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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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.
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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
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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.
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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....
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I "love" the comments by the "experts" in the article putting the onus on the perspective employee to communicate. The OP made it clear he had no interest in communication because he had no interest in working for people who didn't respect his time. Period. If a perspective employee had done the same, they never would have been offered the job, regardless of the amount of communication or situation so why set the precedent from, literally day one, of allowing themselves to be walked all over? Respect is a two way street. It's earned.
Ugh, my record is a 1,5 hour wait. In which none of the employees knew where the manager went or when he was coming back. By the time he showed up the stack of pills I took to hide my flu was wearing off and I could kiss that job goodbye.
You should have kissed it good-bye a lot sooner, or just left a written note explaining why you had to leave and you would be calling back to reschedule. They may be dysfunctional as heck but you don't have to surrender to it.
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“olga” is yer typical HR twit! They think they’re the most important people in the world and are more valuable and important than anyone. Yet in reality they are just overhead!
I did well at an initial interview and so was invited to interview with someone higher up -- who kept me waiting some half an hour, then insulted me throughout the interview. Unsurprisingly, I didn't get the job. Nearly 15 yrs later, I'm still kicking myself for not having left after some 10 mins. (15 at the most) and perhaps also sending a snide email about how they're obvs v busy, and I'd hate to take up their time, and/ or not telling her off during the interview (if this js how they treat am interviewee, the job is going to someone else, so there's nothing to be lost by being rude right back). It only occurred to me afterwards that they may have been trying to psych me out and/ or being rude because they had already chosen another applicant.
You are most likely correct on that last... at that point they were not trying to woo you, they owed nothing to you, they were too chicken to call and cancel the interview "just in case" they might have to call you back... if there is a manual on "best practices" for managers it probably is sitting gathering dust on an old filing cabinet somewhere... common sense, courtesy and respect are going out the window in favor of "lifestyle" and narcissism.
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Waited for 40 minutes for the interviewer to show up. He never did. I left, called the office and spoke to the manager, telling him what happened, how rude it was and that I would never work his company. Within 5 minutes the interviewer calls, telling me he was in the office - receptionist told he was out of the office - and that I needed to come back to meet with him. I told him 'no way' and hung up. He called back two more times begging me to come back. I finally told him to GFH and hung up. He called 3 more times which I didn't answer. I think his boss came down on him like a ton of bricks and he was trying to keep his job.
In the 80s my wife and I worked in a factory. The HR manager was a d**k, to everyone. Our youngest was born and after a time she came back to work. He called her at home and asked her to come to his office the next day at 9:00 to sign some paperwork. She went up at 9:00 and told the secretary she was there to see him. She got on the phone and let him know. 45 minutes later he opened the door and she said his chin hit the floor. She was wearing her welding uniform and he stammered "I didn't know you were back yet. Come sign these papers so you can get back to work". I still chuckle to myself about that too this day.
Almost the exact opposite happened to me: I had applied for a job as a receptionist at a luxury hotel and conference resort, and the manager called to ask a few questions, and then told me they'd call me back within the week to schedule an interview. I waited eagerly for the call, which came three days later. Except it wasn't to schedule an interview: it was to ask where the hell I was, and why I wasn't at the interview. I was confused and got defensive, because they obviously hadn't called me with a date and time. The manager acted like they didn't believe me, but agreed to make a "new" appointment. I was getting a bad feeling, but I really needed the job, so I went, and got hired. Let's just say that I should have trusted my gut instinct: my hiring experience was par for the course with that manager. They were always withholding information from us employees, gaslighting and heaping blame/putting to shame, creating a really toxic work environment. I left after just over a year.
I once got the job because I brought a book to the interview, and spent 40 minutes reading it while I waited. The manager said he was impressed with the initiative. He was then so garbage as a human being I left after 2 months.
A friend of mine once had an interview that was supposed to start at 11am. She got there when her own watch said 10:58am. Imagine her surprise when the clock at the office said 11:02. She told the receptionist who she was, and waited. And waited. And waited some more. At around 11:15 (by my friend's watch), the interviewer finally decided to put in an appearance, and proceeded to s**t all over my friend for "being late/unprofessional." When my friend pointed out that the interview was for 11, she showed up at 10:58 by *her* watch, and it wasn't her fault that the office's clock was four minutes fast, and it *especially* wasn't her fault that the interviewer knew she was there but still kept her waiting until 11:15, the interviewer basically threw her out without offering her a job. No great loss.
I once had a job interview in the US which turned out to be a group interview. Not only did they keep us all waiting before the interview even started, but maybe ten minutes into it, someone came and told the interviewer that there was some pressing emergency that only she could take care of. At that point, I'd already realized that the sample questions they gave us (come to find out, we were supposed to call ppl to ask them "political survey" questions) were specifically designed to elicit a pro-Trump response, so when the interviewer got up and left, so did I. Felt no guilt at all when I ran into her on my way out of the building.
