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30 People Share The Weirdest And Most Inappropriate Questions They Got Asked During Job Interviews
When you put on your best suit and go to a job interview, there’s bound to be a handful of butterflies fluttering somewhere inside your belly. A few of those are most likely anxiety butterflies, but the others are excitement. Wow! You’re gonna shine at that interview! This is gonna be the best job ever! Right..?
Here’s the thing though: how our interview’s gonna go doesn’t just depend on how prepared we are. If you’re unlucky, you’re going to get a horrible interviewer who bats really inappropriate questions your way. Like a bolt from the blue, they’ll knock you off-balance and make you wonder what the ever-loving fudge is going on and if you’re being pranked for a TV show.
When Redditor iiLady_Insanityii asked their fellow users to share the most inappropriate and unexpected things they were asked during job interviews, they got over 5.1k comments. We’ve picked out the best ones for you to see, dear Readers, so be sure to upvote the ones that made your jaw drop the most with how out of place they sound.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I was a young female cabinet maker applying for a summer job in a joinery workshop. I answered all of his questions which I could tell confused him. So he gave me some side eye and asked “uhhhh how strong are you?”
A lady in an office behind him shouted out “YOURE NOT ALLOWED TO ASK THAT!!!!”
I got the job. Turns out it was his wife shouting at him!
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago (edited)
Love that wife keeping her asshole misogynist husband on the straight and narrow!
Stille20 4 years ago
You CAN ask if someone can lift a certain weight as a requirement for the job.
Arctic Fox Lover 4 years ago
Pretty sure that entirely depends on what the job the applicant is interviewing for is.
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Michał Jastrzębski 4 years ago
"show me you can lift what you will have to during your line of work here". Easy.
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Joe Finley 3 years ago
Knowing all the answers makes me suspicious too. But if shes got experience she will have strong hands...... I can make up an excuse for almoat any ridiculous question even sexist ones.
Ellen Casteel 4 years ago
I live in Utah. Since they cannot ask you directly what your religion is, they would ask which Ward you went to (Each LDS church is considered a Ward). So if you answered you did not belong to any Ward, they knew you were not Mormon and guess where your application ended up?
RELATED:
#2
They asked me if I could stop my dialysis treatments so I can be more available. Yeah Karen, let me just die for less than 15 an hour.
Ozacoter 4 years ago
In my lasts masters internship my tutor got mad at me because I needed to go to the hospital a few times. I even worked online those days expect the hours that I was at the hospital. He still graded me with a 6/10 and called me inmature and irresponsible.
earringnut 4 years ago
How dare you take care of immediate health issues!
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Iggy 4 years ago
It's a disgrace that the OP had to work while on dialysis. Many countries have illness benefit for just such times.
Pamela Blue 2 years ago
You know this is the US, right? Third world health care doesn't allow for sick people, just rich bosses.
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Donkey boi 4 years ago
'Shall I just wheel the dialysis machine in and do it at my desk? Would that be more convenient to you?'
Jackie Nettleton 4 years ago
Idiots they should have done their research on what dialysis is before the interview
Tanya Palik 4 years ago
Agreed but if she's stupid enough to ask the question she's not smart enough to enlighten herself.
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Had an interviewer who unexpectedly asked me, what my spirit animal was at the end of the interview.
I didn't know what to say but the first thing that popped out of my head was a bear because the thought of hibernating and being lazy on cold seasons sounds like something I'd do... it's the most stupidest reply I could give.
He ended up being one of the best, if not the nicest and funniest boss I ever had.
Bobert Robertson 4 years ago (edited)
I usually prepare myself for interviews and have a good idea of what questions to expect, since I don't like being caught off guard (I blurt dumbness). If he asked me, i would have said "spirit animal? Bob Ross" then for 3 weeks I'd be like "stupid me. Stupid stupid me! Bob's not an animal!"
Donkey boi 4 years ago
Interviewer: What's your spirit animal? Me: Thank you for time, it was lovely meeting you.
TrashPandaru 4 years ago
Unless you're Native American, you don't have a spirit animal, stop it
Joshua Seaman 4 years ago (edited)
Best, nicest, and funniest boss? Clearly you worked for Michael Scott 😜
Nobody wants to cause a scene during a job interview. Times are tough, jobs pay the bills, and sometimes you wonder if you’re overreacting to what you're being asked. But that’s just our brains finding excuses for people asking us things that really ought not to be voiced aloud. You need to know how to deal with problematic questions.
