14 Times People Were Shocked By How Ridiculously Formal Minimum Wage Job Interviews Were, And Opposite Stories
A lot of folks find job interviews to be dreadful. Even though it’s a vital process that allows people to get to know each other, most of the time, it’s ridiculously one-sided. A procedure that is supposed to help both the recruiter and the potential hire tends to feel like an interrogation full of odd questions which give you zero knowledge about the company’s culture.
Moreover, mediocre jobs such as fast-food chains, local restaurants and retail stores often overcomplicate their hiring strategy. Teens who want to save up some cash get bombarded with multiple interview rounds and strange queries that ask them to describe what kind of animal they would be.
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Some organizations go way too far with their interview procedures
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An online user took it to Reddit’s “Antiwork” community to share a screenshot from a possible TikTok video that pointed out how absurdly serious minimum wage job interviews can be. The post received over 71K upvotes and inspired fellow readers to share their own stories.
Online user inspires a debate regarding minimum wage jobs and their unnecessarily serious interviews
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Despite it being pretty self-explanatory that job interviews are quite significant when it comes to choosing your next workplace, it would be handy for some companies to reconsider their rather peculiar tactics. Who knows, maybe by asking a weird question interviewers are trying to see your reaction to an unpredicted matter – however, when it’s a minimum wage job, why should the process be so complicated?
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Looking for a job is never fun. Firstly, you go through what seems like a never-ending process of applying to potential roles, then you wait for their replies and apply to more companies. Some folks take months to let you know that your application wasn’t successful, and maybe in a few weeks’ time you’ll get lucky and receive an interview invite to an organization that you already completely forgot about.
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It’s now time to get ready and rehearse all the possible things that you’re going to say to your future recruiter. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first job or another part-time side hustle, it’s absolutely normal to feel stressed as you never know whether this particular workplace is going to differ and ask or do something totally out of the blue and unnecessary. For instance, this user got the best of it, as they applied for a volunteering position that had a stack of questions and asked for two references for a job that they were going to do for free.
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Either way, even if the employer asks all these random questions that will probably make no sense, and makes you endure all these endless interview rounds – could they really be sure whether you’re the right fit for the company or are they simply wasting time? Nothing can decide whether you’re a perfect candidate better than a trial period, so why not make the interview process less complicated and more casual, in order for the interested party to recognize their potential employee’s real self?
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Of course, everything said is solely applied to low-paying jobs. When it comes to these big organizations that folks dedicate their whole lives to, it’s somewhat understandable that they’re going to have a very strict hiring procedure. However, if you’re 16 years old and applying for a janitor position at an arcade where you get evaluated by a team of three managers – it’s a little ridiculous.
More overly dramatic minimum wage job interview stories
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Folks with positive interview experiences also shared their stories
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I've never understood why "Money" is an unacceptable answer to "Why do you want to work here?" if it's not a high-level position.
I would use the old Simpsons bit: "Money can be exchanged for goods and services."
Load More Replies...
Anyone else attend a group interview where they make you do weird tasks? I had to build a tower of straws at an Odeon Cinema and put on a weird play at Krispy Kreme.
I'm imagining the background story: "I'm bored." "Same here." "I know -- let's pretend to interview people and make them do weird sh*t!"
Load More Replies...
Applied at Applebee's in Columbia, SC when I was 19. I had worked nearly FT throughout high school and while a freshman at NYU (Stern) including 2+ years waitressing at a greasy spoon, 1 year for one of the first women to graduate from the Culinary Inst of America and 3 years at a private golf club where I worked up from bus person to bartender. They told me to my face that I didn't have enough experience.
They’re out there looking for somm’s at Applebees. 😂
Load More Replies...
I can't even get to an interview. Because for some odd reason you need to have finished high school to put stuff in plastic bags in a groceries store. And to work in fast food. And to clean a f*****g floor.
I have a feeling this is what happens when there's a level of management trying to justify their own existence by making up these rediculous hurdles that need to be 'managed'..
I worked at Walmart for 5 years including as a department manager and support manager. This was in the mid 2000s. I NEVER MADE $7 AN HOUR THE ENTIRE TIME. THEY ABSOLUTELY NEVER GIVE YOU RAISES DO NOT WORK AT WALMART.
