In the current landscape, job interviews weigh heavily on the minds of many individuals. As we are all too familiar with, job hunting can often be an overwhelming, daunting, and disheartening experience. Twitter user Amy Brown sought solace and empathy online like countless others in this digital age. She contacted her fellow Twitter users, asking them to divulge their peculiar, comical, and downright dreadful job interview anecdotes for moral support. And to everyone’s surprise, the responses poured in! These tales may either dissuade you from your next interview or serve as motivation, reassuring you that it couldn’t possibly be worse than these experiences. One thing is certain – they will leave you in stitches.
#1: Highly Confidential
Bob took to Twitter to recount a rather unconventional job interview experience that might have left the law firm a bit more uncomfortable than him. He was interviewing for an IT position at a prestigious law firm, and things turned unexpectedly. When asked why he wanted to work at a law firm, Bob casually mentioned the firm’s interesting clients, including business magnate T. Boone Pickens. However, the interviewer’s reaction was far from what he expected.
The interviewer seemed to panic and told Bob that such information was “confidential.” While the intention might have been to catch him off guard, Bob’s response showed he was quick on his feet. Rather than feeling dumbfounded, he managed to maintain his composure. One can only wonder if Bob’s unexpected turn of events worked in his favor and if he secured the job.
#2: Awkward Silence
In another cringe-worthy job interview tale shared on Twitter, a young woman recounted her recent Zoom interview experience. Her story is one that many can empathize with, as it’s not uncommon to find oneself in an interview where nerves get the best of you. Throughout the interview, she struggled to find the right words, often stumbling over her responses.
The interview progressively took a turn for the worse, with each fumbled answer adding to her anxiety. Ultimately, she made the difficult decision to acknowledge that the job opportunity had slipped away. She requested the interviewer end the call, concluding an awkward interview. She even got the interviewer’s name wrong to add a final touch of embarrassment. It’s a relatable tale of interview mishaps many have experienced at some point in their careers.
#3: What’s in a Name?
Matthew’s Ph.D. interview was something he had been diligently preparing for, practicing responses to potential questions for months. He entered the interview room feeling well-prepared, but little did he know that his thorough preparations would lead to an unexpected hiccup. The professor threw him off-guard with a seemingly simple question, and Matthew’s meticulous planning seemed to unravel.
His brain short-circuited, and he managed to utter only a brief, vague response: “Math is fine.” The situation was undoubtedly embarrassing, but it serves as a reminder that overpreparing for an interview can sometimes lead to unexpected stumbling blocks, even for the most diligent candidates.
#4: The Meaning of Life
One Twitter user shared an interview experience from her early days of job hunting at sixteen. She was interviewing for a position at a Hallmark store in the mall, a job one might not expect to come with existential questions. However, the interviewer caught her off-guard when, with a completely straight face, she asked the young applicant to explain the meaning of life.
The unexpected question left the interviewee initially laughing, as she couldn’t fathom why such a profound inquiry would be relevant to a job at a greeting card store. However, her laughter quickly faded as she realized the interviewer was serious. This particular Hallmark store had a unique approach to selecting its employees, placing a surprisingly heavy philosophical emphasis on its greeting card business.
#5: Red Flag
This peculiar story takes us to the perspective of someone conducting a job interview. They shared an unusual experience where an interviewee responded to a question by saying, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” However, what followed was even more bizarre. The candidate seemed to interpret this saying quite literally and proceeded to describe various gruesome methods for skinning a cat. It’s safe to say that this response set off alarm bells, raising major red flags during the interview.
One can only imagine the discomfort and unease that the interviewer must have felt during this unsettling conversation. The candidate’s disturbing remarks quickly disqualified them from consideration for the job.
#6: Mama’s Boy
This unfortunate job seeker had what can only be described as the worst interview of his life, and he had his well-meaning but inadvertently embarrassing mother to thank for it. Fresh out of college and on the hunt for a job, he had secured a phone interview and decided to use the landline at home for the call. Little did he know that this decision would lead to a cringe-worthy turn of events.
Things initially seemed to be going well during the interview until his mother picked up the phone and dialed another number to make her call. For those unfamiliar with landlines, in households with shared lines, anyone could pick up a phone and eavesdrop on ongoing conversations. Instead of hanging up the phone when her son explained he was in the middle of a job interview, she inadvertently exacerbated the situation, likely causing extreme embarrassment for her son.