#4
This is definitely the most bizarre question I have ever seen on a job application.
MirohLoome (he/she/they) 1 year ago
this is very bad for the elephants mental+physical health :(
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Adalberto Agudelo-Cardona 2 years ago
Call the authorities and report the a$$hole who gave it to me.
#5
Very first job I interviewed for was a movie theater while I was still in highschool.
Manager: are you available Sunday morning?
Me: yes I have open availability.
Manager: So you don't attend church Sunday morning?
Me: No, I'm free.
Manager: Oh, so you're gonna burn in hell?
Me: uh... Sorry, huh?
Manager: Nothing it's fine.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
I'd have said, "Yeah, probably. Save me a seat." and not gotten the job.
Thorfin Wolfsbane 4 years ago (edited)
lots of people going to church Sunday mornings are going to hell; and lots of people that don't aren't. Pretty sure getting into heaven has nothing to do with your attendance record.
Daria B 4 years ago
Genuine question: don't they have an evening service at the church there? The Catholic church in every country I know have at least 2 services each Sunday, so you can pick your preferred schedule.
Arctic Fox Lover 4 years ago
My church does three different services, but they're nearly back to back in the morning, so...
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Mister Ghost Foot 4 years ago
I have my beliefs but the one thing I won't ever believe in is church. Church has become business at this point. I'm fine worshipping from home.
Arctic Fox Lover 4 years ago
Not all churches. The church my mom works at (also the one we attend lol) is anything but a business. But to each their own
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#6
"The real reason I asked you in today is because your last name sounded like you're white. We've had the worst luck with black guys doing the job right"
Truth Monster 4 years ago
1) if they're rejecting you on race, they're idiots and you don't want to work for them. 2) if they're rejecting you on race and TELLING you that's why they are rejecting you they're not going to be in business long, because the lawsuits are going to eat any profits they make.
SoozeeQ 4 years ago
Perhaps they didn't train them in the role correctly?
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Zophra 4 years ago
Flipped - I went to a teaching interview in an africian american community. I have a "black" name as I have been told. Africian- American Principal and associates looked at me and actually said, "Oh... you're white." Very, very awkward. Sadly so.
Daria B 4 years ago
Besides the obvious, what would they expect? I mean, there's talented black celebrities whose surnames are literally White and I've seen Whiteman in the credits too. Especially if this is an English speaking country, your surname doesn't really say anything about your ethnicity unless it contains special characters, such as ć, š, ž etc.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
USA: POTUS wanted: We've had the worst luck with white guys.... (I'm American. Flame away.)
There are a few ways how you can diplomatically try to avoid the question in question without sounding rude, like a skilled kung-fu master. One way to counter an inappropriate question is to steer the conversation elsewhere like a real redirection pro.
#7
Interviewer :- Do you know how to swim?
Me :- Umm, no?
Interviewer :- Get out.
(software engineer job)
Sum Guy 4 years ago
I hate that some people are just looking to fill up their department with people who can win at after work games against other departments
Alphabet Soupy 4 years ago
My previous job got super cliquey, not with sports thank goodness, but other team activities. At my last performance review, I was actually told to be more like my coworkers.
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Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
They used to have a typists' pool? And a pool table is usual. But otherwise...
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Peter 2 years ago
That's what I'm thinking. Maybe it was a reference to some tech that they didn't understand and this is their distorted memory of what was actually asked for. But I'm struggling to think of what it might be
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Pamela Blue 2 years ago
I would hope that came at the beginning of the interview, because I would have been out of there so fast! Companies who insist that their staff must do "after hours" sports or competitions are a real no-no for me. I have a life outside of work, and I don't plan on being there any longer than my required hours. (unless it's an emergency).
#8
"Can you make your breasts smaller? They might be a distraction for some of our patients here." This was at a hospital. And I wasn't wearing anything provocative, I just have big boobs. I didn't get the job, they told me it was because I was too inexperienced.
Chris Wade 4 years ago
That's the point, everybody loves boobs hence the distraction.
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Rose the Cook 4 years ago
What did they expect her to do, have reduction surgery? In their hospital, no doubt.
