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30 People Share Their Most Unhinged And Chaotic Job Interview Tips
Interview With Author
Some industry experts believe that if a job seeker targets 200 positions (open or filled), they can expect to land a role in three to four months at senior levels (which happens a little faster with more junior roles), and double that time frame if they're targeting only 100 positions.
But that's just a rule of thumb; it might be even longer! So, Amber Lord, who shares spicy takes on career development and the corporate world, asked people for the most unhinged interview "hacks" for when you're disillusioned and desperate to try anything.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I called a company I wanted to work for and applied to to “reschedule my interview”. I never had an interview, but they scheduled one and I got hired 😭
We managed to get in touch with Amber, and she told Bored Panda that there are a number of ways in which she would like the modern job interview to improve.
"One thing I always bring up is how hard it is for mothers re-entering the workforce. The resume gap is real, and it makes interviews unnecessarily awkward, even though it shouldn't," Amber explained.
"We need to stop penalizing people for caregiving. Our society doesn't support mothers nearly enough, and returning to work should be a transition that's met with empathy, not judgment."
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#2
When they ask if you have any questions. ask if there's anything in your resume or in the interview that prevents you from being the best candidate. 100% success rate for me.
Alexia 8 months ago
I did that once. They were stunned and mentioned I was their best candidate at that point. Shortly, I had another phone interview with their global manager (which I also passed). They verbally told me I got the job and it's just a matter of "official confirmation". A week later, they wrote me that they had decided to promote someone internally for that position. No apologize, no "thank you for your time". 6 months later, they contacted me again: "We'd like to offer you the job eventually, the internal promotion didn't go that well". I burst into laughter: sorry, but I don't want to work for you anymore. 😄
#3
They said they wanted someone w at least 5 years experience, I only had 3. I told them if they were smart they’d hire the person who was able to accomplish in 3 years what it took someone else 5 to do
Binky Melnik 8 months ago
If, in fact, they did in three years what it took someone else to do in five, then yeah, this’d be impressive, but if they didn’t, they’re simply lying and they’ll get caught eventually. You can leave stuff out, or fudge it a bit (if they ask about a gap in your work history and you spent it in a mental hospital or just suffering through bad depression at home, you can say you were sick (which is true without providing the details), and is sort of a lie by omission, but then they’re not entitled to the details anyway). TL;DR: Don’t lie in interviews, as you’ll get caught.
But it's not just mothers who are mistreated by the current system. Amber said, "We're also seeing seasoned professionals, especially older workers, being penalized in this job market."
"Their companies downsized or shut down, and now they're facing blatant age discrimination when trying to re-enter. These are people with decades of experience, and they’re being overlooked simply for not being 'young and shiny.' It's unacceptable and a huge loss of institutional knowledge."
#4
When they ask what your biggest weakness is, reply with your favorite dessert (chocolate cake, pie, homemade cookies, etc). They will laugh and you will stick out.
"At the same time, DEI rollbacks are becoming more common, which is incredibly concerning," the content creator added. "It tells me that instead of moving forward, some workplaces are doubling down on outdated systems that never served everyone equally to begin with."
It frustrates her to learn about "young people showing up to interviews in weather-appropriate, professional clothing (like one young woman I saw who wore tailored black shorts with a cardigan in the middle of summer) only to be told it was 'inappropriate.'"
"We need to stop making things so complicated and rigid and actually give people a fair shot."
#6
I force the interviewer to talk about themselves for an unnecessarily long amount of time. They leave trauma- bonded to me. 100% success rate
#7
imma give you THE best question to end on "is there anything you were hoping to see from your ideal candidate that I have not shown you yet?"
Dragon mama 8 months ago
I think this is great. At least that way you can attempt to answer their questions or calm their concerns. Otherwise they still have the concerns and no counter-arguement available when they are alone and assessing how the interview went.
#8
I didn’t have the qualifications. They asked “why should we hire you?” And I said, “If I can’t do everything you need me to do in two weeks I’ll leave voluntarily.” They hired me.