#7: That’s Gonna Be a ‘No’ For Me
It’s undoubtedly disheartening when you leave a job interview with a positive impression only to discover that the interviewer has a different perspective. This unfortunate situation unfolded for a woman who believed her interview had gone reasonably well. As she was being escorted out by the person who had interviewed her, another team member approached to introduce himself, creating an awkward moment.
To her dismay, the initial interviewer, without uttering a word, conspicuously shook their head “no” to signal that she wouldn’t be getting the job. This gesture indicated that there was no need to introduce herself to her since she was not being considered. Such a blunt and tactless approach to conveying the decision undoubtedly left her disheartened and disrespected.
#8: That’s Hollywood For You
This interview story from the world of aspiring actors takes an absurd twist. The storyteller, an aspiring actor, has undergone numerous auditions but encountered a particularly bizarre experience during one audition. He auditioned for a role as an Irish character from Ireland, which seemed fitting given that he is, indeed, an Irish man from Ireland.
However, things turned unexpectedly when he was told to perform the character with “no accent.” Perplexed by the request, as everyone has an accent of some sort, he improvised by using an American accent. Unfortunately, this choice didn’t align with the casting director’s vision, resulting in him not getting the role. The entire situation appears rather absurd, as it’s challenging to understand what “no accent” truly means, leaving the actor bewildered by the outcome.
#9: We’re Here for the Money
The quest for a “dream job” can often feel like chasing an elusive mirage, a notion that might not even exist for some individuals. Most people seek employment primarily because they need to earn a living to support themselves and their families. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that pragmatic approach to work—it’s a fundamental part of life. However, the paradox arises when employers harbor expectations of unwavering dedication and an almost reverential sense of duty from their employees, overlooking the stark reality that, for many, a job is nothing more than a means to an end.
Instead of appreciating the interviewee’s straightforwardness, the interviewer seemed taken aback and offended by his honesty. Rather than acknowledging the applicant’s realistic approach to employment, the interviewer embarked on a lengthy monologue extolling the extraordinary virtues of the company. This exchange exemplifies the stark contrast between the tangible need for gainful employment and the occasionally exaggerated expectations some employers hold. It is a stark reminder that not everyone seeking a job necessarily looks for a lifelong commitment; sometimes, it’s just about making ends meet and providing for loved ones. This interviewee’s story highlights the importance of recognizing the diverse motivations behind job searches and the need for a more realistic, empathetic approach to hiring.
#10: Drinking Water is Cool
Sometimes, the strangest interview stories stem from the most mundane situations. In this particular anecdote, the interviewee was in an unexpected and perplexing interview—over a reusable water bottle. Yes, you read that right; the presence of a water bottle became a contentious issue during the interview. To add a layer of absurdity to the situation, the interviewer conveyed their criticism under the guise of being “helpful” and professed their fondness for the interviewee. Despite this seemingly helpful intent, the interviewee left the encounter without a job offer, highlighting the dissonance between the minor issue raised and the ultimate hiring decision.
It raises questions about the significance of seemingly trivial matters during the interview process. Bringing a reusable water bottle into an interview room seems like a straightforward act of preparation and self-care rather than a transgression. In response to this peculiar incident, the storyteller adopted a new interview approach, using the water bottle as a litmus test to gauge the workplaces that might obsess over minutiae. This twist in the story reflects the importance of evaluating potential employers for compatibility with one’s values and maintaining a sense of proportion. After all, an organization’s attitude toward such trivialities can sometimes indicate broader workplace culture and priorities.
#11: Who Asks That?
The culture and dynamics within an office can greatly influence job satisfaction and overall well-being. A Twitter user, Tori, found herself in an eye-opening situation during a job interview at a finance firm. This experience quickly revealed that the prospective workplace might not align with her values and expectations.
In a jarring display of audacity, the interviewer, a finance professional, posed a remarkably direct and inappropriate question. He openly inquired whether Tori would be comfortable with her male coworkers indulging in sexist jokes and making derogatory comments directed at her, effectively labeling the work environment as a “boy’s club.” Using such outdated and offensive terminology was not only off-putting but also a blatant red flag. Tori’s interview experience shed light on the critical importance of workplace culture and how it is discussed during the hiring process. While instances of sexual harassment unfortunately persist in some workplaces, societal norms and expectations have evolved significantly, making it unacceptable to endorse such behavior. In a strange twist, this unsettling interview was an early warning, sparing Tori from a potentially toxic work environment.
