Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

“On Paper, He Has Everything”: Job Candidate Lowers His Chances Of Getting Hired From 99% To 0%
Young man in a job interview sitting at a table with two interviewers reviewing documents in a modern office setting
4

“On Paper, He Has Everything”: Job Candidate Lowers His Chances Of Getting Hired From 99% To 0%

40

ADVERTISEMENT

Your palms get sweaty, your throat goes dry. Suddenly you’ve forgotten everything you worked so hard to prepare for. No matter how skilled you are, interviews aren’t always easy.

Some job seekers are cool, calm and collected. Others go completely blank. Then there are those who get a bad bout of verbal diarrhea when put on the spot.

A hiring manager had their work cut out for them when a top candidate did a 360, just as they were about to land an amazing position. The person walked in with a 99% chance of landing the position. But messed it up within 15 minutes. All because they couldn’t keep their piehole shut for long enough for anyone to blink.

The interviewer has shared all about it online. But they’re wondering if they were maybe a bit too harsh.

RELATED:

    Interviewing for a new job can be intimidating, no matter how brilliant you are at what you do

    Young man in a mustard sweater attending a job interview with a high chance of getting hired, sitting at a conference table.

    Image credits: seventyfour (not the actual image)

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Many things can ruin your chances, but for this guy it was his mouth that just couldn’t seem to keep shut

    Man at job interview with high chance of getting hired, facing unexpected challenges in under 15 minutes.

    Candidate arrives serious and nervous for job interview, showing signs of pressure in an intimidating environment.

    Text excerpt from a job interview transcript showing the candidate's opening statement about himself.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text passage describing a job interview where the candidate talks extensively and misses a key chance to impress.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Man in a job interview with a high chance of getting hired, but blowing the opportunity quickly in under 15 minutes.

    Job interview scene with a candidate holding a resume and an interviewer taking notes before hiring decision.

    Image credits: andreypopov (not the actual image)

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text on screen showing a statement about giving a candidate the benefit of the doubt during a job interview.

    Text excerpt from an interview showing a candidate veering off topic during a job interview with high hiring chances.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Man reacting to a coworker’s question during a job interview with a high chance of getting hired.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text describing a job interview gone wrong where the candidate fails to read the room and loses a high chance of getting hired.

    Text describing a job interview candidate who interrupts others and talks over them, risking his high chance of being hired.

    Text on a white background reads I tried once more to interrupt politely but he kept talking, illustrating a failed job interview scenario.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text excerpt showing a conversation about a guy walking into a job interview with a 99 percent chance of being hired.

    Professional man in a black suit and glasses gesturing passionately during a job interview in a modern office setting.

    Image credits: sedrik2007 (not the actual image)

    Text about a job interview where the candidate loses a 99% chance of getting hired in under 15 minutes.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text on a screen showing the phrase he apologized and said can we start again during a job interview.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text displayed on a plain background reading I replied, You had your chance. Best of luck in your future interviews. Make sure you listen.

    Man reflecting on job interview mistake, expressing regret and sympathy for the guy who lost chance of getting hired.

    Image credits: sirtuinsenolytic

    ADVERTISEMENT

    People were torn and some needed more info before coming to a conclusion

    Screenshot of a forum discussion about a guy with a high chance of getting hired but losing it quickly during a job interview.

    Reddit comments discussing job interview strategies and how a candidate can lose a job opportunity despite a high hiring chance.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Screenshot of a Reddit conversation discussing a job interview with a high chance of getting hired but blowing it quickly.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Screenshot of a conversation discussing a job interview where a candidate with a high chance of getting hired blows it quickly.

    Reddit thread discussing a job interview fail and the challenges of changing habits after a near-certain hire opportunity.

    Reddit user discussing a job interview candidate with a high chance of getting hired but who blew it quickly.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Man walking into job interview with high chance of getting hired but blowing it quickly in first 15 minutes

    Reddit comments discussing a guy who walked into a job interview with a high chance of getting hired but blew it quickly.