Amber has a point. Many rules are becoming hazy. According to a 2024 Harris Poll survey, 70% of managers reported that workplace etiquette that was unacceptable just a few years ago is now considered acceptable, and over half of hiring managers say the rapid changes are leaving workers confused about proper workplace etiquette.
Talking about clothes in particular, a survey conducted by Creative Access discovered that 82% of workers believe they would benefit from a clear dress code, and yet, 43% reported that they had received no guidance about it at all, while 48% from lower socioeconomic backgrounds say they struggle to navigate what to wear in professional settings.
#9
Go to interviews for jobs you don’t want. You get practise and confidence for the ones you actually want, without being stressed
#10
I answered “where do you see yourself in 5 years” with “In your current chair, since you’ll be upstairs in the big offices.” I started the next week.
Binky Melnik 8 months ago
Using Blistex in the days leading up to the interview and moistening your lips before making sloppy kisses on your future boss’s bottom will make the kisses that much successfuller!
#11
At the end of the interview ask “is there anything you’re uncertain about me that could keep me from obtaining this position that I can clarify for you? Works like a charm every. Time. ✨
Of course, all of this doesn't mean that you can just send a company your CV and expect to get hired. For instance, Amber Lord said one of the biggest and most common mistakes job seekers make is showing up without having researched the company. "I don't just mean a glance at the website. I mean, [you have to dig in]: who runs it, what they stand for, their philanthropic efforts, any major news. I once landed a job because I brought up a brand-new software rollout the company was planning, something even the hiring manager hadn't heard about yet. That level of initiative matters to them (and stands out!) And hey, I got the job!"
However, at the end of the day, she believes the main issue with the recruiting sector is that too many managers are hiring carbon copies of themselves.
"There are too many untrained, toxic bosses gatekeeping the hiring process. They’re not trained in bias, or even how to spot potential over polish. It’s hurting businesses and driving away real talent," Amber concluded.
#12
Interview them back. How do you measure success? How do you support your employees? What are the opportunities for growth? What is the work culture like?
Binky Melnik 8 months ago
This is half the point of the interview (you interview each other. They wanna know whether you’re a good fit and you wanna know whether it’s somewhere you wanna work) and yet more than half of people when asked whether they have questions say “Naw, I’m good.” Makes me think they don’t care *where* they work and that they’re not very quick on their feet, either.
#13
I found all the interviews of my CEO on YouTube and copied the transcripts into ChatGPT. I had it psycho analyze him and run mock interviews with me. I learned everything about him. I got the job
#14
People love talking about themselves so I always ask what their favorite part of their job is or why they love working for the company.
#15
I bring a notebook and pen to “take notes” and I intentionally start writing with the pen that does not work and make it known AND THEN I pull out a second pen that works — all to show I’m prepared
DennyS (denzoren) 8 months ago
I once interviewed a person who didn't know how to operate one of those pens with the three colored inks...I explained and they still couldn't operate it effectively....needless to say, I didn't hire them (the role involved writing, notes, reports etc.).
#16
On the second interview they asked me ‘so how’d you leave last time’ meaning how I felt after. I totally missed that and said “by car”. They laughed so hard bc they thought I made a joke.I got the job
#18
I am sending 5 more fake CVs in addition to mine. so that if I am in a circle with them, only I appear at the interview
#19
I showed up to what was supposed to be a phone interview. My now boss asked if it was a power play. It was not I just didn't read the email.
#20
I took the job description, loaded it on chatgbt and asked it to generate possible interview questions... Guess what, they did the same 🤣 I got the job.
#21
Make at least one (pre planned) dad joke because most of the time you’re being interviewed by a middle aged man. I told all 3 rounds I wanted a more “stable” job after leaving the horse industry
#22
I let them ask me like 2 questions and then I direct the conversation away from an interview and just have a regular conversation 🤣 gotten EVERY job I've tried that with.
Ham Fright 8 months ago
Doesn't work if they have a preset group of questions they need to ask. By all means, make your responses conversational, but If you keep derailing the interview and not letting me ask my questions, your application is going into the trash.