#12: Social Media Stalking
In an age where digital footprints can have real-world consequences, the story of Luke Johnson serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of one’s online presence on professional opportunities. Like many young adults, Luke, at 19, was navigating the challenges of securing stable employment while enjoying his social life with friends. Little did he know that his seemingly innocent social media activity would come back to haunt him during a job interview.
When asked about his leisure activities and interests, Luke responded honestly. However, his surprise came when the interviewer slid a photograph of him enjoying a drink across the table. This gesture aimed to highlight Luke’s social media posts, especially those depicting him consuming alcohol. To Luke’s astonishment, this seemingly minor detail played a crucial role in the interviewer’s choice not to hire him. This incident starkly illustrates the scrutiny that potential employers may subject candidates to, particularly in the digital age when personal and professional lives frequently overlap. It underscores the importance of exercising caution and discretion when sharing aspects of one’s life on social media, as the consequences can extend beyond the virtual realm and impact real-world opportunities.
#13: Aren’t We Past That?
Gender discrimination and sexism continue to be issues that persist in workplaces, as this disheartening story highlights. The woman in question aimed to secure a different reporter position within the same newspaper company where she already worked. She found the idea of becoming a night sports reporter genuinely exciting. However, her enthusiasm took a sudden hit during the interview.
The interviewer displayed condescension and gender bias by insinuating that he couldn’t comprehend why she was even considering the position. He cited her marital status, labeling her as a “young, married woman,” as a reason she might not be suitable for a sports reporter role. To make matters worse, he offered the position to her husband solely based on his gender despite his lack of qualifications for the job. This incident serves as a stark reminder that, despite progress in addressing workplace discrimination, instances of gender bias and sexism continue to surface, impacting the career aspirations of qualified individuals.
#14: Brick by Brick
Interviews often include unconventional questions to gauge a candidate’s creativity and problem-solving abilities, but some questions are so peculiar that they become unforgettable experiences. Twitter user @lizkelley shared one such interview moment that, while not her worst experience, was certainly memorable. During the interview, she was tasked with an unusual challenge: listing as many possible uses for a brick within five minutes.
The question’s eccentricity leaves room for curiosity about how many brick-related uses she conjured on the spot. While the relevance of such an inquiry may seem baffling, it’s possible that the interviewer intended to assess her ability to think creatively and adapt to unexpected situations. In the world of interviews, where questions are designed to elicit thoughtful responses, sometimes candidates encounter queries that stand out for their sheer peculiarity.
#15: Hard-Hitting Questions
Some job interviews take an unexpected turn, plunging candidates into deeply personal and uncomfortable territory. For this individual, a particular interview took a startlingly intrusive route when the interviewer asked if they were a disappointment to their family. Such a question can be considered rude and inappropriate for a professional setting. It raises questions about the intentions of the interviewer and the workplace culture itself.
The audacity of such a question might suggest underlying issues within the organization, potentially hinting at a toxic work environment or a lack of professionalism among the interviewers. Regardless of whether the job offer was extended, it’s reasonable to assume that the candidate would think twice about joining a company where such invasive queries are part of the interview process, as it may reflect broader issues with respect and boundaries in the workplace.
#16: Keeping It Real
During job interviews, candidates often strive to be approachable and down-to-earth. However, the quest to appear humble can sometimes result in unexpected interview blunders. This individual aimed to convey a good sense of humor when asked, “What do you want your coworkers to know about you?” However, in an attempt to avoid sounding pompous, things took a comically awkward turn.
Facing a momentary lapse in word choice, the candidate uttered that they enjoyed a good fart joke as their response. Unfortunately, humor is subjective; in this context, the response might not have landed as intended. The interview story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of interviews and the challenges of striking the right balance between professionalism and relatability when answering open-ended questions.
