Person Attends A Job Interview But Leaves After An Hour Waiting In Vain, 20 People Online Tell Similar Tales
The internet is full of articles on how not to fail an interview when you apply for a job, what to do if you want to make a good impression on recruiters and employer representatives, and what could happen if you don’t follow these tips.
On the other hand, materials about what to do are much less common if it is the employer who behaves completely unprofessionally, and the candidate themselves can become a valuable asset for the company. Yes, these cases are less common, but they also happen.
Like, for example, with this hospital job candidate, whose post on the Reddit Antiwork community received nearly 59K upvotes and about 1.2K comments in just a few days, and many of the comments contained similar stories from other people.
More info: Reddit
The Original Poster came to the job interview assigned to 10 AM
Image source: c***my_devil_doll
Actually, the Original Poster’s story is just a note they left in the lobby of the hospital after their failed job interview. Failed due to, as the OP themselves note, the unprofessionalism of the potential employer.
Nobody showed up to meet them and the OP left after an hour waiting in vain
So, the OP showed up at the hospital lobby at 9:58 AM (apparently the interview was scheduled for 10 AM), but no one came to meet them. In the end, the candidate waited just over an hour before deciding to leave, leaving the failed employer a note reminding them that “professionalism is a two-way street and their time is also valuable.”
According to the OP, “they could be a valuable asset for the hospital.” Of course, this situation is very unpleasant for any candidate. But could events have developed in a different way? With this question, Bored Panda turned to Olga Kalashnikova, HR Director at DIGIS (an international IT company with headquarters in Milwaukee, Puteau (France), Daugavpils (Latvia) and Larnaca (Cyprus)).
The expert says that the OP could probably make an attempt to clarify the situation themselves
“The candidate lost an hour of time and did not make an attempt to clarify the situation themselves,” says Olga. “They just sat and waited, and based on their behavior, one can draw a hypothetical conclusion about how they saw this situation from their point of view: the recruiter miscalculated the time, they were late and would be invited soon, perhaps thoughts about the unprofessionalism of the employees came into their mind.”
“On the part of the company, placing a candidate in a long wait state can sometimes also indicate that this employer uses provocative recruitment methods. But there are other likely reasons that could take place: force majeure with the employee responsible for the interview, force majeure in the unit, as well as the candidate themselves could mix up the time, and maybe even the place of the meeting.”
Image source: Bob n Renee (not the actual photo)
Some employers, in fact, use provocative methods in recruiting which don’t seem so fair
“Personally, I do not support using provocative methods in recruiting, unless we are talking about recruiting personnel for some very specific types of jobs and occupations, where the activity is associated with the safety of something or someone, and I believe that most of the skills can be clarified in more open and humane ways,” says Olga Kalashnikova.
“If this situation arose due to the incompetence of the recruiting department employees, this happens sometimes. The human resource, unlike all resources, has a distinctive characteristic – the unpredictability of behavior, even in the presence of an automated system for accounting for recruiting processes.”
The OP perhaps should have called the contact person to solve the issue
“I believe that the candidate should have called the contact person and clarified the situation, since I consider the employment process to be a mutually beneficial open contractual process, where each participant has equal rights and responsibilities,” Olga continues to comment on this story.
“By showing initiative and clarifying the reason for the long wait situation, the candidate would not only save their time resource, but also get the opportunity to draw more informed conclusions for making a decision on further cooperation with this organization (as opposed to an emotional decision).”
Image source: Marc van der Chijs (not the actual photo)
People in the comments, on the contrary, state that even fifteen minutes of waiting is clearly enough to leave
Most of the commenters on the OP’s post, of course, supported them massively, arguing that it’s generally worth waiting no more than fifteen minutes. According to people in the comments, if the interviewer makes the candidate wait more than this period of time, then they simply express disrespect.
In fact, the situation in which a candidate has to wait a long time for an interview turns out to be rather common. At the very least, many commenters told their own stories in which they felt extremely uncomfortable due to the long wait for a job interview – and some even had to wait several times.
Of course, disrespecting a candidate looks very unprofessional on the part of a potential employer – although, of course, force majeure situations also occur. If something similar has happened to you too, we would like to know your own story. Or just an assessment of this tale from your point of view.