#23
I couldn’t get an interview so I called to confirm “my interview time” and they said it was tomorrow at 4pm and I asked if it could be moved up to 2pm 😂😂
#24
You interview them. Pretend you have another offer even if you don’t.
#25
I have an interviewing uniform. Literally wear the same tops for all virtual interviews, same suit for on-sites, same stories used for a variety of examples. I’m in a play they’ve come to watch
#26
when concluding i always ask “what would you expect from me within 6 months of hire to be deemed a successful hire” and they are always shocked, it’s 50% success rate even in this market
#27
I tell them I have other job interviews and some pending, so would like to know if a job offer will be extended by certain deadline . Usually get a call by end of day with job offer. Respect ur time
Mimi M 8 months ago
Like a few of the suggestions here, if done poorly it is obvious and can backfire. If done well, it can help. This is definitely one of those. 'I have some other interviews lined up as well as a possible offer pending, but I really like your company - what's your decision timeline?'
#28
It’s not unhinged but I always copy the job posting and paste it to my resume in white micro font to pass the application filters
Binky Melnik 8 months ago
I’m nearly certain I’ve read that the folks weeding out the good/bad résumés have been onto this trick for awhile now, and that it no longer works. I wouldn’t do it in case it’s a mark against you when they find it.
#29
Lie, because they're lying about the job too 💋
Binky Melnik 8 months ago
Nope. This is a bad idea. One, because you’ll get caught, and if you lied more than once, you’ll likely be caught more than once. Second, it requires you remembering the lies you told, and most people forget the lies as son as the interview is done. Third, once it’s been established that you’re a liar and you can’t be trusted, every time anything goes wrong, the first thing in everyone’s head is that “The liar did it!” Avoid the black mark on your record and just be honest. All the time.
#30
I pretend they are interviewing me because I'm a celebrity and they just think I'm so interesting. takes all the pressure off.
Navigating the evolving landscape of professional environments can be as unpredictable as spotting the most unexpected moments at auto shows. Just as automotive enthusiasts encounter a wide range of chaotic and creative expressions, job seekers face diverse and sometimes unconventional hiring practices that require adaptability and insight.
For a closer look at embracing uniqueness and creativity in communal settings, check out this collection of memorable crowd moments.
#31
the question i always get complimented on is "Say I'm hired. a year from now what would I have needed to do in this role to make you say 'wow, hiring y/n was the best decision I've ever made'
#32
Being Autistic I mirror other people 🙃 So they always love me in the interview because I’m a lot like them. Then after I’m hired I’m a completely different person that’s protected by ADA 🙃
#33
BEFORE the interview when you first contact the employer don’t say “I hope to hear back from you soon” say “I am available for an interview anytime, what works best for you?” Works magic.
#34
Virtual interview—I put sticky notes all over my computer screen with my STAR answers to like 20 of the most common interview questions
DennyS (denzoren) 8 months ago
I usually pull up a notepad document on half the screen so I can still look directly at the camera. Don't wanna put the notes too far apart that you're looking away.
#36
For virtual interviews: Look up the hiring manager and find their address. Take a photo from their Redfin/ Zillow listing and set that as your background on zoom/teams/whatever. Establishes dominance.
#38
I interviewed them instead of them interviewing me. I asked about their turnover rate, overall employee satisfaction, gave them scenarios to play out. They left me a voicemail 10 mins after the interv
#39
I think: “they already like you, you don’t have to convice them, they want you already so just pretend you are already working with them”
#40
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A THANK YOU CARD/EMAIL..i got hired at my first big girl job, months later I had a meeting with the hiring mgr and the card was in his office among Xmas cards, etc
Lyone Fein 8 months ago
This is a crucial step that most people leave out. You should drop that Thank You card into the first mailbox you see after walking out of the door after that interview.
#41
Want to be remembered? Tell a memorable story. How do I do under pressure? how about being 16 and preforming CPR on a random man in a store bc I was the only one who knew how in a group of adults?