#17: Mansplain My Resume
This incident sheds light on a recurring issue many female job seekers face: encountering condescending and unsolicited advice from interviewers, often rooted in gender bias. In this instance, a young woman interviewed at a venture capital firm and faced a patronizing interviewer. While her interview went well, the conversation took an irksome turn when the interviewer offered unwelcome “feedback” on her resume.
One of the points of contention was her internship at a feminist magazine, which the interviewer suggested she should remove from her resume for future job applications. The underlying assumption seemed to be that affiliating with feminism was a detriment rather than a valid and valuable experience. Moreover, the interviewer’s question about whether she hated men based on her feminist involvement reflects a misguided and stereotypical view of feminism. This incident highlights the importance of fostering inclusive and respectful interview environments that value diverse experiences and perspectives.
#18: What Would You Do?
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, but the interviewer’s behavior sometimes takes an unexpected and bizarre turn. Cody Permenter shared a truly unusual interview encounter involving a billionaire interviewer that began strangely right from the beginning. While interviewing in his office suite wasn’t unusual, the interviewer’s subsequent actions were far from conventional.
During the interview, the billionaire decided to recline on his office couch and, to Cody’s astonishment, dozed off while Cody answered a question. This unexpected event left Cody perplexed and unsure of how to react. However, he attempted to maintain his composure and continued answering questions, occasionally speaking louder to rouse the slumbering billionaire. This surreal interview experience underscores the unpredictability of job interviews and the importance of adaptability in handling unexpected situations while maintaining professionalism.
#19: Pop Quiz
Interview questions are typically designed to assess a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and suitability for a job role. However, in Shiv’s case, the interviewer took a rather unusual approach by asking about the color of the wall behind him. The bizarre aspect of this question was that Shiv was instructed not to turn around to see the wall, making it an even more perplexing query.
To make matters more bewildering, the interviewer appeared dissatisfied when Shiv provided an accurate answer. It became apparent that the interviewer expected Shiv to answer incorrectly, raising questions about the interviewer’s intentions and the relevance of such a question in a job interview context. Shiv’s encounter with this peculiar question ultimately didn’t lead to a job offer.
#20: That’s Not My Name
Sometimes, interviews take unexpected turns due to simple misunderstandings, as Twitter user @CaitlinLian humorously illustrated in her Tweet. During her interview, she found herself in a comical situation when the interviewer mistakenly referred to her as “Victor” instead of her actual name, Caitlin. This mix-up was particularly amusing because “Caitlin” and “Victor” are two names that sound nothing alike.
Rather than correcting the interviewer, Caitlin played along and assumed the identity of “Victor” for the interview. The Tweet doesn’t reveal how the rest of the interview unfolded, leaving room for speculation about whether Caitlin’s impersonation of “Victor” led to a job offer or became a humorous anecdote of her job-seeking journey. This lighthearted incident serves as a reminder that interviews can be full of surprises and unexpected moments.
#21: How Rude…
Experiencing the thrill of being headhunted by a specific company can be rewarding in one’s career journey. It signifies that an organization values your skills and contributions enough to seek you out as a potential team member. However, this excitement can quickly dissipate when the interview turns unexpectedly.
In this instance, the woman had previously worked with children with different abilities and believed she might find a suitable fit at a school. However, the interview at this school took an unfortunate and unpleasant direction, revealing the institution’s lack of readiness to embrace diversity. This serves as a stark reminder that even in the professional world, there are instances where biases and prejudices can overshadow a candidate’s qualifications and potential contributions.
#22: How Would You Know?
Although a common part of the job search process, job interviews can often be draining and nerve-wracking experiences. The competition is fierce, and first impressions carry significant weight, making it essential to present oneself positively. Smiling and maintaining a friendly demeanor can go a long way in making a favorable first impression.
However, it’s disheartening to envision an interviewer unfairly criticizing you without substantial knowledge of your character or qualifications. In such situations, where you’re unjustly thrown under the bus despite not doing anything wrong, it becomes crucial to maintain composure and respond professionally. Handling such challenges with grace and resilience can ultimately reflect positively on the interviewee, even in the face of unwarranted criticism.
#23: An Education
Certain workplaces can appear highly desirable due to various factors such as amenities, office environment, or the company’s reputation. These elements can create a strong allure for job seekers, even if the job may not be as appealing. However, the glittering exterior can sometimes mask less attractive aspects of the employment, like inadequate compensation or benefits.
