Would this response be ok?

[appropriatepeanut]

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Hi! I know some interviewers ask "what three people that are deceased would you like to have dinner with" as an ice breaker, and I was struggling to think of a genuine answer. I'm not a huge history person, and while there are people who are I would love to meet they are current cutting edge innovators in their field (culinary, arts, etc.). If asked this question, what is a good way to turn it towards present day people?

 

[Avulse]

Ehh, I'd say thats a bad idea because you technically aren't answering the question and that can be a pet peeve for some interviewers. I think you probably shouldn't think too hard about it because as you've said, it is an ice breaker, so just think of some people who were part of a subject that is interesting to you. It doesn't have to be science or medicine related. Do you like photography? Are there any famous photographers you would've liked to have met? Do you like cooking? Any famous chefs in the past that you like? Etc.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

It’s an easy question. Pretty much the only way to get it wrong (without saying something outlandish like you want to give Hitler a high five) is to not answer it.

 

[LizzyM]

You don't need to go into ancient history... anyone who died in the past few years would be reasonable to have on your list.

 

[deleted987519]

Epstein might be too soon, but would make for an interesting dinner

 

[LizzyM]

Epstein might be too soon, but would make for an interesting dinner

That response could rub some people the wrong way.

 

[Mass Effect]

That response could rub some people the wrong way.

Yeah, if a candidate said that to me, I'd want to engage in discussion about why and his/her thoughts on human trafficking, current laws, need for stricter legislation on "non-forced" prostitution, training for med students and physicians to spot trafficking victims, etc, etc, etc. Basically, if you bring the drama with an answer like that, I'd be tempted to prod you to discuss. If you can, you may impress the hell out of me.

This really isn't a hard question. Think of three people you genuinely admire. Unless they say historical, it can be people you know. In some cases, it may be a family member. One of my classmates got that question and one of her answers was her deceased mom who died when she was a baby. If they do say historical, think of three figures from history that you'd like to have dinner with, be able to explain why, and leave it at that.

 

[907914]

Just go with Bob Ross to learn how he stayed so calming and level headed through troubling times, Billy Mays to learn how to be the life of the party, and Harambe to learn what dirt he had on Clinton.

 

[907914]

Just go with Bob Ross to learn how he stayed so calming and level headed through troubling times, Billy Mays to learn how to be the life of the party, and Harambe to learn what dirt he had on Clinton.

But serious note, all of the above answers are satisfactory - life, just pick three dead people. Doesn’t need to be ancient history, doesn’t even need to be 19th or 20th century...just, whoever comes to mind that you feel you can justify.

 

[Rachapkis]

Do NOT dodge the question. You have so many options open to you. You could go with the sciences: Rosalind Franklin, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, etc. You could go with a family member whom you love, who exhibited traits that you admire, and who you would like to talk to one more time. You could go with history--e.g., our founding fathers: Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, etc. You could go with the 1960s civil rights era: MLK, RFK, Malcolm X, etc. You could go with great writers or artists: Shakespeare, da Vinci, Michelangelo, etc. And the list goes on . . . If this question worries you, and you can't find three people to talk about after giving it some thought (which would surprise me), pick three people and read up on them.

 

[theKingLT]

Jesus, Michael Jackson, and Grandma. No one will object to that

 

[Med Ed]

If asked this question, what is a good way to turn it towards present day people?

There is nothing I like more than when people answer the questions they want rather than the questions that are posed.

 

[LizzyM]

There is nothing I like more than when people answer the questions they want rather than the questions that are posed.

Seriously? People will take this at face value unless you indicate that you are responding with sarcasm. Be careful, some of these grasshoppers are very literal in how they interpret what they see here.

 

[Goro]

Hi! I know some interviewers ask "what three people that are deceased would you like to have dinner with" as an ice breaker, and I was struggling to think of a genuine answer. I'm not a huge history person, and while there are people who are I would love to meet they are current cutting edge innovators in their field (culinary, arts, etc.). If asked this question, what is a good way to turn it towards present day people?

Do you wanna be a doctor or not? Because if you can't answer a simple question, why should I accept you?

How about doing some research instead?

 

[appropriatepeanut]

Thank you guys for your advice! These were all helpful comments! @Goro @LizzyM @meded @Rachapkis @MemeLord @Mass Effect @Lei777 @Matthew9Thirtyfive

 

[LizzyM]

May I suggest reading about Charles Best? He did something pretty cool when he was still just a medical student.

 

[appropriatepeanut]

May I suggest reading about Charles Best? He did something pretty cool when he was still just a medical student.

I will definitely do that. Thank you so much for your help; I really appreciate it🙂