I got my first job out of college like that. A consulting firm flew me to Dallas where they had a small office. They were all out of town that day. The receptionist was wondering why I was there. After some frantic phone calls they apologized profusely. I met one of the partners on the beach the following weekend while he was in vacation. It was nice to break the intimidating facade of a consulting firm as a new graduate. Yes it was a great job that I stayed in until graduate school 4 years later
Years ago, I had a phone interview where Carl was scheduled to call me at a certain time. I was ready and waiting 15 minutes ahead of time. When he was 15 minutes late, I sent an email asking to reschedule. They replied with a flaky excuse for him blowing me off and said they'd contact me to reschedule. After I tried three times over the next two weeks, with no reply, I wrote them off. Sure, I'll name and shame. It was Southern Wine and Spirits, in Cerritos, California.
Just a few weeks ago I had a recruiter call me and interviewed with me and then set up an appointment for someone to call, so the time for the person to call came and went, so I texted the recruiter and she made an excuse for them and set up another phone interview and again I waited and again no one called, this happened two more times with same results, when the recruiter wanted to set another interview I told her not unless there was a job offer and told them not to bother me again.
dude I applied for a hospital and they rescheduled on me last minute and then the guy didn't show up to the reschedule, i waited like 30minutes. better believe I wrote an email to the recruiter. the recruiter never wrote me back
There is no excuse for rudeness or lateness in this day & age. My take: if possible, stay, do the interview, draw it out as long as possible, then as l am leaving, inform the interviewer that now they know how it feels for someone to waste their valuable time & effort... And no, l will not be taking the job. I waited two hours for an interview at first real job. The first thing the director did was genuinely apologize & thank me for waiting so long. She was attending a class out of town & was held up when a truck jack-knifed on her way to me. No cell phones & no way to leave the highway to find a phone. I was hired on the spot, in part, she said, because l showed "patience & positive attitude" which was necessary working with troubled teens. That is not the case today. I don't want to work for any boss that is that insecure (power plays) or disrespectful.
These employers are, wittingly or unwittingly, giving you a taste of what it would be like to work there. Take the hint. This has happened to me only once so far last week, when I actually got a screening call from a merchandising outfit in response to my online application. She had good questions, it sounded serious enough. We agreed on an 11:00 a.m. interview the next day. They eere to call me then (it was not a Zoom interview). I was here, wsiting. No call. Fortunayely I had other things to do, and the call came after 45 minutes. The young man apologized but atcthat point I decided there was a double standard being applied so I just said I had already gotten another job offer. Sorry, Bro, I am too old for this b.s. I started my work life in the 70s when people still did what tbey agreed to do, they didn't just live for themselves and their tribe, and common courtesy was a thing. I chalk this up as generational...the narcissistic lifestyle dominates.
I've waited 45 min for a job that wasn't even available. I was in college and had classes after. My first mistake was trying to go through a temp agency. Never made that mistake again, I was furious.
i had a job interview it was kind of a trial day at the office i was supposed to be replacing someone that was leaving and while i was there they asked the person to stay when i got home i got the call to say i did well but they didnt have a job for me at that time
So they got a free day of work out of you. The nerve of some companies...
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Watch out for outfits who get public funding. Government funding requires them to interview everyone who applies and is remotely qualified. Meanwhile, they have already chosen a "favorite" from within, who is waiting in the wings until the outside interviews are over. Local government, nonprofits, and education are particularly guilty of this. Equal Employment Opportunity means just that: opportunity, nothing else. If you happen to get hired by a serious administrator because you run circles around their favorite and they want to upgrade, you will hear no end of it from the jealous one and their buddies. Vermont here is trying desperately to recruit professionals from outside the state to fill the tax coffers. They typically hire remotely... but when the newbie gets here, there is no housing they can afford, the sidewalks roll up at 9 p.m., and you can't eat the landscape unless you are a farmer. Stuff you will never hear about in a phone interview.
This has happened to me only once in my 5 decades of working. It happened just the other day. I applied online to a merchandizing outfit and wonder of wonders! got a personal call from a staffer to screen me for an interview. She ran the terms of the job by me, I found them acceptable, and she asked me when I would be available for a nonvideo interview. I told her, and when the day came soon after, I was here at home waiting. After 45 minutes a young man called and apologized for the delay, he said he had a lot going on... I then said I was no longer interested in the position. I did not tell him why. His kind would never understand, as clearly there is a double standard being applied: punctuality for me would be obiligatory, for him it is optional. Frankly, more ad more employers (or their staff) seem like children. The childlike "I'm sorry Mommy my bad" will not fly in the real world, no wonder the country is going to the dogs!