Shull GaRett 4 years ago
id guess a flat chested bored with life recruiter...
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Katrina B. 4 years ago
You should have reported this to the hospital CEO/COO and/or head of HR. This is sexual harrassment
Misha Christensen-wildeman 4 years ago
that would be straight to CCMA in my country there is no way the company would get away with that they would have to pay the person out a years salary no discrimination allowed body married pregnant nothing
Kines Tezja 4 years ago
This is a hospital, young lady. We shouldn't distract patients from their illness.
#9
Interviewer: If you were a tree, what kind of a tree would you be?
Me: A tree with a job.
All kinds of hippy dippy sh*t like this back in the 70s.
Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
Christmas trees have jobs but they don't stick with it very long.
Donkey boi 4 years ago
A Birch, 'Cos Im gonna birch-slap you if you ask me another dumb question!
LesAnimaux 4 years ago
I'm going to use this. "Where do you see yourself in x years?" "Employed"
Aliquid A 4 years ago
I really wanted to be interviewed in 2015, so I could respond to "where do you see yourself in 5 years", with "How would I know, I don't have 2020 vision"
Load More Replies... If the redirection method fails, you can always keep your answers very short, broad, and general. This way, you won’t appear rude, but the interviewer might get the hint that this isn’t something that you want to talk about.
#10
Lovers (an adult toy/accessories shop in the US) hands you an elephant sized, wiggly ass dildo and asks you to describe it.
You giggle you lose.
I lost.
Helena Houzarová 4 years ago
Yep, you can't giggle at your customers. If they can find someone who would be able to describe it with a straight face without weeks of training, why not hire them?
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Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
They never forget... that's why they drink.
Load More Replies... Donkey boi 4 years ago
How are they going to hand you a dildo the size of an elephant???? Oh! ... Oooohhhhh... You don't mean the whole elephant!
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
"Pachydermal phallic device". Trust me, you learn not to giggle in med school. At least, not till you're safely home and alone.
beckster308 4 years ago
This test is actually a great idea. Worked at a pharmacy during my very immature youth and had trouble selling condoms without giggling.
Fluffy Griffin 3 years ago
I don't think I'd laugh, but say something wildly inappropriate like "holy sh!t! You could tickle your brains with that thing! " and then refer to it as the brain tickler forever after.
#11
This was quite a while ago, and I was interviewing for a janitorial position at a private middle school.
The interview was going well. The interviewer was asking me why I wanted to work there, what my previous job experience was, etc. The bog standard interview questions.
Out of absolutely nowhere, he asks " You're not attracted to underage girls, are you?". I was taken aback for a moment, and just sort of stared at him waiting for clarification.
I think it only occurred to him after having said it how weird the question was, and he quickly started to give some context. Turns out the previous janitor had attempted some sexual advances on some underage students
I was just there to sweep the floors for some cash. Not commit a felony.
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
You mean you hope the previous janitor is sweeping the jailhouse floors while wearing stripes.
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Eliška Hůlková 4 years ago
I don't blame the manager for asking that. It was not very polite, but after such a terrible experience, he was most likely just super nervous to hire anyone.
Ruth Peacock 4 years ago
And that we why we have police checks for all jobs involving children
Seabeast 4 years ago
That only works if a person has been caught, though. Someone who has never been caught will slip through.
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Luka Verheijen 4 years ago
The idea is good but he should be more subtle. Now everything is gonna be super awkward for quite some time
??? 4 years ago
for the record, i do not support it, but there is no law against being attracted to anyone. it is the revelation of the desire or execution that is the issue. It is just like gays can be gay without letting people know theyre gay, so keep perversions like these a secret and there is never an issue.
Happy Creations 4 years ago
Seems only fair. Where I live, every male (teacher, headmaster, janitor etc? Who works in a school, has to bring every year a paper from the police department where it states that they aren’t molesters.
Bacony Cakes 4 years ago
jesus h. tapdancing christ what awful place do you live where that's required
Load More Replies... #12
I had an adversarial interview once. Passed the skills interview and was sent on to the guy who would be my manager if I got the job. He made a big show of throwing my resume in the trash and told me the next best use would be to "wipe his ass with it" since he went to Yale and I didn't, and why did I think I deserved the job?
