11 December 2024

Never Respond to Interview Questions the Way Abercrombie and Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries Did

By Ronald Smith

Today, I want to talk to you about something really important when it comes to job interviews. You know, those nerve-wracking experiences where you’re trying to make a good impression and land that dream job. Well, there’s a right way and a wrong way to answer interview questions, and today, I’ll tell you about the wrong way by using an example from none other than the CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch, Mike Jeffries.

Now, let’s dive into it. Imagine you’re in an interview, and the hiring manager asks you a question about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It’s a topic that should be handled with care and respect, right? Well, unfortunately, Mike Jeffries didn’t quite get the memo.

When asked about diversity, Jeffries infamously said, Abercrombie is only interested in people with washboard abs, and we don’t want those who don’t fit our clothes. In every school, there are the cool and popular kids, and then there are the not-so-cool kids. Candidly, we go after the cool kids.

Now, I don’t know about you, but that response doesn’t sit well with me. It’s not just about the words he used, but also the attitude behind them. It’s divisive, judgmental, and frankly, it’s just not cool.

So, what can we learn from this? Well, it’s simple – avoid responding like Mike Jeffries. Instead, let’s approach interview questions with respect, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand and connect with others. When asked about diversity, for example, you could talk about the importance of a diverse workforce, where people from different backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. Show that you value inclusivity and believe in creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Remember, interviews are an opportunity to showcase your skills and personality, but they’re also a chance to demonstrate your ability to contribute to a positive and inclusive work culture. So, be thoughtful in your responses, be mindful of the impact your words can have, and above all, be yourself. You’ve got this!

Never Respond to Interview Questions the Way Abercrombie and Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries Did

Abercrombie Fitch has always been the brand that young Americans love. But everything changed after CEO Mike Jeffries gave an interview to Salon Magazine. Jeffries said, Honestly, we only want to attract the coolest kids. We want the attractive, all-American kids with good attitudes and lots of friends. Other people just don’t fit with our clothes, and they never will. Are we being exclusive? Definitely.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I find this kind of attitude disgusting – and I’m not the only one. Once this interview went public, people all over the country started protesting against Abercrombie Fitch. The retail giant came under intense criticism when it was revealed that they purposely don’t make clothes for larger customers.

Even though target marketing is an acceptable strategy for businesses, it was Jeffries’ attitude and the company’s policies that didn’t sit well with consumers. Nowadays, CEOs and brand representatives spend more time interacting with the press and handling public relations. That’s why it’s crucial to learn some effective interview techniques. By understanding these principles, you can avoid making a big mistake like AF CEO Mike Jeffries did.

How to Avoid Answering Interview Questions Like Mike Jeffries

Keep it Short

In this digital age, short content is king – and interviews are no exception. If you think about the sound bites you hear in the news or read online, they’re usually only a few sentences long, or even just a few words. The more you talk, the more confusing your answers can become and the greater the chance of making a public blunder.

Let’s talk about using our words wisely and not just saying whatever comes to mind.

Know Your Limits

Just because we have a high position in the company, like being the CEO or an executive, doesn’t mean we know everything. It’s okay to admit when we don’t have all the answers. Sometimes it’s best to say No comment or I don’t know instead of making something up.

Giving an answer just for the sake of having one can get us into trouble, just like it does for some brands and politicians.

How to Respond to Questions

It might seem obvious, but it’s important to respond to questions instead of just reacting to them. Not all reporters will be friendly. Some might not be very pleasant to talk to or even be hostile.

Don’t Forget Your Audience!

When you’re having a conversation with an interviewer, it’s important to remember that lots of people will eventually hear or read it.

So, always keep that in mind when you’re answering questions.

Take Your Time

Imagine this: when you’re being interviewed on film, they can edit out any pauses or thinking time. And if it’s a printed interview, no one will even know if you took a moment to gather your thoughts. Cool, right?

So, don’t be afraid to take a little time to think if you need to. Remember, it’s better to give a thoughtful answer than to rush into something you might regret later. Sometimes, you can end up making things worse for yourself, not the interviewer.

By taking your time and really thinking about your answers, you’ll avoid saying things that might contradict each other later on.

Next time you’re being interviewed, give these tips a try. They’ll help make the conversation enjoyable and interesting for both you and your audience!