What not to ask in a job interview

"Would you go on a date with me?" and "Could I get a pay advance?" are among the most, um, memorable questions interviewers have heard.

Some people arrive at job interviews with a well thought out list of smart questions. And then there are the other kind. Staffing firm Office Team recently asked 650 human resources executives and hiring managers to recall the oddest or most off-putting queries posed by applicants. A sampling of the results:

• "What job is this for?"
• "Do I have to be at work every day?"
• "Would you go on a date with me?"
• "Do you want to take a ride in my new car?"
• "What color is the paint in this office?"
• "Can my husband finish this test for me?"
• "Is the boss single?"
• "Do you have a job for my partner?"
• "What are the women who work here like?"
• "Do you allow midday naps?"
• "How much time do I have to put in?"
• "Could I get a pay advance?"
• "Can I place my desk near the cafeteria?"
• "Could you help me find an apartment?"
• "Can you help me with the employment test?"
• "Can I get every Tuesday off?"
• "How soon can I take my first vacation?"
• "Can I have three weeks off every three months to pursue my music career?"
• "Can I have my birthday off?"

Regarding those last four, Office Team executive director Robert Hosking notes that vacation time is part of compensation, which "is best discussed after an employer has expressed a serious intent to extend a job offer" -- however unlikely that might be.

10 Lies Disorganized People Like to Tell

Disorganized people leave a wake of non-productivity in their path.

They impact not only themselves, but entire teams around them.

And yet, disorganized individuals love to deny their disorganization.

They will say almost anything to cover their lack of getting things done.

I’m Not Disorganized, Just Too Busy

We all know that disorganized individual who will pine to the end-of-the-earth that they are not responsible for their disarray.

Even worse than their disorganization, are the tall tales they tell to justify their lack of productivity.

They make excuses. State outlandish claims. And even lie to cover their tracks.

Which of the following denials have you heard?

9 Lies that Disorganized People Like to Tell:

1. “I’m not disorganized, just too busy.” Like many things in life, if someone has to boast about how they are something, it means that they probably aren’t. (Bonus tip: This applies to those who brag about how honest they are, as well…)
2. “I just don’t have time.” Actually, they have the same amount of time as the rest of us. However, how they choose to spend it isn’t getting the job done.
3. “I am overloaded.” This is a bold statement from someone who can’t list all the things they are working on. This is usually a broad brush excuse for everything they are not getting done.
4. “I know exactly which pile I put that paper in.” Disorganized individuals will often try to explain their messy desk as organized. When a desk is a mess, it’s a mess.Piles are not organization.
5. “I was late because I was held up.” Late is late. Blaming traffic or the train or whatever, only means that you didn’t leave early enough. Tough, but true.
6. “Someone else is keeping me from doing my job.” Everyone faces obstacles in getting their work done. Find a way around that wall, but don’t blame-shift.
7. “I didn’t get your email.” Of all the emails that were sent on the planet yesterday, apparently the email-man lost this one. 
   
8. “I’ll get that done by tomorrow.” Of course, by tomorrow they mean the day after next. And tomorrow is always tomorrow.
9. “I’ll get right back to you.” Assurances of returned calls that never happen. Don’t wait for the phone to ring on this one.
10. “I’ll send that right over.” Ah, the often promised delivery. Yet, the email never comes. The package never arrives. And the person never ships what they promised.

Lies or Disorganization?

Are these disorganized individuals guilty of lying?

Or are they so in denial about their disorganization that they truly believe their statements?

Either way, beware when you hear these tall tales and outright fibs.

And if someone has to brag about how organized they are… run the other way.

Question: What lies have you heard as excuses for disorganization?