5 Questions About Spaghetti You Should Never Ask on a Job Interview

“Do you have any questions for me?”

The question job applicants dread. Get it right, and your new career begins. Get it wrong, and it’s back to the drawing board. Of course, you have questions, chiefly concerning spaghetti, but should you ask them? According to professional recruiter Anson Ricci, there are a number of red flags interviewers look out for when applicants start asking about spaghetti. The kind that could make or break you in the room.  

Yes, it’s a job interview, so they understand you’re going to be asking about spaghetti. It comes down to how you ask about it. Here are a few spaghetti-based questions you should never ask unless you’re willing to put it all on the line. 

Do You Have Any Spaghetti?

As Ricci points out, you’re going to want to know if they have any spaghetti. There are probably going to be lots of drawers, cabinets, and closets around that could fit heaping mounds of it. But bite your tongue like you would bite down on a bowl of delicious spaghetti, because they don’t want to share their secret meal with you. Sure, it’s there, and they’re going to eat it the minute you leave the room, but you’d be wise to let them if you really want this job. Impress them with your restraint, and let their hidden spaghetti go unmentioned.

Do You Mind If I Eat This Spaghetti?

Naturally, you’re going to have your own spaghetti with you. This is an understood part of the interviewing process. But, as Ricci emphasizes, don’t ask for permission before you chow down. It will just be uncomfortable for everyone. Instead, wait for key moments when they look away or even just blink, then cram as much of it as you can into your mouth. They may notice, but they surely won’t bring it up, not when they have so much hidden spaghetti of their own stashed around the room.

Why, Are You Allergic To Spaghetti Or Something?

If they make a stink about your spaghetti, you’re going to want to know why. It’s spaghetti! It was made to be eaten, and that’s what you’re doing. But just because they don’t want to make this intensive process all about the popular pasta doesn’t mean they’re allergic or even particularly opposed to it. Ricci says the key here is to avoid putting them on their heels. The minute they’re defending themselves against accusations that they don’t love spaghetti is the minute they’re not concentrating on your qualifications for the job. Don’t pick a pasta fight you can’t win, and who knows? You might just be their next employee.

Can We Talk More About Spaghetti?

You’re going to want to keep talking about your favorite Italian delicacy. Anyone in this situation would. But there other topics to cover. Previous work experience. Recommendations. Favorite sauces and sides. Don’t think this interview process is all about spaghetti, no matter how much the both of you love it. Of course, Ricci says, you should be ready to answer any questions about this tasty treat, from al dente to spicy meat-a-balls, but let them be the one to bring it up.

So, Spaghetti?

Spaghetti, right? You know what we’re talking about. Well, so do they, so leave it as subtext. They may be talking about your familiarity with Excel or a gap on your resume, but you both know you’re speaking the unspoken language of spaghet. It’s an understood part of this process, and to say it out loud would break the spell. Instead, if absolutely necessary, Ricci recommends pointing at your spaghetti or nodding in its direction and occasionally saying “Huh? Huh? How about this?” Trust us, that job will be yours in no time.

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