I applied at Walmart during COVID (it was about 10 minutes of filling out an online form with info/resume and 15 minutes of one of those stupid multiple choice personality quizzes, like "are you a self starter or a team player?" Uh both? Aren't both good?) The next day they said the manager would text me a link to set up an interview. The link didn't work so I texted her back saying so, and she replied "eh, forget about it, I'll just send you the job offer. There's an oientation session next Monday, that work with you?" so by the next Tuesday I started my first 8 hour shift. For some of the bigger chains, I think it just depends on how psycho and controlling the managers at your local store are.
My favorite interview question is "Name your greatest strength and your greatest weakness." It's easy because the answer is the same: "My exceptionally low tolerance for b******t. Whether it's a strength or a weakness depends on who's bullshitting me."
Sooo...how many pinto beans COULD you actually fit in a human skull?
Honestly it depends. Are we talking male or female? What's the age range?
Load More Replies... I work at my gymnastics gym and I just emailed them asking about working there and they said they didn’t currently need anyone but called me a few months later and asked if I wanted to work birthday parties in 3 weeks and I picked up all the paperwork the next time I was at practice and had the job (A few months later I also just asked if I could coach classes and now I’ll be doing that over the summer)
When it finally became my time, I hated the question "why do you want to work here", but I honestly accepted the answer when people said money. Not a simple answer like that but but I figured out quickly that people who told me their reasoning was to pay bills, they were ones that would stay. People giving me bullsh!t answers tended to last only a few months. Honestly that should be an acceptable answer if it's an entry level job.
When I was a recruiter for a hospital, I hired for every position from janitor to dir of nursing. Had an applicant come in for a janitorial job in a pretty red house, her hair pulled back in a matching red scrunchie, PRESSED jeans, and matching red flats. She didn't cuss, older than I was and called me ma'am, and really wanted the job. She had me at hello because she worked so hard to make a good first impression. She got the job.
We all can see that so many of these interviews are a waste of time. But for whom? All of these "managers" are wasting their time. I think it is an excuse to justify their pay...making the recruiting process seem so rigorous that they are worth something, when they clearly are worth nothing.
Recently interview for a substitute educational aide. Asked me like 15 questions and told me the post afterwards. I'm 35 with experience and the sub pay was $9.75/hour. They also put me in a behavioral program where my safety could possibly be at risk. Pretty insulting especially for a system that is so in need for subs. They pay me like you need me. I made more being a nanny over 10 years ago
I was 17 years old and applying for a job very very part time at a pet store. She wanted me to write a 3 page essay on why she should hire me
I interviewed at Victoria's Secret. During the job interview, they had me do a "job preview." Sent me out on the floor to watch me interact with customers. One asked me "Do you work here?" Uhhhh... I really didn't know how to respond! (I was offered the job.)
Same here. Retail, min wage, etc... Seem like they want you to fail the interview. Foster Farms office job, company gym, etc... I don't even remember having an interview.
best/worst interview: was desperate to get out of toxic/hostile wk environment so applied elsewhere. ended up having surgery so when called for interview i still hadn't been released to work; also had lost 50lbs, no haircut for over a month. in short, looked like crap. but, i cinched up my smallest outfit, lot's of hairspray, makeup to cover pallor. but, they ended up making me wait over 45 min. when i entered into panel interview they apologized for wait. told them no problem as long as they accepted my apology for my appearance then explained. nailed interview & was later called to tell me that as soon as dr released me to give them a call for a start date. loved that job.
Two different roles two vastly different experience at interview, same company: Interview one 3 rounds of interviews including an assessment day with maths and English tests, a two hour interview and team building excersises, pay barely above minimum wage. Second job, entry level in cybersec, a 15 minute call on Skype which went over my proficiency on excel, and passion for security education, double the salary
Reminds me of when i tried to apply at goodwill. I got to the drug testing phase then they ghosted me. Called bout a week or so later and they said sorry, didn't you hear from us. we went with the other candidate. Never applied again.......mismanaged really.
I remember chastising the manager at an a&w I was a supervisor for. He was .complaining how the kids didn't show up in full suits. I reminded him it's a fast food restaurant and the kid was wearing nicely pressed khakis and a dress shirt it was very nice looking. Managers are rediculous!
My story like this was a group interview for a clothing store at the mall. The interviewer asked us to try to "sell them" something we had on us. I was 16, no confidence and dressed like a typical teenager. I was also by far the youngest in the group being interviewed. I didn't get the job. In contrast, the interview I had for my first well-paying job was a 5-10 minute phone "interview". The one question I remember him asking me was "are you familiar with X?" "Yeah, I've used X before..." "You'll figure it out." He had already gotten great references about me so it was pretty much sealed before he called.