For instance, working at a renowned brand like Michael Kors may initially seem enticing. Still, the appeal can quickly fade if the company fails to provide essential benefits and fair compensation to its employees. It’s disheartening to realize that, in today’s age, some companies still fail to prioritize the well-being and rights of their workers, underscoring the ongoing need for workers’ rights advocacy.
#24: Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover
Throughout our lives, we’ve often been advised not to mark our bodies with tattoos or piercings, as it may affect how others perceive us professionally. While there is some truth to this advice, societal attitudes have evolved, and people have become more open-minded and accepting of self-expression. However, as demonstrated by this story from 2008, there are instances where outdated judgments and biases persist.
In this case, the woman had tried to cover any potential body markings for a job interview, only to be treated unjustly. Despite her diligence and suitability for the job, she faced unfair discrimination based on her appearance. This serves as a reminder that prejudice and narrow-mindedness can still rear their heads in unexpected ways, even when individuals make sincere efforts to conform to outdated norms.
#25: No Breaks For You
In job-seeking, there’s often a perception that candidates must strive to impress their potential employers. Still, it’s equally essential for employers to create a positive impression on prospective employees. Trust and loyalty are valuable qualities in any workplace; employees should be treated respectfully and fairly.
It’s perplexing why some individuals would take pride in boasting about poor working conditions for their employees. Every worker, especially those enduring 8 to 10-hour shifts, deserves reasonable breaks during their workday. Refusing to permit employees even a brief moment to sit down or take a breather is not an accomplishment but rather a sign of a detrimental work environment.
#26: Nerves Get the Better of You
Anxiety can affect people in various situations, even when they are aware that everything will likely turn out fine. As children, we were often told to visualize people in their underwear to alleviate nervousness. However, this coping strategy might not be effective in all situations, as demonstrated in this story.
Imagine being in a job interview where the interviewer experiences anxiety to the extent described. While it’s reasonable for interviewers to feel stress, the interviewee is typically expected to manage such feelings. The situation described here must have been awkward and uncomfortable for both parties involved, highlighting the importance of effective communication and professionalism during interviews.
#27: Nothing to See Here…
Life presents various challenges, ranging from physical ailments to unfair circumstances, making individuals feel that their lives are more challenging than others. However, as people mature, they often realize that these differences shouldn’t set them apart from the rest of society.
The situation described must have been unusual for everyone in the room, but their reaction, freezing instead of empathizing with the woman’s evident tic, may indicate some societal progress. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the woman herself seemed to find amusement in the lack of relatability among those present.
#28: A Subtle Hint
During their job search a few years ago, this Twitter user had an unfortunate encounter that didn’t even occur during an interview. They had applied for a waitressing job at a local cafe, and while the hiring manager wasn’t interested in inviting them for an interview, they still felt compelled to offer some feedback.
The manager conveyed their feedback rather bluntly, responding to the CV email with a single link to a website titled “How to Write a CV.” This response lacked a greeting or constructive criticism, coming across as rather harsh. Hopefully, the job seeker had better luck with their job search following this less-than-friendly encounter.
#29: A Red Flag If I Ever Saw One
During job interviews, employers should aim to be honest and straightforward about the job and the work environment. However, certain things are better left unsaid, as they might deter potential employees.
For instance, repeatedly asking a candidate if they are certain they won’t quit on the first day is strange and quite alarming. The fact that this question was asked five times raises red flags, suggesting that the company might have had more than one employee who quit on their very first day, which is typically not a positive sign for the work environment.
#30: Our Little Secret
Awkward moments can occur during job interviews, and there are typically two approaches to handling them: either act like nothing happened and continue with the interview as if nothing occurred or address the awkwardness head-on to diffuse the tension. Both approaches have their challenges.
In this case, the interviewer chose the first route, attempting to ignore the awkward incident. However, it can be challenging to maintain composure when everyone in the room is aware of what happened and silently passing judgment. Additionally, the oddity of chewing gum during a job interview raises questions about the candidate’s preparedness and professionalism, regardless of the paper incident.
#31: Within Spitting Distance
This story is sure to induce second-hand embarrassment for anyone who reads it. The protagonist bravely shared his most embarrassing interview moment, which involved an unexpected spit mishap. Just before the interview, he had acquired a temporary fake tooth that left a gap in his front teeth, occasionally causing unintentional spitting. Unfortunately, this habit struck during the interview.