    When it comes to job interviews, some things are better left unsaid…

    You’ve landed the interview for your dream job. Congrats! But as we all know, things can go either way from here…

    According to Jobhunt.org, the interview is your opportunity to make interviewers understand that you are qualified for the job and a good fit for the organization. But people often blow their chances by “nervously filling up silence with things better left unsaid,” notes the site.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    It adds that you shouldn’t feel responsible for making sure there’s no “dead air” time in the interview by sharing too much information about yourself.

    “Answer each question, focused on your fit for the job and the benefit to the employer for hiring you. Then, shut up OR ask a question of your own,” advises the site.

    “If you talk too much, you may be blowing away an opportunity to knock their socks off with your answer to a question that they don’t have time to ask,” it explains. “They are (or should be) trying to impress you, too, and your questions will help you decide if you want to work for/with them.”

    HR expert Michael Page advises taking time to think before you answer questions and avoid bumbling to an uncomfortable halt. It doesn’t inspire confidence, he explains. “Also, don’t mumble; the interviewer doesn’t want to have to ask you to repeat an answer or have to strain to hear every word you’re saying,” adds Page.

    Job-hunt.org’s experts say that once you’ve answered a question, you can wait for their next question. Or you can ask a question of your own. This helps to turn the interview into a conversation, and often makes it a little more comfortable for everyone involved.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    But don’t go overboard. “Sharing information that is not relevant to the job will either make you look like you are unprepared for the interview, somewhat clueless, or very inexperienced,” notes the site. “Worst case, the information may disqualify you, depending on what you’ve shared.”

    “Stopping speaking when the question is answered is a much better strategy than sharing too much information,” they add.

    Image credits: garetsvisual (not the actual image)

    Many felt shutting the guy up was long overdue…

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment thread discussing a guy who walks into a job interview with a high chance of getting hired but blows it quickly.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Screenshot of a user comment discussing a job interview with a 99% chance of getting hired but blowing it quickly.

    Screenshot of a job interview forum comment discussing a candidate with a 99% chance of getting hired who blew it quickly.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text comment on a white background discussing someone avoiding a future problem, related to a job interview with a 99% chance of getting hired.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Comment discussing job interview feedback and candidate chances after a guy walks into job interview with high hiring odds.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a job interview with a high chance of hiring but poor performance.

    Comment from user No-Sea1173 discussing how harsh feedback was needed to stop internal monologue during a job interview situation.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Comment about long-winded job interview candidate blowing a 99 percent chance of getting hired in under 15 minutes.

    Text post discussing a job interview disaster where a candidate with high chances blew it quickly with bad language.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a job interview experience with a guy who had a high chance of getting hired.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Comment discussing a job interview scenario with insights about behavior and advice on learning to listen.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Comment discussing a job interview pitch and learning from a candidate who blew a high chance of getting hired in minutes.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a job interview fail with a 99% chance of getting hired scenario.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Comment on a job interview fail, highlighting a guy with a 99% chance of getting hired but losing it quickly.

    Screenshot of a comment discussing a guy with a high chance of getting hired who blows the job interview quickly.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Comment text on a white background discussing feedback given to a job interview candidate with a high chance of getting hired.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Comment about the importance of effective communication, highlighting a guy walking into a job interview with a high chance of getting hired but blowing it quickly.

    Reddit comment discussing a guy walking into a job interview with a high chance of getting hired but failing quickly.

    “Unprofessional”: a few people thought the interviewer was out of line

    Comment about unprofessional behavior during a job interview, highlighting mistakes that can blow a high chance of getting hired.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Man in casual clothes looking disappointed after a job interview with a high chance of getting hired fails quickly

    Man in casual shirt sitting at desk during job interview, missing chance with 99% chance of getting hired keywords.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing losing temper and professionalism during a stressful job interview situation.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Comment about professionalism in job interview advice, emphasizing respectful communication to avoid blowing chances quickly.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Comment discussing job interview challenges, experience requirements, and patience needed for a 15-minute hiring process.