I didn't say anything, just got up and walked out. (This was at AIG, remember them? Lol)
François Carré 4 years ago
At the moment the guy was pretty satisfied with himself, having shown his alpha male superiority around one more time. But when he went to bed, after turning the life off, he realized his behavior was nothing more than of an ape throwing his own s**t at his rivals. He couldn't sleep that night.
Stephen Telford 2 years ago
Yale the lock & Key company probably. I worked with someone years back who always mentioned he went to Oxford and judging by his intelligence, it was a day trip.
Does the interviewer still not get the hint that they’re asking something that shouldn’t be asked? You could always politely but firmly ask them why the question is relevant to your job at all. In other words, turn the tables on them and have them think about what it is they’re actually asking you. If they’re a decent person, they’ll realize what’s up; if not, then is this really the type of place you’d like to work at?
#13
First question of an interview at a shipping place. "Do you think a manager needs to understand the job of the people he's managing?"
I replied with "absolutely. How can he manage people if he doesn't understand how their job works?"
I was immediately thanked for my time and was told I could leave.
In retrospect I am very glad i never worked for that company.
K.Kobayashi 4 years ago
Of course managers needs to *understand* the job of the people they are managing. But they don't need to be able to do it themselves. I suspect the question was actually a bit more nuanced than reported here.
Vicky Z 4 years ago (edited)
Every time i had a manager unfamiliar with the work, nothing was going on well! Of course the manager has to know the job otherwise it's impossible to organize anything not even just give tasks! If you don't know how much time or what's needed for each task then how the hell will you manage that? Let alone its impossible to earn respect between your employees if you know nothing
Mertimo 4 years ago
It's important that the manager knows what's what. I was fresh out of university when I got my first serious job, I needed to overview and manage phase IV clinical trials remotely without any medical degree or experience. I have a degree in Scandinavian languages and they only hired me because they needed someone who spoke those languages. They told me it would be fine without a medical degree, because I'd "learn on the job" and get help from my manager any time I need it... I quit after 6 months, because my manager was never available (I only saw her 3 times in 6 months) and every damn time I asked her for advice, she told me to contact other people who eventually asked me to contact my manager... It was a never ending circle, and I got sick of that I couldn't get anything done. Now I give IT support for Scandinavian clients which is much more boring tbh, but at least I have a helpful, fun team and a kickass manager who knows everything. :)
Joe Finley 3 years ago
No. You just failed. Managers DO NOT need to understand the job, they jist need to know what the job is, who is going to do it, and when its going to be done by. A managers job is to bring together and oversee experts in order to complete a task
Christophe Beunens 4 years ago
a true leader needs to understand the people he is managing. Understanding their job would help a lot, but a good leader could actually manage the people, without knowing (exactly) what they do.
#14
“Which teacher did you hate the most and why”
I answered that I had disagreed with a teacher over a book (I didn’t like it and it was her favorite) and she knocked points off all my future tests.
Interviewer said it was unprofessional to not like a teacher and I “clearly had no interview experience”. So yeah, didn’t get that internship.
Jessica 4 years ago
what the hell? total interview entrapment. they are obviously looking for an employee that will be obedient without question if they are wanting that answer. we critique our professors after every course so this is total bull crap.
Bacony Cakes 4 years ago
They want a robot. Not even one of the cool robots who understand sarcasm and break the laws of robotics.
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Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
I hate trap questions. And that was a trap question. NO answer would be okay.
Pheebs 4 years ago
Had an English teacher tell me not to bother taking my AP (advanced placement) English test (which was for college credit) because I didn’t meet her standards on essays, so I’d probably fail. Got one of the highest grades in the class, which was enough to get me credits for 2 college courses. I’m so glad she wasn’t the teacher to help us review for the test. The one who did was so much nicer, and super supportive (though she did low-key tell me I was ADD).
Shull GaRett 4 years ago
Well it thats how the internship review went i wouldnt to have it there
#15
For an IT security position:
"If your employer asked you to do something illegal, would you do it?"
...now, before anyone hollers that this isn't inappropriate, I found out later the the job had been vacated by a friend of mine, who they fired after he refused to do something illegal for them.