When I interview people, I ask very broad questions. I'll say, "Oh, your last job was at Company X. Tell me a little about that." Do they give me a description of their responsibilities? Do they offer up an honest, but professionally worded, description of the work environment? Or do they immediately start trash-talking the company or their coworkers? I've even had people burst into tears at the question. The way people choose to interpret and answer that question gives a lot more insight than any of those eccentric, "clever" questions.
I used to randomly sit in and interviews some of my reportees were doing just to see and observe. They usually thought I was sitting in to see how the interviewee was doing, but it was the other way round. I wanted to see how they treated people when they perceived a measurable bit of power over them. Generally the people I thought were decent were.. and those that I didn't quickly showed why not. Also, I found a lot of guys would interview on key words they'd heard on training seminars I'd already sent them on.. but they'd slightly interpreted the whole theme of the training a little bit off..... so they'd come out with vague s**t like 'so where do you see the whole strategy for convergence going in the next five years?' and i'd particularly look out for anyone who was stand-out candidate.... and who of my team didn't want them on theirs and why the f**k not
My first proper job as a checkout operator at a local supermarket during uni holidays is still the most formal job interview I have ever had, and it was complete with an aptitude test. Apart from my first job after leaving uni, interviews have been pretty informal, as I've gone in on a recommendation.
When I interviewed for a supermarket cashier job I was asked to supply references, quote their Seven Rules (thankfully they were on the wall and I can read, but I wouldn't have known), give proof of relevant experience and more. When I interviewed for my corrent teaching job I was basically the only candidate. They gave me a coffee, did some small talk, briefly checked my degree and proceeded to show me where I'd be working.
As an senior HR Manager for 30+ years, I detest the recent trends in overly complicated interview processes. Basic questions relating back to the requirements on the job description, and some basic qualifiers for job "must have's", one or two in person (or zoom) interviews is enough. A seasoned recruiter should be able to make an informed selection decision based on that. When I interview for jobs myself, I judge my interest in working for that company based on them having a reasonable recruitment processes. To complex? I'm out.
I had a place bring me in for a interview at 12 at night... kept me there till 3:30 am... Made me do an interview with one guy, then made me take a long ass math test, interviewed me again with even more people, walked me around.. just wasted my time, I didn't even get offered the job.. which was good, because I found another job making almost double the money. :)
Damn, some of these sound like the interview for my current job. Five person panel, asking questions that about things like people's live depend on it and that you wouldn't know unless you worked there. But my job isn't entry level and is a matter of public safety, so that's to be expected. Crap like that for Mcburgerland? Gimme a damn break.
These are ridiculous, especially those for fast food eateries. In normal countries goes like: you send your CV, they call, you fix a termin, show up, they tell you about the job, you meet the kitchen staff, take a look in the kitchen, they tell you the salary and the benefits. If you agree, you fix a probation day, when you actually work in the kitchen. If you like, if they like = deal! I mean, in every kitchen it's like this, not just the fast foods, and for every position, even for executive chef.
Not the brightest person. When you get interviewed for a federal government job, that means you've secured a certain kind of job. Not many people get fired from federal jobs. It takes some real effort. Restaurants aren't actually comparable. Oh, and they won't just hire anyone at a federal job. Just because you chose to summarize it with "orientation is on monday" means that you suck at telling stories and are actually just capable of complaining.
Why should people working 40 hours a week not be able to support themselves?
Load More Replies... I've never understood why "Money" is an unacceptable answer to "Why do you want to work here?" if it's not a high-level position.
I would use the old Simpsons bit: "Money can be exchanged for goods and services."
Load More Replies... Anyone else attend a group interview where they make you do weird tasks? I had to build a tower of straws at an Odeon Cinema and put on a weird play at Krispy Kreme.
I'm imagining the background story: "I'm bored." "Same here." "I know -- let's pretend to interview people and make them do weird sh*t!"
Load More Replies... Applied at Applebee's in Columbia, SC when I was 19. I had worked nearly FT throughout high school and while a freshman at NYU (Stern) including 2+ years waitressing at a greasy spoon, 1 year for one of the first women to graduate from the Culinary Inst of America and 3 years at a private golf club where I worked up from bus person to bartender. They told me to my face that I didn't have enough experience.