In a cinematic slow-motion sequence, he noticed a spit droplet escaping his mouth as he spoke, arcing across the table and landing on the interviewer’s sweater. To make matters worse, the interviewer observed the entire incident. One can only imagine the struggle of trying to salvage the interview after such a mortifying ordeal.
#32: That’s Confusing
Mishearing or misunderstanding a question during a job interview is all too common. It can happen with the slightest variation in pronunciation or background noise, making it awkward to request clarification. In such situations, people often follow what they think they hear.
This particular incident involved a woman who misheard a word in a question. Given the Attorney General’s office context, both “constitution” and “prostitution” could fit the conversation, which likely contributed to her misunderstanding. One can only imagine the moment of realization when she saw the perplexed expressions on the interviewers’ faces.
#33: The Office’s Mother
In any office, people often assign unspoken roles to individuals based on their natural inclinations or behaviors. They label the person who cracks jokes as the office clown (even if it happens occasionally), designate the one who frequently brings lunch as the office caterer (even if it’s just for themselves), and bestow the role of the motherly figure upon the individual known for their caring nature.
However, assigning someone an office role during a job interview before they even secure the position is strange. In this case, they singled out a woman for the “motherly figure” role in the office, even though she didn’t fit the characterization. Ultimately, she decided the job wasn’t suitable, which is understandable given the bizarre interview encounter.
#34: We’ll Let You Know
For some individuals, nervousness before a job interview can lead to frequent restroom visits, making it seem reasonable to use the toilet before the interview. However, for this person, that choice proved to be a downfall in a rather embarrassing manner. It’s safe to say that he likely won’t be using the restroom right before another important job interview anytime soon.
The lesson to be drawn from this story is to always check in advance for the availability of sufficient paper towels in the restroom. While drying one’s hands on clothing might not be the worst thing in the world, when you’re just minutes away from a crucial job interview, it’s best to avoid unnecessary risks and ensure you’re adequately prepared.
#35: I Wouldn’t Be Expecting a Call
The outcome of a job interview often becomes apparent based on various cues, such as whether you provided:
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- The right answers.
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- Tailored your responses to their expectations.
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- Projected an appropriate level of confidence.
In this case, the interviewee sensed things weren’t going well and attempted to gracefully navigate the situation after fumbling a question.
Following this fumble, they rambled incoherently, unable to respond smartly. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, they yelled, “Fully successful.” It would be intriguing to hear the interviewer’s perspective on this moment, as it could potentially provide a humorous twist to the story.
#36: That’s Inappropriate
This Twitter user had the unfortunate experience of dealing with what can only be described as “businessman BS” during a job interview, and she didn’t even receive a job offer as compensation for enduring it. According to her account, the interviewer wanted to hire her but claimed he couldn’t because she was “too attractive.” Yes, you read that correctly. Such behavior might seem reserved for movie plots, but sadly, real-life instances like this do occur.
Why should this woman bear the consequences of this man’s inability to conduct himself professionally at work? Astonishingly, someone would make such an inappropriate comment to a woman in a professional setting. To make matters worse, one of the man’s coworkers asked her out after the interview, adding another layer of discomfort to the already unpleasant experience. In such situations, it’s understandable that the best course of action is to distance oneself as quickly as possible.
#37: Genius Boy Wonder
Sometimes, an interview can take an unexpected turn due to the interviewer’s behavior rather than the interviewee’s. This person had the opportunity to interview at a startup company, and they were excited about being interviewed by no one other than the CEO himself. However, it quickly became apparent that the CEO wasn’t interested in conducting a proper interview; instead, he seemed more inclined to talk about himself.
As the interview progressed, the storytellers caught themselves off guard, and it became evident they had run out of questions to ask. The CEO boasted about his youth and impressive accomplishments in building a successful company. The storyteller’s amusement was notably absent from this encounter, and they concluded their tweet by expressing their disappointment in the company’s less-than-stellar product.
#38: Not Elliott
Conducting multiple interviews in succession can undoubtedly be challenging for the interviewer. While we often focus on the interviewee’s perspective, it’s essential to recognize the responsibilities and pressures the interviewer faces. After seeing numerous candidates for a single position, it’s only human to occasionally mix up names or details.