Tamsin Far 4 years ago (edited)
I would not really mind the question, but I think it's a problem for the employer. If, in the end, the candidate does not get the job, it will look like they were planning to have him do illegal stuff. Well, in this case it would have been right, but usually you don't tell everyone?
Donkey boi 4 years ago
We have to ask this question. Of course the correct answer (with us at least) is 'No, I would report it to someone senior.' The last person I hired spent the whole interview nervous, and had just started to relax when I got to that question, She answered, 'That depends. What's your view on blackmail?'
Stephen Telford 2 years ago
Yep, I didn’t get a position once as I won’t do illegal stuff break copywrite law for the employer.
Luka Verheijen 4 years ago
It greatly depends on what exactly they mean, some crimes are worse than others
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
So you would harbor a pedophile on the run but close down a family business because of a dirty pan.
Load More Replies...Some questions aren’t just inappropriate—they’re illegal. Asking questions that are discriminatory and don’t relate to the job requirements is illegal in some countries. E.g. job interviewers shouldn’t ask about race, color, sex, religion, national origin, birthplace, age, disability, and family status.
#16
What are the chances of you leaving your spouse if we relocate you? You mean... for a period of time until we figure out our living situation? No, I mean would you divorce him if you had to move to, say Europe, for the job?
Wow.
Also, this was a local advertising agency. They didn’t even have that many national clients.
But also, the interviewer then continuously called and messaged me for days after I declined their offer. So I don’t know.
Monday 4 years ago
I was thinking the interviewer wanted her to divorce her spouse so he could have a shot with her
Load More Replies... Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
This sexist asshole just didn’t want any competition from your husband. What a slimeball.
François Carré 4 years ago
The fact the interviewer kept calling and messaging after that definitely sounds like "You see, I'm not actually planning to give you the job, but I'm asking you to consider divorce for some other, very personal and inappropriate reason".
Frank Ropen 4 years ago
Maybe it was a test for your character, if you value your career higher than your relationship. Maybe a simple 0% or No would have been enough
#17
First question of an interview: "Wait, aren't you the guy who owes me that thousand dollars?"
Realized after three of the longest seconds in my life that he was joking, but boy that caught me off guard.
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
No, it was just strange and distressing. Fake accusations aren’t funny, especially when coming from a total stranger with the power to employ you or not.
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I'm a Bad Dog 4 years ago
Haha that's awkward but cool! I'd probably respond with, "Hey, it was only $10, and that was in high school!" or "Can I just have it deducted from my salary after you hire me?"
#18
I had a guy end my interview by asking me what my favorite ABBA song was. I was so caught off guard and honestly kind of creeped out, because I couldn't figure out how he knew that I loved ABBA.
I found out later that when he spoke to my references, he asked them to tell him something about me that wasn't on my resume, and my old boss told him that I was a huge ABBA fan.
Monday 4 years ago
I see it as a win....an interviewer that actually cares about your interests.
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SoozeeQ 4 years ago (edited)
Christine Baranski is great in this clip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLIVJ-1FeB8
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Chris Meyers 4 years ago
they are actually not allowed - in the US - to ask a former employer ANYTHING except "Would you rehire them?"
Not everyone is aware of these restrictions and might slip up because they don’t know the law. However, not knowing the law isn’t an excuse. If you feel that you’ve been discriminated against, consider filing a claim with an institution like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the United States.
#19
"Ive noticed you haven't tugged at your clothes at all. Means youre comfortable with your body. Are you prepared to wear more revealing clothing?"
I was interviewing for a waitress job.
I didn't finish the interview.
Lorelai Purvis 4 years ago
no now get out of my face *walks out and slams the door so hard it knocks all of them to the ground and almost pulls off the doorknob but i walk away like those guys in action movies walking away from explosions*
Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 4 years ago
*cue in the super cool and intense music*
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Boopie Dew 4 years ago
Typical in this business- unfortunately. They want YOU to be an attraction for their business. Not the drinks or food.
#20
"Where do you see yourself in five years, after we got rid of you in two to three years?" No kidding. They really asked it that way. My answer was "I don't know. Maybe in front of your grave." Immediate stop to the interview.
#21
Does lie detector during the hiring process count? I was asked if I'd ever had sex with animals. That question certainly caught me off guard
Shull GaRett 4 years ago
And the candidate replies: Does furry count? And now id like to see the recruiters face
Bacony Cakes 4 years ago
No, they don't count. That's a human in a costume.