They’re out there looking for somm’s at Applebees. 😂
Load More Replies... I can't even get to an interview. Because for some odd reason you need to have finished high school to put stuff in plastic bags in a groceries store. And to work in fast food. And to clean a f*****g floor.
I have a feeling this is what happens when there's a level of management trying to justify their own existence by making up these rediculous hurdles that need to be 'managed'..
I worked at Walmart for 5 years including as a department manager and support manager. This was in the mid 2000s. I NEVER MADE $7 AN HOUR THE ENTIRE TIME. THEY ABSOLUTELY NEVER GIVE YOU RAISES DO NOT WORK AT WALMART.
I applied at Walmart during COVID (it was about 10 minutes of filling out an online form with info/resume and 15 minutes of one of those stupid multiple choice personality quizzes, like "are you a self starter or a team player?" Uh both? Aren't both good?) The next day they said the manager would text me a link to set up an interview. The link didn't work so I texted her back saying so, and she replied "eh, forget about it, I'll just send you the job offer. There's an oientation session next Monday, that work with you?" so by the next Tuesday I started my first 8 hour shift. For some of the bigger chains, I think it just depends on how psycho and controlling the managers at your local store are.
My favorite interview question is "Name your greatest strength and your greatest weakness." It's easy because the answer is the same: "My exceptionally low tolerance for b******t. Whether it's a strength or a weakness depends on who's bullshitting me."
Sooo...how many pinto beans COULD you actually fit in a human skull?
Honestly it depends. Are we talking male or female? What's the age range?
Load More Replies... I work at my gymnastics gym and I just emailed them asking about working there and they said they didn’t currently need anyone but called me a few months later and asked if I wanted to work birthday parties in 3 weeks and I picked up all the paperwork the next time I was at practice and had the job (A few months later I also just asked if I could coach classes and now I’ll be doing that over the summer)
When it finally became my time, I hated the question "why do you want to work here", but I honestly accepted the answer when people said money. Not a simple answer like that but but I figured out quickly that people who told me their reasoning was to pay bills, they were ones that would stay. People giving me bullsh!t answers tended to last only a few months. Honestly that should be an acceptable answer if it's an entry level job.
When I was a recruiter for a hospital, I hired for every position from janitor to dir of nursing. Had an applicant come in for a janitorial job in a pretty red house, her hair pulled back in a matching red scrunchie, PRESSED jeans, and matching red flats. She didn't cuss, older than I was and called me ma'am, and really wanted the job. She had me at hello because she worked so hard to make a good first impression. She got the job.
We all can see that so many of these interviews are a waste of time. But for whom? All of these "managers" are wasting their time. I think it is an excuse to justify their pay...making the recruiting process seem so rigorous that they are worth something, when they clearly are worth nothing.
Recently interview for a substitute educational aide. Asked me like 15 questions and told me the post afterwards. I'm 35 with experience and the sub pay was $9.75/hour. They also put me in a behavioral program where my safety could possibly be at risk. Pretty insulting especially for a system that is so in need for subs. They pay me like you need me. I made more being a nanny over 10 years ago
I was 17 years old and applying for a job very very part time at a pet store. She wanted me to write a 3 page essay on why she should hire me
I interviewed at Victoria's Secret. During the job interview, they had me do a "job preview." Sent me out on the floor to watch me interact with customers. One asked me "Do you work here?" Uhhhh... I really didn't know how to respond! (I was offered the job.)
Same here. Retail, min wage, etc... Seem like they want you to fail the interview. Foster Farms office job, company gym, etc... I don't even remember having an interview.
best/worst interview: was desperate to get out of toxic/hostile wk environment so applied elsewhere. ended up having surgery so when called for interview i still hadn't been released to work; also had lost 50lbs, no haircut for over a month. in short, looked like crap. but, i cinched up my smallest outfit, lot's of hairspray, makeup to cover pallor. but, they ended up making me wait over 45 min. when i entered into panel interview they apologized for wait. told them no problem as long as they accepted my apology for my appearance then explained. nailed interview & was later called to tell me that as soon as dr released me to give them a call for a start date. loved that job.