    Reddit user warns about ruining a job interview with a 99% chance of getting hired due to poor behavior.

    Comment discussing hiring goals and legal risks, reflecting on a job interview scenario with a high chance of hiring failure.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Some netizens believed everyone could have done better

    Reddit user commenting on interview feedback, discussing unprofessionalism and job interview consequences in a text post.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Screenshot of a comment discussing a job interview where the candidate had a high chance of getting hired but blew it quickly.

    People shared similar tales and it seems many people can’t shut up and listen

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Reddit comment from engineering manager sharing tips on handling job interviews and candidate resume presentations.

    Comment describing a team member who follows a fixed meeting script and struggles to adapt, impacting job interview chances.

    Alt text: Man with a 99 percent chance of getting hired at job interview but blows it in under 15 minutes

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Poll Question

    Total votes ·

    Thanks! Check out the results:

    Total votes ·
    Share on Facebook
    Robyn Smith

    Robyn Smith

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."

    Read less »
    Robyn Smith

    Robyn Smith

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."

    What do you think ?
    Miriam Insidecor
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the type of feedback people need for interviews. Talking too much and not answering the questions is absolutely going to end up with the candidate not getting the job.

    tw 72
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep - and the interviewer was correct in NOT giving him another chance. The applicant was not reading the room and picking up on hints. If hired, that person could absolutely wreck the existing employee team. When interviewing candidates, it's MUCH bigger than "can this person do the job?" - it's "will this person be a positive addition to the existing team?"

    Load More Replies...
    Btsquestrian
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The army taught me how to use "f**k" like it's a comma." If that ain't the truth...

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've butchered my fair share of interviews. I'm not saying this is the case here, but it does remind me of what my ADHD does to my brain when I'm uncomfortable around people. It's something I've been trying to learn how to catch. I don't know much about tech jobs, so it's interesting to read the psychology of interviews for different fields. It seems in this case there's a need to have someone be able to actively listen in high pressure and intimidating situations, because you're working with sensitive technology and clients are going to need to feel like they have full confidence in the person working for them. It's also a sign of respect to hear out what entirely what someone is saying, and making sure they've finished what they needed to say. Reminds me of a time I called the revenue agency with a question regarding a tax credit. Agent cut me off, repeatedly, shouting irrelevant info at me. He hung up on me after it got heated. Listening is so important.

    Load More Comments
    Miriam Insidecor
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the type of feedback people need for interviews. Talking too much and not answering the questions is absolutely going to end up with the candidate not getting the job.

    tw 72
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep - and the interviewer was correct in NOT giving him another chance. The applicant was not reading the room and picking up on hints. If hired, that person could absolutely wreck the existing employee team. When interviewing candidates, it's MUCH bigger than "can this person do the job?" - it's "will this person be a positive addition to the existing team?"

    Load More Replies...
    Btsquestrian
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The army taught me how to use "f**k" like it's a comma." If that ain't the truth...

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've butchered my fair share of interviews. I'm not saying this is the case here, but it does remind me of what my ADHD does to my brain when I'm uncomfortable around people. It's something I've been trying to learn how to catch. I don't know much about tech jobs, so it's interesting to read the psychology of interviews for different fields. It seems in this case there's a need to have someone be able to actively listen in high pressure and intimidating situations, because you're working with sensitive technology and clients are going to need to feel like they have full confidence in the person working for them. It's also a sign of respect to hear out what entirely what someone is saying, and making sure they've finished what they needed to say. Reminds me of a time I called the revenue agency with a question regarding a tax credit. Agent cut me off, repeatedly, shouting irrelevant info at me. He hung up on me after it got heated. Listening is so important.

    Load More Comments
    You May Like
    Related on Bored Panda
    Popular on Bored Panda
    Trending on Bored Panda
    Also on Bored Panda
    ADVERTISEMENT