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Which of these stories shocked you the most, dear Pandas? Has anything similar ever happened to you? What’s the most inappropriate and unexpected question that you’ve ever heard while being interviewed for a job? How did you respond? Share your experiences in the comment section below.
#22
"What would you do if a teenager (female) asked you for information about abortion?" I answered that I would help her find the information she needed.
This was for a librarian job in a small, conservative town. I didn't get the job.
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago (edited)
You would think that helping someone get information about a specific subject is exactly the right answer in an interview for a librarian job. Then again, assholes will be assholes.
Louise Harding 2 years ago
I have just finished reading a book about an underground library during the war. They were not allowed to loan books about contraception to unwed ladies x
Load More Replies... Vicky Z 4 years ago
But i have a question also:" what would YOU do if she gave birth and couldn't raise it? Oh you wouldn't care? I thought so"
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Pro lifers love to see how single, preferably underaged, moms have to struggle for at least 18 years so they can feel good about themselves.
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Carol Anne Benoit 4 years ago
I would have to take a beat and I would hope I'd have the presence of mind to lie because it sounds like that town needed a covert librarian. Remember how librarians and national park workers quickly lead the resistance fight in 2016?
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
And if her assignment at school is "Debate: Abortion: Legal or Illegal?"....
Luka Verheijen 4 years ago
Did they expect her to judge the teen and stsrt preaching at them? Some orthodox people don't get some people need to be professional
#23
I was asked if I play video games in my down time once.
I said I did, and was instantly turned down for the position.
The excuse? "We don't hire overgrown children. Get out."
Place went under two years after that.
Vorknkx 4 years ago
People severely underestimate the skills and talents one can develop through gaming.
Daria B 4 years ago (edited)
Pfffff In my company it's unprofessional if you don't play games. (Game developer company) Our interview has a few phases, including a written test, which includes a few game related personal questions. I remember writing about the Final Fantasy ones I had completed recently back in the day. When I was hired, I figured loving FF was basically an unwritten rule. We all love FF. And no, I don't work for Square Enix. It's a Korean company ♡
Alphabet Soupy 4 years ago
Well of course that doesn’t apply to a GAME DEVELOPING COMPANY.
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Pamela Blue 2 years ago
Again, as with most of these "unexpected" questions, my response would be "how is that relevant to this job application?"
#24
My future boss asked to duel me in mortal combat. I was confused and concerned until he showed me that they had a Mortal Kombat 2 arcade machine. He kicked my ass solidly. Honestly it seemed a little unfair considering they had a machine in their break room and I hadn’t played the damn thing since high school.
Sum Guy 4 years ago
This one doesn't say if they got the job or not... but since you started with future boss instead of would be future boss, I'll take that as getting the job
elStiJneriNO 4 years ago
a few years ago my boss asked me to go on a stroll during lunch and show him how to catch those pokemons and be cool
juice 4 years ago
i believe Elgar Vask is basically saying "The boss also probably dodged lots of bullets that way. During the game, people's true selves show. Like how they deal with anger/being beat. Don't know what kind of job this was, but maybe during the game the boss learns more about the new guy than he would from an interview"
Load More Replies... Jackie Nettleton 4 years ago
Best way to get to know how you deal with stress, the amount of people that break their controllers when losing a game is unbelievable. I would like to work for a boss that knew how to read people
Steve Wilson 4 years ago (edited)
I don’t know if it had anything to do with this particular situation but I can say that you learn a lot about one’s character by the way they behave when they get their “ass-kicked “. Are they a good sport or do they whine like a little bitch?
danielw 4 years ago
when the manager takes that one guy with the stupid rubber arms, that, as long as he hits all his combos, you literally can't do s**t all about? yeah. Mortal Combat was actually a terrible game.
Load More Replies... Carol Anne Benoit 4 years ago
This is basic, 'Getting to know you' 101. School guidance councillors do it all the time.
I'm a Bad Dog 4 years ago
Sooo if the interviewer got wasted in the game, the interviewee won't get the job? I'm confused.
#25
My interviewer asked if I was retarded. I said yes. I thought the interview was over at that point but then they offered me the job. I said no.