Two different roles two vastly different experience at interview, same company: Interview one 3 rounds of interviews including an assessment day with maths and English tests, a two hour interview and team building excersises, pay barely above minimum wage. Second job, entry level in cybersec, a 15 minute call on Skype which went over my proficiency on excel, and passion for security education, double the salary
Reminds me of when i tried to apply at goodwill. I got to the drug testing phase then they ghosted me. Called bout a week or so later and they said sorry, didn't you hear from us. we went with the other candidate. Never applied again.......mismanaged really.
I remember chastising the manager at an a&w I was a supervisor for. He was .complaining how the kids didn't show up in full suits. I reminded him it's a fast food restaurant and the kid was wearing nicely pressed khakis and a dress shirt it was very nice looking. Managers are rediculous!
My story like this was a group interview for a clothing store at the mall. The interviewer asked us to try to "sell them" something we had on us. I was 16, no confidence and dressed like a typical teenager. I was also by far the youngest in the group being interviewed. I didn't get the job. In contrast, the interview I had for my first well-paying job was a 5-10 minute phone "interview". The one question I remember him asking me was "are you familiar with X?" "Yeah, I've used X before..." "You'll figure it out." He had already gotten great references about me so it was pretty much sealed before he called.
When I interview people, I ask very broad questions. I'll say, "Oh, your last job was at Company X. Tell me a little about that." Do they give me a description of their responsibilities? Do they offer up an honest, but professionally worded, description of the work environment? Or do they immediately start trash-talking the company or their coworkers? I've even had people burst into tears at the question. The way people choose to interpret and answer that question gives a lot more insight than any of those eccentric, "clever" questions.
I used to randomly sit in and interviews some of my reportees were doing just to see and observe. They usually thought I was sitting in to see how the interviewee was doing, but it was the other way round. I wanted to see how they treated people when they perceived a measurable bit of power over them. Generally the people I thought were decent were.. and those that I didn't quickly showed why not. Also, I found a lot of guys would interview on key words they'd heard on training seminars I'd already sent them on.. but they'd slightly interpreted the whole theme of the training a little bit off..... so they'd come out with vague s**t like 'so where do you see the whole strategy for convergence going in the next five years?' and i'd particularly look out for anyone who was stand-out candidate.... and who of my team didn't want them on theirs and why the f**k not
My first proper job as a checkout operator at a local supermarket during uni holidays is still the most formal job interview I have ever had, and it was complete with an aptitude test. Apart from my first job after leaving uni, interviews have been pretty informal, as I've gone in on a recommendation.
When I interviewed for a supermarket cashier job I was asked to supply references, quote their Seven Rules (thankfully they were on the wall and I can read, but I wouldn't have known), give proof of relevant experience and more. When I interviewed for my corrent teaching job I was basically the only candidate. They gave me a coffee, did some small talk, briefly checked my degree and proceeded to show me where I'd be working.
As an senior HR Manager for 30+ years, I detest the recent trends in overly complicated interview processes. Basic questions relating back to the requirements on the job description, and some basic qualifiers for job "must have's", one or two in person (or zoom) interviews is enough. A seasoned recruiter should be able to make an informed selection decision based on that. When I interview for jobs myself, I judge my interest in working for that company based on them having a reasonable recruitment processes. To complex? I'm out.
I had a place bring me in for a interview at 12 at night... kept me there till 3:30 am... Made me do an interview with one guy, then made me take a long ass math test, interviewed me again with even more people, walked me around.. just wasted my time, I didn't even get offered the job.. which was good, because I found another job making almost double the money. :)
Damn, some of these sound like the interview for my current job. Five person panel, asking questions that about things like people's live depend on it and that you wouldn't know unless you worked there. But my job isn't entry level and is a matter of public safety, so that's to be expected. Crap like that for Mcburgerland? Gimme a damn break.
These are ridiculous, especially those for fast food eateries. In normal countries goes like: you send your CV, they call, you fix a termin, show up, they tell you about the job, you meet the kitchen staff, take a look in the kitchen, they tell you the salary and the benefits. If you agree, you fix a probation day, when you actually work in the kitchen. If you like, if they like = deal! I mean, in every kitchen it's like this, not just the fast foods, and for every position, even for executive chef.
Not the brightest person. When you get interviewed for a federal government job, that means you've secured a certain kind of job. Not many people get fired from federal jobs. It takes some real effort. Restaurants aren't actually comparable. Oh, and they won't just hire anyone at a federal job. Just because you chose to summarize it with "orientation is on monday" means that you suck at telling stories and are actually just capable of complaining.
Why should people working 40 hours a week not be able to support themselves?
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