Surly Scot 8 months ago (edited)
"Give us an example of you being able to perform under pressure". When I worked for the Scottish Society for Autism as the Administrator, no one told me my phoneline was the only "helpline" for any sufferers/people coping with loved ones with Autism, as the country didn't have a dedicated help service. One day a lady calls saying she can't handle her Autistic son anymore, she's going to end him then end herself. I was alone in the office as all staff were out on training conferences, 20yrs old with no sui.cide prevention training whatsoever. Spent 2hrs talking her down and onto our respite programs. That story wins the prospective employer over every time.
#42
listen to fireflies by owl city before the interview
Binky Melnik 8 months ago
Drives me crazy when people refer to something assuming everyone knows what they mean. (In an earlier post today, several people responded only “Get an FU binder,” assuming we all know what that means. I haven’t a clue what it is or why it’s useful.) I haven’t the foggiest notion and can’t even begin to guess why listening to a song I’ve never heard of by a band I’ve never heard of would help in an interview. Hell; I wouldn’t know what good it’s do even if someone said “Listen to ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen.” While I’m intimately familiar with the song and with Leonard, I’d *still* be scratching my head wondering what the hell good it'd do me.
#43
interviewed for dutch bros. my “question” for the interviewer was “ what is your preferred coloring method. marker, crayon, or color pencil”. they were too stunned to speak. got the job immediately
#44
My MOM told me to research hiring manager/ interviewer on social media and use that info to emotionally manipulate them
#46
I say “you can never be the smartest person in the room, but you can always be the hardest working” — shows humility and work ethic
#47
ALWAYS ask what the first 90 days of training/employment will be like! You want the interviewer to envision you working, you’ll instantly stand out!
#48
pretend to be outgoing and talk a lot during the interview then once they hire me they realize I'm quiet and anxious 😀
#50
Back when u had to fill out paper applications i used to put a star in the top corner. they always thought they did it and I was always called back and hired.
#51
*for jobs that are advertising that they’re hiring* apply for the job, call them the next day saying “hi I missed a call from this number about scheduling an interview” even if they never called you
#52
I always say “I’m in a unique position where I’m being extremely choosey with where I apply and who I interview with bc it’s extremely important for me to find a company who aligns with my values”
#53
it was a huge group interview like 50-100 of us and they hired ~30. A friend got hired and told me where and when the first day was so I just showed up and gaslit 😃 Worked there for 2 years lol
#54
Rehearse EVERYTHING and make it sound like you rehearsed NOTHING. Tell the same stories on all your interviews and practice them like plays. Add “ums” “hmms” pauses causal flubs etc.
#55
I'm a reporter, and when applying for my first reporting job, they asked why they should hire me over more qualified people. I said I’m a blank canvas. They can make me whoever they want. I was hired.
#56
Being depressed while applying. I didn’t get nervous cause I didn’t really care (about anything) so I didn’t mess up due to nerves hahaha
#57
Lied about my Excel skills and then he decided to test me right there in the conference room. Needless to say I failed and he said “yeah, I would rate you at not even beginner level.” 🙃
#58
One time the interview went on for an hour and a half because I just laughed and joked with the managers, they thought I was funny. (I didn’t get hired) 💀
#59
Not unhinged BUT: remember if you wasn't qualified for the job you wouldn't be selected for Interview! act confident even if you're not.
Stephanie Did It 8 months ago
Please, OP, have someone else write your resume for you. Reading this actually hurt.
#61
I act like I’m actually interviewing them instead, thinking I’m already hired and they need to win me over. Delulu until it happens
#62
MAC Ruby Woo lipstick. I have never been rejected in Ruby Woo
#63
I had a job interview at zumiez and one of the questions they ask is how would u hide a giraffes in the jungle
#64
Lie. Be whoever they’re looking for
Lyone Fein 8 months ago
No. Do not lie. If you have to lie, it is the wrong job for you. You will be unhappy working there, and you’ll be looking for a new job soon and won’t be able to use them to get a recommendation.