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... I "love" the comments by the "experts" in the article putting the onus on the perspective employee to communicate. The OP made it clear he had no interest in communication because he had no interest in working for people who didn't respect his time. Period. If a perspective employee had done the same, they never would have been offered the job, regardless of the amount of communication or situation so why set the precedent from, literally day one, of allowing themselves to be walked all over? Respect is a two way street. It's earned.
Ugh, my record is a 1,5 hour wait. In which none of the employees knew where the manager went or when he was coming back. By the time he showed up the stack of pills I took to hide my flu was wearing off and I could kiss that job goodbye.
You should have kissed it good-bye a lot sooner, or just left a written note explaining why you had to leave and you would be calling back to reschedule. They may be dysfunctional as heck but you don't have to surrender to it.
Load More Replies... “olga” is yer typical HR twit! They think they’re the most important people in the world and are more valuable and important than anyone. Yet in reality they are just overhead!
I did well at an initial interview and so was invited to interview with someone higher up -- who kept me waiting some half an hour, then insulted me throughout the interview. Unsurprisingly, I didn't get the job. Nearly 15 yrs later, I'm still kicking myself for not having left after some 10 mins. (15 at the most) and perhaps also sending a snide email about how they're obvs v busy, and I'd hate to take up their time, and/ or not telling her off during the interview (if this js how they treat am interviewee, the job is going to someone else, so there's nothing to be lost by being rude right back). It only occurred to me afterwards that they may have been trying to psych me out and/ or being rude because they had already chosen another applicant.
You are most likely correct on that last... at that point they were not trying to woo you, they owed nothing to you, they were too chicken to call and cancel the interview "just in case" they might have to call you back... if there is a manual on "best practices" for managers it probably is sitting gathering dust on an old filing cabinet somewhere... common sense, courtesy and respect are going out the window in favor of "lifestyle" and narcissism.
Load More Replies... Waited for 40 minutes for the interviewer to show up. He never did. I left, called the office and spoke to the manager, telling him what happened, how rude it was and that I would never work his company. Within 5 minutes the interviewer calls, telling me he was in the office - receptionist told he was out of the office - and that I needed to come back to meet with him. I told him 'no way' and hung up. He called back two more times begging me to come back. I finally told him to GFH and hung up. He called 3 more times which I didn't answer. I think his boss came down on him like a ton of bricks and he was trying to keep his job.
In the 80s my wife and I worked in a factory. The HR manager was a d**k, to everyone. Our youngest was born and after a time she came back to work. He called her at home and asked her to come to his office the next day at 9:00 to sign some paperwork. She went up at 9:00 and told the secretary she was there to see him. She got on the phone and let him know. 45 minutes later he opened the door and she said his chin hit the floor. She was wearing her welding uniform and he stammered "I didn't know you were back yet. Come sign these papers so you can get back to work". I still chuckle to myself about that too this day.
Almost the exact opposite happened to me: I had applied for a job as a receptionist at a luxury hotel and conference resort, and the manager called to ask a few questions, and then told me they'd call me back within the week to schedule an interview. I waited eagerly for the call, which came three days later. Except it wasn't to schedule an interview: it was to ask where the hell I was, and why I wasn't at the interview. I was confused and got defensive, because they obviously hadn't called me with a date and time. The manager acted like they didn't believe me, but agreed to make a "new" appointment. I was getting a bad feeling, but I really needed the job, so I went, and got hired. Let's just say that I should have trusted my gut instinct: my hiring experience was par for the course with that manager. They were always withholding information from us employees, gaslighting and heaping blame/putting to shame, creating a really toxic work environment. I left after just over a year.
I once got the job because I brought a book to the interview, and spent 40 minutes reading it while I waited. The manager said he was impressed with the initiative. He was then so garbage as a human being I left after 2 months.
A friend of mine once had an interview that was supposed to start at 11am. She got there when her own watch said 10:58am. Imagine her surprise when the clock at the office said 11:02. She told the receptionist who she was, and waited. And waited. And waited some more. At around 11:15 (by my friend's watch), the interviewer finally decided to put in an appearance, and proceeded to s**t all over my friend for "being late/unprofessional." When my friend pointed out that the interview was for 11, she showed up at 10:58 by *her* watch, and it wasn't her fault that the office's clock was four minutes fast, and it *especially* wasn't her fault that the interviewer knew she was there but still kept her waiting until 11:15, the interviewer basically threw her out without offering her a job. No great loss.
I once had a job interview in the US which turned out to be a group interview. Not only did they keep us all waiting before the interview even started, but maybe ten minutes into it, someone came and told the interviewer that there was some pressing emergency that only she could take care of. At that point, I'd already realized that the sample questions they gave us (come to find out, we were supposed to call ppl to ask them "political survey" questions) were specifically designed to elicit a pro-Trump response, so when the interviewer got up and left, so did I. Felt no guilt at all when I ran into her on my way out of the building.
