Going in for a job interview is a unique experience for everyone. Some people fidget, sweat and stutter their ways through their interviews. Others come in with so much confidence they feel like they’ve already been hired.
We often hear horror-stories of job interviews from the applicant’s perspective, but we don’t often get to hear similar stories from the people conducting the interview.
Here are 20 of the most bizarre job interview moments, as told by employers on the wonderful website Reddit (link at the end of the article).
I had to interview a guy for some contract labor.
When I showed him our work vehicle he shook my hand and said “I’m sorry, but I refuse to drive a Chevy,” and left.
I was speechless. He was giving me the story of how hard he is having it, so I decided to give him a shot. Because we had a Silverado for the work vehicle, he turned it down. He has 3 young children.
anotherone92
Back when I was Human Resources Manager for a market research firm, one of the most awkward interviews was with my candidate and his mother.
This 19 year old who apparently had previous work experience in customer service brought his mother into the interview with him. I politely questioned his mother as to the reasoning of her joining in on the interview and I was told, “I’m just making sure this is the right company for him and making sure you’re asking fair questions.”
I decided to roll with it (why not, this is the most interesting thing I’ve had all week) so I asked my first question. She answered for him. I politely explained that the interviews I conduct are with the candidate only unless special accommodations are required. I was told, “I’m not going anywhere.”
I thanked them both for coming out and explained that the position requires problem solving and critical thinking on an individual level.
Unless I am hiring the both of them under one salary working together as a “full time equivalent”, this wouldn’t work.
I was then told I would be sued, and to go “F” myself.