Linus Nilsson 4 years ago
I really need context to this one. Maybe the person gave off some vibes that could be a sign of dishonesty, but if there were other explanations for that they probably found OP to be a good match. Terrible choice of wording though.
earringnut 4 years ago
In some states in the US there is a special minimum wage for people with cognitive differences that is lower than the standard minimum wage.
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Linzi McGowan 4 years ago
Why did they say 'yes' when asked the question? Agreed, more context needed, bad choice of wording.
elStiJneriNO 4 years ago
i'm already that forward thinking i already take offense for those words too.
Load More Replies... #26
A while back I got out of the Navy. That old saying is true "swear like a sailor". I applied for a program called helmets to hard hats that finds jobs in skilled labor trades for veterans. My father is good friends with a guy who is in charge of the local branch of an elevator company.
So I applied to the international union of elevator constructors and was granted an interview. Union interviews, as I am told, usually consist of several prominent members of the union. I'm this case it included my father's friend.
So I show up to the interview and sit down with 5 high ranking union members. My name is Richard. My Dad's friend says " So Richard what do you like to go by Rick, Ricky, Richard... D*CK? Before I could stop myself I sarcastically replied "it's c*ck actually"
I pretended like everything was normal and the interview continued after an awkward pause. I did get the job and was admitted as an apprentice. Everyone still calls me C*ck.
TLDR: Guy asked me, Richard, if I go by D*ck. I sarcastically replied C*ck, and now everyone calls me C*ck.
Donkey boi 4 years ago (edited)
I worked with a guy called Richard-Edward, Yes it was hyphenated! He was in his 30's before someone (I'm sorry to say it was me) pointed out the abbreviation for both parts of his name, his crestfallen response: 'I'm a D**k-Edd!'
Nomadus Aureus 4 years ago (edited)
I know your problem. 😅 Even after leaving 4 years ago, my sense of humour is still more army barracks rather than Sunday School. 😅😅 Add to it the fact that I'm a relatively small woman with a babyface. Brilliant combination really.
#27
One interview I was asked two weird questions for an interview as least.
1. Favorite super hero and why.
2. Do you believe in aliens, why or why not- 30 second elevator pitch.
Madison Feehan 4 years ago (edited)
Interviewee: I believe in aliens. Interviewer: Why? Interviewee: They told me I couldn't say. Interviewer: You're hired.
danielw 4 years ago
You know... if somebody started lecturing me on Fermi's Paradox... they'd get hired in an instant.
John Bell 4 years ago
The thing about that paradox is whats the life span of a sentient species. What if intelligent life has evolved dozens of times in the milky way but does so every couple hundred million years and so there is never more than one existing at a time.
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sylvanticx 4 years ago
1. Iron Man, because he's got character flaws. He's not perfect, he's human, but he's trying. 2. Yes, there's no way we're alone out there.
Elizabeth Molloy 4 years ago
None and no. What's the point? Are they TRYING to just waste your time?
#28
"Are you pregnant?"
And after I said no
"Are you planning to get pregnant?"
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
No. But assholes will be assholes, even if it’s illegal.
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Karin Kramer-ten Velde 4 years ago
It isnt legal, not in the Netherlands at least, to ask that.
Load More Replies... Misha Christensen-wildeman 4 years ago
THIS is very illigal in south Africa we would be able to sue the company for just asking those words
Fluffy Griffin 3 years ago
My last boss (small businesses owner) asked this. Also When? And what is your plan for the children? (Stay at home, babysitter) How many? Etc etc very illegal and very personal questions.
B Schmidt 3 years ago
Actually this is legal, and is highly relevant. If you are working with certain chemicals or with a certain level of radioactivity--the company can be liable for birth defects unless they ask the woman these pointed questions. Now if that is not the work environment, this is not legal (but I can still see it happening).
#29
"What kind of p*rn do you like?" I was in the process of getting a government job that required a high security clearance, I was being interviewed by an agent. Most of the questions were pretty basic but this one caught me out of left field.
Starbelly Eleven 4 years ago
Uh, no. I have a high security clearance with the government and I have NEVER been asked that s**t in 20+ years.
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troufaki13 4 years ago
Maybe they were testing your alertness and your ability to handle weird situations?
Nomadus Aureus 4 years ago
It's because it can be used to blackmail you. The last thing you want in a high-security clearance situation is "interesting" people.