While we empathize with the interviewer’s position, we also understand the awkwardness experienced by this woman whose name was incorrectly mentioned. Correcting someone when they’ve mistaken your name can be uncomfortable. Still, engaging in a conversation, let alone a job interview, with someone who consistently gets your name wrong, is even more challenging. One can only wonder if she eventually found a way to address the error politely during the interview.
#39: Let’s Get Ethical (Ethical)
A think tank typically serves as a research institute focusing on social policy, economics, culture, and other pertinent social issues. It’s reasonable to assume that individuals working at a think tank should possess basic moral and ethical values or, at the very least, adhere to a social ethics code.
That was the expectation of this person when asked about his ethics during the interview. He expressed his commitment to honesty and ethics in the workplace. However, to his surprise, it appeared that this particular think tank was seeking individuals who did not prioritize ethical conduct. The reasons behind this preference remain a mystery. One can’t help but wonder if he eventually secured the job despite this unexpected twist.
#40: Teachers Who Twerk
Interview nerves can cause people to misspeak or jumble their words, which is common in high-pressure situations like job interviews. In this case, a woman interviewing for a kindergarten teaching position was embarrassed when she used the wrong word in her response.
Instead of saying she would “tweak” teaching instructions for her students, she inadvertently said she would “twerk” for her students. It was indeed a humorous slip of the tongue. Interestingly, her humorous blunder didn’t hinder her chances; she got the job. This experience serves as a reminder that having a sense of humor and not being too hard on oneself can lead to positive outcomes, even in potentially embarrassing situations.
#41: Any Babies?
This woman shared an interview experience that took an unexpectedly personal turn right from the start. Before the interview even commenced, the woman conducting the interview expressed hope that the interviewee would have babies because she believed they would be adorable. This unusual way to initiate an interview could have stemmed from one of two motivations.
First, the interviewer might have asked this question to establish a friendly and relatable atmosphere. Alternatively, she may have used it as a subtle means of extracting personal information. While it is illegal to discriminate against women based on whether they have children or plan to in the future, this story highlights that such discrimination can still occur in subtle ways.
#42: The Sign You’ve Been Looking For
This individual departed from most other stories and shared a successful interview experience. Despite the unconventional nature of the job, it’s a success story because the person did secure the job. He demonstrated exceptional skill in twirling the sign, making him a perfect fit for the position.
Having a job interview for a sign waver may seem unusual, as the qualifications required for such a role appear straightforward—mainly the ability to hold and twirl a sign. One can’t help but wonder what interview questions were asked, aside from possibly requesting candidates to demonstrate their sign-twirling skills.
#43: Seriously?
Lack of self-awareness can be frustrating, especially when it manifests in employers and bosses. One Twitter user shared an incident from her college years when she interviewed for a position with a local interior decorator. The office was situated in the decorator’s Staten Island home, which is not uncommon for small businesses. However, the story takes a strange turn from there.
Upon arrival, the decorator seemed overly comfortable, greeting the interviewee barefoot, and the house-cum-office appeared disheveled. Despite these apparent lapses in professionalism on the decorator’s part, she dared to reject the candidate due to her tattoos, highlighting a clear lack of self-awareness.
#44: I Think I’ll Pass
This Twitter user experienced an unusual and disturbing job interview when detectives unexpectedly showed up during the interview. Their purpose was to discuss an employee who was under federal investigation. This unforeseen interruption undoubtedly made for a bizarre and uncomfortable first impression.
Adding to the situation’s peculiarity, the interview lasted three hours. It’s unclear whether the extended duration was due to the detectives’ arrival or if the interview was inherently lengthy. Regardless, the encounter and the unexpected visit from law enforcement likely left the candidate with serious doubts about pursuing a job with that company.
#45: Know Your Field
When applying for a position as a marketing writer, it’s reasonable to expect candidates to have a basic understanding of the field they’ll be working in. However, this expectation should be in the context of their role as writers, not as experts in a specific industry. In this case, the candidate’s expertise was in writing, not furniture.
What makes this interview bizarre is not the interviewer’s desire for the candidate to know what a “sham” is, as the context of this term remains unclear. Rather, the oddity lies in that this was the sole question, and the interviewer’s subsequent rudeness seems unwarranted regardless of the candidate’s response.
