[re_todd]

It always amazes me when I hear about people asking this question. Don't these hiring managers consider for a second how intrusive and rude it is? Aren't they concerned they may come across as douchebags for asking it? And yet I've been asked this several times by people that act like it's no big deal, like asking how was the traffic on the way in. Are they under pressure from the top? Or are hiring managers in general lacking in scruples?

[problems]

I think it actually plays both ways - it's a way for me to give them an idea of what I'm expecting.

[user5994461]

Intrusive, yes. Rude, no it's not.