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Share on FacebookIt costs an employer nothing to be respectful and let people know if they are running behind, offer water or coffee, etc.
Exactly, and if there is an unexpected but unavoidable delay to keep you in the loop. Back when I started teaching I had an hour wait for an interview for a long term sub job (covering a maternity leave for most of a school year). When I arrived the secretary apologized and told me the proncipal had just been called to an emergency in the gym but would be with me as soon as it was handled. The principal apologized herself as she ran through to call the child's parents and then back down to the gym. The ambulance arrived a few minutes later and they took about 15 - 20 minutes to get the child in and on the way with the parent that arrived as they were getting them ready. The principal then needed to call the district office and insurance to report the accident before she could start the interview. The secretary kept me updated and got me a coffee and some snacks while I waited. It was the simple act of making sure I knew I wasnt forgotten that made the difference.
Load More Replies...If the applicant had done this, they'd be immediately dismissed. The interview process shows a lot about the job. I've had my fair share of ridiculous company behavior for a low paying wages. Spoiler alert: if they are rude or disorganized in the interview, that's how it'll be working for them Good ol America. Or interviews where they want people to work for free for an hour & not give the job. Awful.
OR... hiring you to do a certain position or under certain terms & conditions, then pulling a switcheroo ... guess what, you thought you would be permanent? Well, too bad, we only needed you to meet the seasonal rush so your last shift will be......
Load More Replies...There were job interviews (and even a few Dr appointments) that kept me waiting more than an hour. As a freelance artist, I bill my time at $120/hr. So I made up an invoice charging them for my time. And sometimes I'd tack on extras like gas and coffee. Never expected to be paid but liked the shock value. Sometimes they would call, but I'd schedule an appointment for them to discuss it at a later date.
I think the doctors' appointments are leading the way. Appointments seem to be made "first come first served" regardless, whether they overbook or the doc is out on the golf course makes no difference. The expectation is set that you will have to wait in line for your appointment. This set the pattern for immature managers and professionals that just want to make sure their own life-work balance is served first, and actual performance is optional
Load More Replies...How they conduct themselves in the interview process gives you a good idea of how they will treat you as an employee
My face when I read the "sex and interview" casually mentioned Screen_Sho...db-png.jpg
It means the poster was apparently using voice recording... "sex and interview" would read "second interview". This kind of blooper happens a lot... just a reminder that technology is NOT infallible, even to the extent that in this case, other forces may be at work to distort meaning. Would not be surprised... porn sites are very aggressive. On my phone version of this thread, the OP caught it and corrected it
Load More Replies...I applied for a job as a Front Desk Receptionist a few years back. It was a casual, morning meet and greet, and I was encouraged to bring a beverage. So, I got a cup of tea to go. When I sat down at the cafe type table, there was one interviewer waiting for me. She told me the other interviewer was running a bit late. We sat and chatted for five minutes or so, when the other interviewer came rushing in, apologizing profusely. The interview started, and we were about five minutes into it, when suddenly the late comer, who sat beside me, picked up my tea and took a big swig. I just sat there with a bemused grin, while he continued to interview. Suddenly he stopped in mid sentence, his eyes got big, and his face turned crimson. He looked at me, then the other interviewer, then back at me. He said, “I am SO sorry for drinking your tea!” I quipped with a straight face, “Now you HAVE to hire me.” So he did. He told me later I was perfect for the job because nothing phased me! 🤣
I had an employer do this repeatedly. I worked overnight 12 hour shifts in a hospital. Well this so called boss would call in to one of her minions and tell them to tell me to stay because she needed to speak with me . I'm sorry but I'm tired . I won't to go home. I've waited sometimes over an hour for this woman . She would come in the lunch room to get me and say oh, I forgot you were here!!! WHAT!!!! I'm tired you disrespectful piece of SH**! My time is valuable as well! She could've come in earlier. But god forbid she inconvenience herself! Needless to say I no longer work for that Beast! Some employers have no respect or appreciate their employees. She was one of them !!!