#46: Ladies Supporting Ladies
This Twitter user shared a heartwarming interview experience where a managing editor made a significant impact. Initially, when she interviewed for an assistant role to a managing editor, the interviewer implied that she was overqualified and might find the position unchallenging. While it was likely intended as a compliment, it left her disheartened.
However, the story takes a positive turn when, nine months later, she receives a call from the same company offering her a higher position. The twist is that the woman interviewed her had since become a managing editor within the company. She remembered the candidate and recommended her for the more prestigious role. This story is a heartwarming example of women supporting each other in the workplace.
#47: Again, with the Water?
It’s baffling that some individuals consider drinking water unprofessional in certain settings. In this account, a Twitter user shared an incident where a woman was criticized for simply hydrating herself during a meeting with a client. Such criticism seems unreasonable, as staying hydrated is a basic human need, and drinking its water during the day is only natural.
The irony of this story lies in the fact that the client who chastised the woman for drinking water had a glaring typo on his business card, which read “Leaning & Development” instead of “learning.” It serves as a reminder that everyone makes mistakes, and criticizing someone for a minor action while overlooking more significant errors can be absurd.
#48: You Can Keep Your Job
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, with both parties assessing each other to determine if there’s a suitable fit. In this case, the interviewer’s conduct took an inappropriate and unprofessional turn when he expressed interest in dating the interviewee instead of considering her for the job. Fortunately, the interviewee had no interest in either proposition.
This story underscores the importance of maintaining professionalism during job interviews. Interviewers should focus on evaluating candidates for their qualifications and suitability for the position rather than pursuing personal interests that have no place in a professional setting.
#49: My Kryptonite
In job interviews, it’s common to encounter the question, “What is your greatest weakness?” This often prompts candidates to provide serious responses about their areas for improvement. However, some individuals choose to inject a bit of humor into their answers to liven up the conversation. In this case, a candidate decided to take a creative approach by humorously referring to “kryptonite” as his weakness, akin to Superman’s vulnerability.
Unfortunately, the interviewer did not share the candidate’s sense of humor and promptly ended the interview. This incident highlights the diversity of interviewers’ personalities and preferences. While some may appreciate a touch of humor during interviews, others may prefer a more serious and straightforward approach. The response to such humor can also indicate the work environment’s culture and whether it aligns with the candidate’s style.
#50: Questionable Dating History
Curiosity about a candidate’s personal life should never outweigh the professional focus of a job interview. In this account, an interviewer crossed a line by asking a candidate about her dating history. Such personal inquiries are inappropriate and irrelevant to a candidate’s qualifications for the job.
Interviewers must maintain professionalism and adhere to legal and ethical guidelines during the interview process. Questions should revolve around the candidate’s skills, experience, and suitability for the position rather than delving into personal matters. Inappropriate inquiries like this can create discomfort for candidates and reflect poorly on the interviewer and the organization they represent.
#51: Managing Skills
During a job interview, you must demonstrate your qualifications and relevant skills for the position you’re applying for. In some roles, proficiency in tasks like calendar management is highly valued. However, we all experience nervousness and excitement; sometimes, these emotions can get the best of us.
In an amusing twist, this woman’s excitement for an upcoming job interview led her to show up a week early instead of on time. While arriving a week early may seem overly enthusiastic, it also underscores her genuine eagerness for the job. It’s a reminder that candidates bring their unique personalities and quirks to interviews, and sometimes, these moments can add a touch of humor and humanity to the process.
#52: That Seems Excessive
Job interviews can be mentally taxing ordeals, requiring candidates to answer questions and undergo assessments while maintaining high professionalism. The duration of interviews can vary widely, with longer interviews often signaling a more thorough examination of a candidate’s qualifications. However, there are instances when the length of an interview can become excessive and less relevant to the job.
In this case, the interviewer’s approach appeared unnecessarily lengthy and detailed. Going through the candidate’s entire resume and delving into college classes from 25 years ago may not have been the most productive use of interview time. This incident raises questions about the relevance and efficiency of interview processes, highlighting the importance of structuring interviews to focus on the most critical aspects of a candidate’s suitability for the role.