it and move on like they are checking the mandatory questions box. No follow up questions asked ever.
I have also observed the same thing. Never had any follow up question for that.
What a weird question
So far, I have answered it in these ways: "The reason I applied here are X, Y and Z. So, I'd look for another company which can offer me these things. Don't have any company on mind right now." "The reason I applied here is because I love the product. So, I'd apply at a company whose product I like. For example, X (not their competitor).
What will be a better answer? Any example?
Ah, that's a nice one. Thanks!