Interviews are dreaded by many job seekers, particularly the infamous “curveball” questions used by recruiting managers and CEOs. The CEO and creator of JKR Windows, an American window installation company, Jefferson K. Rogers, has drawn notice for his unusual interview technique: a trick question intended to weed out unsuitable applicants.
“Impossible” Question: An Assessment of Sincerity and Coachability
Rogers posted his unique approach to interviews on his TikTok channel. He asks a question that he is certain the interviewee will be unable to respond to right away. Although the exact question is still unknown, Rogers stresses that there is no “right” response. The twist is this: The CEO is more interested in the candidate’s approach to the unknown than in knowledge.
What He Looks For:
Sincerity: Is the applicant willing to acknowledge when they don’t know the solution?
Openness: Are they amenable to picking up new skills?
Coachability: Are they open to direction and instruction?
A candidate who tries to make up an answer, in Rogers’ opinion, is showing signs of a potentially troublesome personality—someone who is resistive to learning or hesitant to acknowledge their shortcomings.
Divergent Responses on Social Media
Although Rogers describes this technique as a useful means of determining fit, TikTok users had a variety of reactions.
Supporters: Some argue that the strategy is advantageous because it shows a candidate’s coachability and willingness to learning.
Critics: According to others, it’s a bad strategy that could stop competent applicants from attempting to solve a problem or show their resolve by trying to provide a response. Furthermore, others consider the approach to be manipulative, arguing that it puts a particular response ahead of a true comprehension of the role.
Different Methods for Evaluating Fit
Although the “impossible question” generates discussion, there are alternative methods to assess a candidate’s fit for a role:
Behavioral Interviewing: Highlighting the candidate’s prior experiences and how they responded to particular circumstances can provide important context for understanding how they solve problems and approach new tasks.
Skills-Based Evaluations: An applicant’s suitability for a position can be determined immediately by testing pertinent abilities such technical proficiency, communication, and critical thought.
Fit Between the Work Style and Values of the Company: An interview’s questions and exchanges can reveal whether a candidate’s work style and values complement the company’s culture.
The success of any interview technique ultimately depends on the particular position and business. Although Rogers’ deceptive question might be useful to his organization, it’s crucial to think about other approaches to guarantee a thorough interview process that draws in and selects the top candidates.
After two decades of friendship, best friends buy a piece of land and establish a quaint little town that they envision as a retreat for vacations and their future retirement together
Seeking an escape from their busy city lives, four couples decided to create a unique community of tiny vacation homes to fulfill their retirement dreams together.
This eco-friendly retreat, tailored to individual needs, allows the couples to enjoy a shared experience surrounded by their closest friends. After more than two decades of friendship, these Texas couples were eager to find a quiet place away from their busy Austin homes, a place where they could immerse themselves in nature and rejuvenate.
When they discovered a piece of land near the Llano River, just an hour from Austin and perfect for nature lovers, they recognized its potential despite its rugged condition.
Fred Zipp, a former editor of the Austin American-Statesman, shared his first impressions with Garden and Gun magazine: “At first, it wasn’t very inviting”. He and his wife, Jodi, are among four couples who care about environmental sustainability and minimizing their carbon footprint. “This place has its charm, even when it’s dry”, Fred noted, pointing out the herds of wild buffalo that roam the rugged landscape. “We’re focused on conserving water for the native trees and grasses, which are really beautiful.”
The couple originally planned to build a house together, but after learning about the tiny house movement, they changed their focus and decided on individual houses and a communal building for gatherings.
With the help of San Antonio architect Matt Garcia, the vision took shape. With a budget of $40,000 per house, Garcia designed four compact 350-square-foot cabins, each equipped with a double bed, kitchenette and bathroom.
“We wanted a place where we could spend quality time together, eat together and enjoy each other’s company, while still maintaining privacy when needed”, Jodi explained.
The designs also included sustainable elements such as roofs that capture rainwater while meeting conservation guidelines. To combat the hot Texas climate, the cabins are insulated with spray foam and feature large overhangs to minimize heat gain.
Garcia focused on creating an inviting interior, contrasting the sleek metal facades with warm, grained plywood surfaces. The natural gray concrete floors add an affordable, stylish touch.
Large windows throughout the open floor plan allow for plenty of natural light and offer stunning river views. Additionally, a 1,500-square-foot community cabin serves as a hub for social activities and features a guest bedroom, living area, kitchen, and even a pool!
Reflecting on the cultural shift after the recession, Garcia said: “People began to realize that happiness does not come from owning too much space or things. I am proud to work with clients who embrace the idea that less is more”.
Although the eight friends are not yet ready for full-time retirement, their small community, called “Llano Exit Strategy” or “Bestie Row”, offers the perfect retreat. When they are not using the cabins, they rent them out to vacationers interested in the tiny house lifestyle.
“It’s like living in a Disney movie here! We have rabbits, bobcats, deer and a variety of birds. We discover more wildlife every time we visit”, they shared.
The story of “Bestie Row” sparked a lively debate on social media, with many expressing admiration for the couple’s commitment to friendship. One comment read: “What a brilliant idea! Friends building a community together is the way to go as we get older”. However, others raised concerns about the potential risks of living together in such a close relationship, suggesting that friendships could suffer.
Would you consider creating a micro-community to spend more time with your closest friends? Share this story and let us hear your thoughts!
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