Say you are in a job interview for a federal (United States government) position. The interviewer, an HR rep, asks “How do you feel about working for Big Brother?”.
Assuming you want and need the job, how would you answer this question?
I’d say: “Well, I bellyfeel the need to knife crimethink.”
My response “I would hope the US government isn’t Big Brother. If you’re talking about government surveillance, then I would hope it’s properly authorized by established legal procedure.”
I guess if he’s watching I might as well get as close to him as I can.
I’d say, “Brother, can you spare a dime?”
“Do I have to live in the house with all those freaks, or can I be the one that makes ‘humourous’ comments about them back at the studio?”
ETA: D’oh. Do I really need the job? /sigh.
I guess in that case I’d say “I’m looking for a role in which I can contribute to the safety and security of our country. I don’t really mind what you call it.”
really excited Do I get to work in Room 101?!?
or
“Wait. I thought I was applying to work for His Fordship!” makes Sign of the T
FWIW, I’ve never known an HR person in the federal government who interviews any candidate for employment. All my interviews came from my potential supervisors or their supervisors. The only role HR ever plays is processing the paperwork. As for the OPs scenario, the question has political overtones to it. I know of no federal hiring authority who would risk their career asking such a question.
My answer would be similar to that suggested by Lumpy, however I would be taken aback by the wording of the question.
“Not bad, too bad about Janis though. Does James Gurley ever drop by?”
“As long as I’m not an expendable Henchman/Redshirt/Goon, and as long as you pay decently and have the appropriate leave entitlements, I’m fine with it.”
“I’ve been working for Big Brother for years and it hasn’t been a problem yet.”
“Ambivalent.”
I actually was asked this question (although it was by a state govt human resources rep - in the same room as the VP of the department I was interviewing for). I told an anecdote about how we unconsciously appreciate the value of big brother and how the government (and corporations) send millions of dollars to both give us what we want and keep us safe. It seemed like a good answer at the time; I wasn’t expecting that sort of question. I didn’t get the job, although I really wanted it… oops.
“However he wants me to feel about it.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Basically, be blank and plead ignorance for as long as it takes the questioner to explain him-or-herself by bringing up Orwell. Then say: “Oh, that’s where the TV show gets its name? That’s weird. Well, I’m not much of a book person, so whatever,” and brush it off.
This strategy, of course, is to be deployed only if you have the sense that this is a large bureaucracy that would welcome an incurious, nonthreatening nonintellectual drone to mindlessly carry out established policy.
If I was an HR officer, outing yourself as an unlettered peasant who doesn’t read (or wasn’t at least aware of the basic outline of something as well known as 1984) would be an excellent way to ensure you didn’t get the job.
Fortunately I’m not in HR. 