#65
If I know I’m interviewing with a man, I spend a little extra time on my hair & makeup. If I’m interviewing with a woman, I tone down my appearance and wear glasses. Hasn’t failed me yet
#66
“Why do you want to work for our company?”.. “why are you considering hiring me for the role?”
#67
Put white text on a resume of experience you don’t have so it’s read by their ai resume readers but not the humans that it gets passed on to.
#68
When they ask about a gap in your resume, tell them you were "providing end of life care for a loved one".
#69
I saw a “we’re hiring” sign at Chuck E. Cheese and the next day I showed up in kakis and a purple shirt and told them someone called me and told me I was hired. They trained me the same day.
#70
I am literally SO unserious and 100% myself during every single interview I have ever done and I have always been hired at every job the second the interview was over. Like I literally sit there like I’m hanging out with my bestie at one of our houses and we are gossiping about life. I don’t know if that’s unhinged, but it has worked for me. 🤷♀️
#71
I looked at my interviewer LinkedIn and saw there dog in one of there pictures and it just so happened my friend had a similar dog and let’s just say the dog conveniently made an appearance
#73
before interviewers came in I sat in their chairs and lowered them to lowest setting. I sat in my chair at highest setting and towered over them for the whole meeting
#74
My husband broke into tech w no experience. Every position he applied for req bachelors deg. He basically stalked hiring managers to find out their fave sports, teams, foods so that he could
#75
One thing I’ve learned is people LOVE when you say their name: As many times as its possible without being offputting, say it — greetings, questions, goodbyes
#77
I interviewed to work at a clothing store once and the hiring manangwd asked me what my dream job is and I panicked and said “pop star”. She hired me on the spot lmfao
#78
Apply multiple times under different names and schedule interviews, only to ghost as all the other applicants but yourself so you look more responsible
#79
Not proud of it, but one time I had someone’s work schedule and ~casually ran into them~ on the street just so I could talk to them in person 💀😭😬
#80
idk if this is unhinged or not but i worked for a place when i was 17 and irresponsible and got fired , applied for same company diff location at 22 , wasn’t rehire able so i contacted the headquarters
#81
If they ask about a gap in your resume say “oh I actually signed an NDA I can’t talk about that time :-)” and they can’t even ask a follow up
#82
Find other companies in my industry that are no longer in business, make up fake achievements and experience on things that I’ve done that can’t be verified. It helps me get higher pay
#83
Not really unhinged, but I have the best interview questions any panel has heard. I gift it to my friends. And, I have probably 15 back pocket anecdotes that can apply to most interview questions.
#84
I begged and cried
What do you think ?
Blah Blah Blah 8 months ago
Interviewing in general is such an outdated way of seeing if someone's a "good fit" for a job.
Pencil 7 months ago
In some industries, I agree. But I managed a nightclub and resumes can't convey any of the most important qualities I looked for in staff. Speaking voice, body language, just their general vibe. And I think that's valid not just in customer-facing positions but ones where people work closely in teams.
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Beak Hookage 8 months ago
By this point I'm so sick of the utter worthlessness of the applications system that my latest resort is having a cover letter that just says "I'm a people pleaser who never, ever argues with the boss, works very hard and is unfailingly loyal". Which is actually true but also who wouldn't want to hire a spineless doormat who only wants to make the boss happy? Bah.
Blah Blah Blah 8 months ago
Interviewing in general is such an outdated way of seeing if someone's a "good fit" for a job.
Pencil 7 months ago
In some industries, I agree. But I managed a nightclub and resumes can't convey any of the most important qualities I looked for in staff. Speaking voice, body language, just their general vibe. And I think that's valid not just in customer-facing positions but ones where people work closely in teams.
Load More Replies... Beak Hookage 8 months ago
By this point I'm so sick of the utter worthlessness of the applications system that my latest resort is having a cover letter that just says "I'm a people pleaser who never, ever argues with the boss, works very hard and is unfailingly loyal". Which is actually true but also who wouldn't want to hire a spineless doormat who only wants to make the boss happy? Bah.
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