Job Interview Etiquette: Suzanne Lucas on Navigating ‘Astrological Sign’ Questions

In a recent LinkedIn post, Suzanne Lucas discusses the perplexing and often inappropriate questions that job candidates may encounter during interviews, specifically addressing a reader’s experience with being asked their astrological sign.

Lucas, writing as ‘The Evil HR Lady,’ highlights the common lack of interview training among managers, which can lead to nonsensical or irrelevant questions being posed to candidates. She frames such inquiries as potentially indicative of deeper issues or, at times, simply awkward attempts at small talk.

“What’s your astrological sign?” Appropriate or inappropriate job interview question?

Analyzing the ‘Astrological Sign’ Interview Question

Suzanne Lucas argues that while such a question can be a significant red flag, its true meaning can be ambiguous. She points out that hiring managers, often infrequent interviewers, may not possess the skills to conduct effective interviews. This can result in questions that are either genuinely inappropriate or simply a misguided effort to connect with the candidate.

As Lucas notes, the intent behind the question is difficult to ascertain without further context:

Let’s face it. Most managers don’t hire very often. They don’t know how to conduct interviews. And so candidates need to prepare themselves for stupid and irrelevant questions.

She elaborates on the potential interpretations, suggesting it could signal a misunderstanding of professional boundaries or a peculiar management style. However, it might also be an attempt to break the ice, albeit an unsuccessful one.

Guidance for Candidates and Hiring Managers

Lucas advises job seekers to be prepared for such unconventional questions. Her advice to candidates is to treat these moments as opportunities to demonstrate composure and critical thinking, even when faced with what she terms ‘dumb questions.’

Furthermore, Suzanne Lucas directly addresses those in hiring positions, urging them to reconsider their interview tactics. She emphasizes the importance of professional conduct and effective interviewing techniques.

And if you’re a hiring manager, maybe stop it with the dumb questions.

The post references a specific reader’s query about a second-round interview at a ‘top-tier company’ where the final question was, “What’s your astrological sign?” The reader expressed feeling that the question was unprofessional and disrespectful in a serious interview setting, seeking Lucas’s perspective on whether it was a definitive red flag or a mere curveball.

Suzanne Lucas’s analysis underscores the need for better interview training for managers and encourages candidates to navigate these challenging situations with preparedness and professionalism, while also advocating for more thoughtful and relevant interview practices across the board.