A social media user recently shared a perplexing experience during an interview for a marketing specialist position. According to the user, the initial two rounds were successful, with all anticipated questions being addressed.
The story took a surprising turn when the creative director at the agency allegedly inquired about the user’s political views.
The user mentioned on Reddit that during the final discussion with the creative director, the atmosphere changed. They were discussing social media campaigns when the director abruptly asked: “What is your stance on the current political climate? We need to ensure our team’s messaging is cohesive.”
The user attempted to steer the conversation towards more relevant aspects of the marketing role, emphasising pertinent points. However, the creative director persisted, diving into inquiries about specific political figures.
With six years of experience in marketing, the user noted that this approach was novel. They maintained a professional attitude, stating a belief in adhering to campaign briefs and client expectations, but felt the conversation’s tone shifted. The creative director seemed disheartened by their inability to provide a direct political opinion.
Furthermore, the user indicated that they had sent a thank-you email post-interview but had yet to receive a response from the company. This Reddit post elicited mixed reactions from the community; while some users empathised with the original poster, others suggested that such questions could be a method to gauge cultural fit within the company.
One user remarked that whether these inquiries are relevant depends greatly on the organisation. They expressed that phrasing the question in that manner was peculiar. They asserted that if a company does not overtly lean towards a particular political side, it could be problematic. They elaborated that if aligning with brands like Black Rifle Coffee or Ben & Jerry’s, the political stance would likely matter, yet they wouldn’t pursue opportunities within companies that clearly align with views they oppose. In such cases, they would rather inquire about the team’s messaging.
Another Redditor recounted their own experience, stating: “I once applied for an office manager position at a construction firm where the interviewer questioned my views on abortion. I terminated the interview immediately.”
A third user added, “While it’s entirely legal, it’s a poor approach. You avoided a significant issue and provided an exemplary response to that inquiry. They don’t deserve your talents.”
Another user shared a recent experience with a job application that directly asked about their sexual orientation, pointing out that we seem to have entered an era of tribalistic hiring.