Control freaks are everywhere in management and hospitals are some of the worst. Keeping a person waiting, when they are led to expect something definite, is controlling behavior, whether it is in a workplace, a dinner date, or at the altar. In the case of the workplace, it is beyond insulting, given that the ONLY reason the employee would be willing to take that treatment is because they NEED THE JOB.
Load More Replies...My job interview before current one. Has interview at 3 pm. Waited until 330. At that time I asked someone when the woman would be in. They called and texted her. I said it give it 15 more min. That would be 45 min. I left then. As I got into my car I got a call she was 15 min away. I said I can't now as I have a meeting and would come back the next day at 3 if that worked. She said yes. I came next day an she wasn't there. This time I had her direct number from her calling me. I called her at 315 an said we had an interview for 3 today. She said oh I'm having lunch. I said that's nice I've come twice and you haven't kept our appt either time. She said well I'm in the back eating and you can wait til I'm done. I said no. I was already waiting for an hour between the two days and I'm no longer interested. Time management is my thing. I like to be on time and give specific time estimates about tasks. And sorry but you lost the best cashier you would have gotten
These immature, self-centered employers need to know they are not the only spoke in the wheel. Sometimes they have to learn the hard way.... you must take care of your own needs.
Load More Replies...I tried for a job at an Illinois community college's media dept, putting together promotional materials. This was an entry~level position. THREE one~hour interviews later, with the last one being a live test of my capabilities with Word (no computer, mind you~~straight from memory!) I was told thankyou, they were trying to decide between me and one other candidate. A week later they wanted me to come in for a FOURTH interview~~I told them flat out NO. I wasn't interested in wasting my time further! My contact sounded like I had slapped her~~I wish!
And then employers dare to throw a hissyfit about employees ghosting them.... self awareness and accountability are curse words apparently.
They seem to forget they have a world full of competition out there... if an employer is serious, they will make a serious offer and follow up... the corporate world has no knowledge of how the rest of us live, our obligations to ourselves and families, how layoffs and "flex time" create mayhem in people's lives, not to mention evictions and foreclosures... but no, corporate America disavows all responsibility....
Load More Replies...It costs an employer nothing to be respectful and let people know if they are running behind, offer water or coffee, etc.
Exactly, and if there is an unexpected but unavoidable delay to keep you in the loop. Back when I started teaching I had an hour wait for an interview for a long term sub job (covering a maternity leave for most of a school year). When I arrived the secretary apologized and told me the proncipal had just been called to an emergency in the gym but would be with me as soon as it was handled. The principal apologized herself as she ran through to call the child's parents and then back down to the gym. The ambulance arrived a few minutes later and they took about 15 - 20 minutes to get the child in and on the way with the parent that arrived as they were getting them ready. The principal then needed to call the district office and insurance to report the accident before she could start the interview. The secretary kept me updated and got me a coffee and some snacks while I waited. It was the simple act of making sure I knew I wasnt forgotten that made the difference.
Load More Replies...If the applicant had done this, they'd be immediately dismissed. The interview process shows a lot about the job. I've had my fair share of ridiculous company behavior for a low paying wages. Spoiler alert: if they are rude or disorganized in the interview, that's how it'll be working for them Good ol America. Or interviews where they want people to work for free for an hour & not give the job. Awful.
OR... hiring you to do a certain position or under certain terms & conditions, then pulling a switcheroo ... guess what, you thought you would be permanent? Well, too bad, we only needed you to meet the seasonal rush so your last shift will be......
Load More Replies...There were job interviews (and even a few Dr appointments) that kept me waiting more than an hour. As a freelance artist, I bill my time at $120/hr. So I made up an invoice charging them for my time. And sometimes I'd tack on extras like gas and coffee. Never expected to be paid but liked the shock value. Sometimes they would call, but I'd schedule an appointment for them to discuss it at a later date.
