A young job seeker in Singapore found herself in an unexpectedly intense job interview, prompting her to take her frustrations to r/askSingapore. She recounted how the interviewers relentlessly questioned her about technical knowledge that she had never learned in school.

In her detailed post, she described how the interviewers fired questions at her covering topics well beyond her university curriculum, creating an atmosphere of confusion. Even when she attempted to respond, they repeatedly interjected, visibly making her uncomfortable. Things escalated to the point where they instructed her to "slow down" despite her belief that she was speaking at a normal pace.

She went on to express her confusion over the interviewers’ meticulous scrutiny of her CV, noting that it was atypical compared to her friends' experiences, where such comprehensive questioning didn't occur. “I can’t tell whether the company is a red flag for all that or if I’m just traumatized,” she lamented. Fortunately, the interview concluded on a lighter note as they shared a few laughs.

Seeking opinions, she turned to her fellow Redditors, asking if her ordeal indicated a potentially problematic employer. The response was quite mixed.

Many commenters pointed out that rigorous technical questioning is fairly standard in the hiring process, especially in technical fields. One user suggested that such an interview style was actually a good sign, signaling that the company possesses high standards and is invested in finding competent employees.

Others noted that when companies probe deeply into candidates' technical abilities, it often reflects a serious approach to recruitment. “This isn’t a red flag; it’s a green flag,” one user remarked, emphasizing that thorough vetting often aligns with high expectations for both roles and candidates.

Technical questioning can be intimidating, especially for fresh graduates or those new to more rigorous fields. According to industry standards, interviews frequently include a blend of behavioral, situational, educational, and technical questions designed to evaluate a candidate’s problem-solving skills and adaptability to real-world scenarios.

Behavioral Questions:

Focus on past experiences and how candidates have navigated various situations with teamwork and challenges.

Situational Questions:

These hypothetical scenarios assess decision-making abilities, such as dealing with new tasks.

Education Questions:

These examine how a candidate's academic background has prepared them for the job, typically framed around specific skills.

Technical Questions:

Candidates may be asked to apply their knowledge to practical scenarios or solve real problems relevant to the role.

In conclusion, while the young Singaporean felt overwhelmed by the questioning, these experiences highlight a growing trend within the job market where employers are seeking to ensure that candidates are truly qualified and a good fit for their teams. Understanding the types of questions posed in interviews can not only help candidates better prepare but also demystify the recruitment process, thus alleviating some of the anxiety associated with job hunting.