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Comment by pnathan | Hacker News Reader

I had an interview at Blue Origin a few years ago. Very driven group of people. I wasn't the right fit for the position, we both agreed, but it was a great experience. If you're into spaceflight, I would definitely recommend checking them out.

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> I wasn't the right fit for the position

But seriously...what did you really mean to say? I hate that phrase with a passion.

I mean to say: I wasn't the right fit. They were looking for someone with different attributes; after the interview, I realized this, and when the recruiter called me up to tell me so, I told him I agreed and had planned to turn the offer down if I had gotten the offer. Absolutely nothing against Blue Origin: I would have not been a good fit. I think I needed a solid 5-10 years more experience to do the job they wanted to the exactitude they needed.

How did you get the interview in the first place of there was such a disconnect?

Candidly, it was a great experience, and I walked out with a lot of respect for Blue Origin and the people I spoke with; this really hasn't lessened through the years. Interviews ought to be a two-way street: the interview I did definitely was. A+. I'd really rather not answer more personal questions about this beyond what I've already said in this thread.

Sometimes position descriptions and recruiter pitches don't quite match what an employer is looking for. You initially think you'd be great, but once the interview starts, you realize that they're looking for something different. And they realize that too.

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