I got my first job out of college like that. A consulting firm flew me to Dallas where they had a small office. They were all out of town that day. The receptionist was wondering why I was there. After some frantic phone calls they apologized profusely. I met one of the partners on the beach the following weekend while he was in vacation. It was nice to break the intimidating facade of a consulting firm as a new graduate. Yes it was a great job that I stayed in until graduate school 4 years later
Years ago, I had a phone interview where Carl was scheduled to call me at a certain time. I was ready and waiting 15 minutes ahead of time. When he was 15 minutes late, I sent an email asking to reschedule. They replied with a flaky excuse for him blowing me off and said they'd contact me to reschedule. After I tried three times over the next two weeks, with no reply, I wrote them off. Sure, I'll name and shame. It was Southern Wine and Spirits, in Cerritos, California.
Just a few weeks ago I had a recruiter call me and interviewed with me and then set up an appointment for someone to call, so the time for the person to call came and went, so I texted the recruiter and she made an excuse for them and set up another phone interview and again I waited and again no one called, this happened two more times with same results, when the recruiter wanted to set another interview I told her not unless there was a job offer and told them not to bother me again.
dude I applied for a hospital and they rescheduled on me last minute and then the guy didn't show up to the reschedule, i waited like 30minutes. better believe I wrote an email to the recruiter. the recruiter never wrote me back
There is no excuse for rudeness or lateness in this day & age. My take: if possible, stay, do the interview, draw it out as long as possible, then as l am leaving, inform the interviewer that now they know how it feels for someone to waste their valuable time & effort... And no, l will not be taking the job. I waited two hours for an interview at first real job. The first thing the director did was genuinely apologize & thank me for waiting so long. She was attending a class out of town & was held up when a truck jack-knifed on her way to me. No cell phones & no way to leave the highway to find a phone. I was hired on the spot, in part, she said, because l showed "patience & positive attitude" which was necessary working with troubled teens. That is not the case today. I don't want to work for any boss that is that insecure (power plays) or disrespectful.
These employers are, wittingly or unwittingly, giving you a taste of what it would be like to work there. Take the hint. This has happened to me only once so far last week, when I actually got a screening call from a merchandising outfit in response to my online application. She had good questions, it sounded serious enough. We agreed on an 11:00 a.m. interview the next day. They eere to call me then (it was not a Zoom interview). I was here, wsiting. No call. Fortunayely I had other things to do, and the call came after 45 minutes. The young man apologized but atcthat point I decided there was a double standard being applied so I just said I had already gotten another job offer. Sorry, Bro, I am too old for this b.s. I started my work life in the 70s when people still did what tbey agreed to do, they didn't just live for themselves and their tribe, and common courtesy was a thing. I chalk this up as generational...the narcissistic lifestyle dominates.
I've waited 45 min for a job that wasn't even available. I was in college and had classes after. My first mistake was trying to go through a temp agency. Never made that mistake again, I was furious.
i had a job interview it was kind of a trial day at the office i was supposed to be replacing someone that was leaving and while i was there they asked the person to stay when i got home i got the call to say i did well but they didnt have a job for me at that time
So they got a free day of work out of you. The nerve of some companies...
Load More Replies... Watch out for outfits who get public funding. Government funding requires them to interview everyone who applies and is remotely qualified. Meanwhile, they have already chosen a "favorite" from within, who is waiting in the wings until the outside interviews are over. Local government, nonprofits, and education are particularly guilty of this. Equal Employment Opportunity means just that: opportunity, nothing else. If you happen to get hired by a serious administrator because you run circles around their favorite and they want to upgrade, you will hear no end of it from the jealous one and their buddies. Vermont here is trying desperately to recruit professionals from outside the state to fill the tax coffers. They typically hire remotely... but when the newbie gets here, there is no housing they can afford, the sidewalks roll up at 9 p.m., and you can't eat the landscape unless you are a farmer. Stuff you will never hear about in a phone interview.
This has happened to me only once in my 5 decades of working. It happened just the other day. I applied online to a merchandizing outfit and wonder of wonders! got a personal call from a staffer to screen me for an interview. She ran the terms of the job by me, I found them acceptable, and she asked me when I would be available for a nonvideo interview. I told her, and when the day came soon after, I was here at home waiting. After 45 minutes a young man called and apologized for the delay, he said he had a lot going on... I then said I was no longer interested in the position. I did not tell him why. His kind would never understand, as clearly there is a double standard being applied: punctuality for me would be obiligatory, for him it is optional. Frankly, more ad more employers (or their staff) seem like children. The childlike "I'm sorry Mommy my bad" will not fly in the real world, no wonder the country is going to the dogs!
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