"I'm the total package" reply at job interview

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Dave Hess

Dave Hess

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I was with my boss at a job interview for a position she is looking to fill and was there to ask the person a few questions / explain what we do, what's expected, ...etc...

The person being interviewed said.... "I'm the total package" when asked about their work background. How would you take it if someone said that to you during a job interview ?

Is that the wrong thing to say and a deal breaker ?
 
Let me preface this by saying I'm a younger guy in my low 30's. If I were interviewing someone who said that, I would probably crack a smile and think "Did you really just say that"? That probably would be a deal breaker for me, and I would not consider them, as silly as that may sound to some people.

I'll openly admit that I really can't stand cocky people, and in my defense I'd have to question just how well that person would "fit in" and get along with others with their seemingly big ego.
 
Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
I was with my boss at a job interview for a position she is looking to fill and was there to ask the person a few questions / explain what we do, what's expected, ...etc...

The person being interviewed said.... "I'm the total package" when asked about their work background. How would you take it if someone said that to you during a job interview ?

Is that the wrong thing to say and a deal breaker ?







I wouldn't hire that person, too cocky. My old boss was that way and after 1 year it got him canned
 
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Deal breaker ? If they said that as part of the other work experience , then no. If that is their sum total reply to "work experience" then yes. Either way is a cliche, and shows a bit of arrogance. I would have to see it in the context of the rest of the interview. And it sort of depends on the type of job.
 
.... or maybe the person is telling the truth and he is the total package for that job. I would not disqualify him for possibly speaking the truth.

If his resume fits his mouth-jaw, I'd probably hire him.
 
I'd start laughing at them pretty hard. I wouldn't say it's a 100% deal breaker, more like 98%.

Those kinds of people are some of the worst to work with, they think their "excrement" don't stink.
 
I would tell him we would be in touch. And you know where that leads.
 
Well the statement doesn't come close to answering the question which is why I would have an issue with it. Plus the question being asked was a simple one. Did the person give that statement after stating their experience?
 
Most of the job interviews I've had the company spent most of the time kissing my rear trying to sell me.

I'm not good at doing it the other way around. Apparently there are others.
 
Originally Posted By: rubberchicken
Deal breaker ? If they said that as part of the other work experience , then no. If that is their sum total reply to "work experience" then yes. Either way is a cliche, and shows a bit of arrogance. I would have to see it in the context of the rest of the interview. And it sort of depends on the type of job.

Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
.... or maybe the person is telling the truth and he is the total package for that job. I would not disqualify him for possibly speaking the truth.

If his resume fits his mouth-jaw, I'd probably hire him.


I agree, maybe they are the total package. Was there any evidence given to back this up. Was this the only response (and what exactly was the question)?
If the question was "What is your work background" and the only response was "I am the total package", well, that does not make sense as an answer to that question. If there were examples given, then summed up with that answer, then determine if they really are.
As said above, the difference between cocky, arrogant, and confident can be a fine line.
 
Originally Posted By: sxg6
Let me preface this by saying I'm a younger guy in my low 30's. If I were interviewing someone who said that, I would probably crack a smile and think "Did you really just say that"? That probably would be a deal breaker for me, and I would not consider them, as silly as that may sound to some people.

I'll openly admit that I really can't stand cocky people, and in my defense I'd have to question just how well that person would "fit in" and get along with others with their seemingly big ego.


Totally agree with your view. I have sat in when my boss has interviewed people and the claims they make with no experience whatsoever are laughable at best.
 
If this job is for a position in the UFC or WWE, then no problem.

If this person thinks they are the total package ask them how he deals with people that are difficult or total SOBs. How will they deal with those people that berate them.

Based on the answer they provide, you'll find out just how much of a total package they are.
 
In my past career, I have had people in interviews that have presented themselves in a similar fashion.
My read was that they think that their self-importance overshadows the organization that they are interviewing with.
I ended those interviews as quickly as possible, and they were never to return.
 
I'm I the only one who picked up that he used the word "package" while being interviewed by a female?
He may not deserve the job, but he definitely deserves a beer.
crackmeup2.gif
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