I think the doctors' appointments are leading the way. Appointments seem to be made "first come first served" regardless, whether they overbook or the doc is out on the golf course makes no difference. The expectation is set that you will have to wait in line for your appointment. This set the pattern for immature managers and professionals that just want to make sure their own life-work balance is served first, and actual performance is optional
Load More Replies...How they conduct themselves in the interview process gives you a good idea of how they will treat you as an employee
My face when I read the "sex and interview" casually mentioned Screen_Sho...db-png.jpg
It means the poster was apparently using voice recording... "sex and interview" would read "second interview". This kind of blooper happens a lot... just a reminder that technology is NOT infallible, even to the extent that in this case, other forces may be at work to distort meaning. Would not be surprised... porn sites are very aggressive. On my phone version of this thread, the OP caught it and corrected it
Load More Replies...I applied for a job as a Front Desk Receptionist a few years back. It was a casual, morning meet and greet, and I was encouraged to bring a beverage. So, I got a cup of tea to go. When I sat down at the cafe type table, there was one interviewer waiting for me. She told me the other interviewer was running a bit late. We sat and chatted for five minutes or so, when the other interviewer came rushing in, apologizing profusely. The interview started, and we were about five minutes into it, when suddenly the late comer, who sat beside me, picked up my tea and took a big swig. I just sat there with a bemused grin, while he continued to interview. Suddenly he stopped in mid sentence, his eyes got big, and his face turned crimson. He looked at me, then the other interviewer, then back at me. He said, “I am SO sorry for drinking your tea!” I quipped with a straight face, “Now you HAVE to hire me.” So he did. He told me later I was perfect for the job because nothing phased me! 🤣
I had an employer do this repeatedly. I worked overnight 12 hour shifts in a hospital. Well this so called boss would call in to one of her minions and tell them to tell me to stay because she needed to speak with me . I'm sorry but I'm tired . I won't to go home. I've waited sometimes over an hour for this woman . She would come in the lunch room to get me and say oh, I forgot you were here!!! WHAT!!!! I'm tired you disrespectful piece of SH**! My time is valuable as well! She could've come in earlier. But god forbid she inconvenience herself! Needless to say I no longer work for that Beast! Some employers have no respect or appreciate their employees. She was one of them !!!
Control freaks are everywhere in management and hospitals are some of the worst. Keeping a person waiting, when they are led to expect something definite, is controlling behavior, whether it is in a workplace, a dinner date, or at the altar. In the case of the workplace, it is beyond insulting, given that the ONLY reason the employee would be willing to take that treatment is because they NEED THE JOB.
Load More Replies...My job interview before current one. Has interview at 3 pm. Waited until 330. At that time I asked someone when the woman would be in. They called and texted her. I said it give it 15 more min. That would be 45 min. I left then. As I got into my car I got a call she was 15 min away. I said I can't now as I have a meeting and would come back the next day at 3 if that worked. She said yes. I came next day an she wasn't there. This time I had her direct number from her calling me. I called her at 315 an said we had an interview for 3 today. She said oh I'm having lunch. I said that's nice I've come twice and you haven't kept our appt either time. She said well I'm in the back eating and you can wait til I'm done. I said no. I was already waiting for an hour between the two days and I'm no longer interested. Time management is my thing. I like to be on time and give specific time estimates about tasks. And sorry but you lost the best cashier you would have gotten
These immature, self-centered employers need to know they are not the only spoke in the wheel. Sometimes they have to learn the hard way.... you must take care of your own needs.
Load More Replies...I tried for a job at an Illinois community college's media dept, putting together promotional materials. This was an entry~level position. THREE one~hour interviews later, with the last one being a live test of my capabilities with Word (no computer, mind you~~straight from memory!) I was told thankyou, they were trying to decide between me and one other candidate. A week later they wanted me to come in for a FOURTH interview~~I told them flat out NO. I wasn't interested in wasting my time further! My contact sounded like I had slapped her~~I wish!
And then employers dare to throw a hissyfit about employees ghosting them.... self awareness and accountability are curse words apparently.
They seem to forget they have a world full of competition out there... if an employer is serious, they will make a serious offer and follow up... the corporate world has no knowledge of how the rest of us live, our obligations to ourselves and families, how layoffs and "flex time" create mayhem in people's lives, not to mention evictions and foreclosures... but no, corporate America disavows all responsibility....
Load More Replies...
























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