Joking during Interview

I've had an interview (trading offcycle - internship) at a BB in continental europe. During the interview the 101-question was asked by a Director:
What is your weakness Mr. Bolz?
Instead of saying; "My weakness is - insert some bullshit weakness - but I'm working at it with this and this measure.",
I've I replied with a straight face: house dust (my only allergy and actual weakness I'd admit). He looked at me confused and from this point the interview went south...
Ultimately I got rejected today. Technicals were perfect because trading is my dream career.

My question is:
Was the joke not funny or was it my fault for being unprofessional? Should you try to be funny during an interview?

 

I think it's more the fact that it's a big risk. You could be hilarious, and it may fit with the culture to be funny, and the interviewer may be in a great mood, but if he/she's in a bad mood, even the funniest joke could piss them off.

Too many variables you can't control, too big of a risk. Rather stay neutral and answer what's actually being asked.

I'm just saying from my own perspective: even if a joke is funny, coming from a stranger, it may make me laugh or piss me off/annoy me, depending on my mood just before the interview. Better safe than sorry.

Don't waste your life only thinking about money and prestige
 

You need to go to your school's career center and have them give you an Interviewing 101. I'm sorry to be frank but this post made me cringe. You should try to establish a connection/be chummy/laugh (if appropriate), etc. but the guy clearly asked a legitimate question to which he expected a legitimate answer.

To one of the previous comments, it's not a BS question. I'm in my early 30s and have been asked this question in the not too distant past - it shows you're self aware. You can teach almost anyone how to do most jobs in finance but you can't do much to change attitude or being so naive they don't know where to begin to be a better team member.

This is my group head's favorite question. No one expects one to be an expert in the industry/product or know our clients but we can teach that. The only thing worse than answering the "weakness" question with something stupid like "I work too hard" is with a joke.

I'm sure it wasn't intentional, but to do so demonstrates a lack of maturity and respect for the interviewer's time.

 

It's generally a bad idea to launch a joke during an interview. You just don't know who the other guy is and I've noticed people in continental Europe are more serious in general in all business settings.

Although I once had someone interviewing for a more senior role who's answer was that he drank too much and would probably try to sleep with every female in the office. I nearly spewed coffee across the room because he said it in such a serious and deadpan way. He got the job. Perfect fit question and response.

 
Best Response
Dingdong08:

It's generally a bad idea to launch a joke during an interview. You just don't know who the other guy is and I've noticed people in continental Europe are more serious in general in all business settings.

Although I once had someone interviewing for a more senior role who's answer was that he drank too much and would probably try to sleep with every female in the office. I nearly spewed coffee across the room because he said it in such a serious and deadpan way. He got the job. Perfect fit question and response.

I think the issue is that the OP's "joke" wasn't funny to begin with regardless of delivery. I wouldn't even want to work with someone who can't crack a smile at an actually funny line. Probably why I'll never work in continental Europe.

 

I've always joked around in interviews, never had negatively effect me. The issue with your joke, is that it wasn't obvious it's a joke (if you said kryptonite or something, it would've been a bit more obvious, I don't think the house dust/allergy connection is obvious), and was probably at the wrong time. Interviews will oscillate between serious and not so serious moments...usually the strength/weaknesses questions are during the serious moments. I wouldn't do a joke then unless I have a good read of the interviewers demeanor.

Honestly don't try humor unless it goes with your personality, but a good rule of thumb is, don't tell jokes during real questions (e.g. any questions you'd find in an interview guide), do them during casual conversations (e.g. after you've given a full answer and it's gotten into conversational back and forth).

 

I've cracked a couple of jokes in interviews. However....

They can't be inappropriate (no racist jokes, etc.). They can't be too long. They have to be funny (not chuckle-worthy, I'm talking "laugh out loud" worthy). You have to be extremely confident when you say the joke otherwise you'll get a "you're-so-fucked-smile." You can't just randomly say the joke (it'll come off as prepared)...wait for the proper opportunity, and then let it naturally come out ("oh that reminds me....").

I wouldn't recommend them though...but if you feel you MUST....then ^

 

Jokes can be incredibly effective in interviews. I almost always use them (depending on the audience). My recommendation would be to stick to "self-deprecating humor" as that rarely offends anyone and usually warrants a few laughs. Like any other jokes though --- it's all in the delivery. Don't mess it up!

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