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Michał Jastrzębski 4 years ago
yeah, key woirds here are "clearance for access to classified information". If you hide kinks and are ashamed of them, they can be used as a leverage against you by 3rd party, should they choose to target you for blackmail.
#30
I was asked to describe my personality with a line. I stared at him for a hard ten seconds and asked what he meant.
He said "do you have a lot of highs and lows or are you more steady."
I said "Oh, you mean like a sine wave, not a line?"
Yes, it was for a lab job and yes I am autistic.
pusheen buttercup 4 years ago
I don't understand :) (I'm autistic as well btw) did they know you are autistic...?
Premislaus de Colo 4 years ago
Line is straight - he was asking for a wave, not line
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#31
"What does your father do for work?" I was like 24 years old...pretty sure he was seeing how little he could pay me.
cybermerlin2000 4 years ago
"He's a legal representative for a union (insert random union name here)"
#32
“Listen I have nothing against hiring a chick for the job, but I can’t afford to have you go off on maternity leave, so are you planning on getting knocked up in the near future?”
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago (edited)
Very dated slang, so this was either some decrepit old fart who still thinks he’s a stud (like the creepy old guy hitting on the young girls in the club) or must’ve happened back in the seventies.
LesAnimaux 4 years ago
Where I live (the Netherlands), it's illegal to ask this during an interview. As a woman, I am not obliged to answer or give any indication about whether or not I want children, am trying, or am already pregnant.
Ceredwyn Ealanta 4 years ago
'I have nothing against XYZ, BUT...I will list something against it.'
#33
I was the interviewer, and asked the candidate to tell me about a time that they had to have a difficult conversation with someone.
His answer? "Well, my friend's boyfriend was abusing her, so I told him that I would kick his ass if he didn't stop. He didn't stop, so I had to follow through and beat him up. It was hard, but I had to follow through on my commitment to helping my friend."
He did not get hired for the job working with children.
Monday 4 years ago
Seems like a great friend...but yeah not the best answer in that particular situation
danielw 4 years ago
Idunno. If they'd protect children with the same zeal, I can see that as being a bonus.
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Ozacoter 4 years ago
I would have hired him. He is a good friend for protecting his friend from a disgusting abuser. More likely to detect abused kids in the school
Michał Jastrzębski 4 years ago
...and send the school into one hell of a lawsuit for being a vigilante instead of going with the procedures.
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#34
16 years old and interviewing with a 29 year old: "wow, you're almost perfect, just uh have any older sisters? Because that would be perfect!" No, Joe, I have no sisters for your predatory ass!
Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 4 years ago
0-0............_-_..........................0-0. No words. Just none.
#35
"For confidential reasons I need to ask, how much porn do you watch on a weekly basis?" I didn't realise he was joking until he burst out laughing. Got hired tho
Alphabet Soupy 4 years ago
Unless that’s the government asking for security clearances, that’s a HIGHLY inappropriate question.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago (edited)
It's always an inappropriate question and the government already knows who is watching what kind of porn.
Load More Replies... #36
Which would you rather deal with, one Karen-sized duck, or 100 duck-sized Karens?
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
The Karen-sized duck, of course! Yes, it’s an enormous duck, but at least it’s not 100 Karens, which would be hell on earth.
Easily Excitable Panda 4 years ago
Ducks are evil. I'd go with the 100 duck-sized Karens any time.
#37
I was interviewing for a hiring manager position at a temp agency in Toledo, Ohio. The interviewer asked me "how comfortable would I be if business client only wanted to hire certain types of employees?" I probed for more information. After several probing questions it was apparent that some of the businesses who hired this agency to find talent only wanted people from certain zip codes and wanted to omit certain zip codes altogether. I did not get the job because I stated that I would find and deliver the most qualified candidate regardless of where they lived. No biggie. I am in a much better place now.
#38
He asked me if I believed in bigfoot. That was the weirdest and yet least alarming thing discussed at my interview.
SykesDaMan 4 years ago
From the reddit flow: "I mean I'm not completely against the idea. Kind of like aliens, they might exist, to think we're the only life in this universe without any facts to back it up is silly. Just like completely shutting down the idea without evidence us silly too. Bigfoot may have existed at some point in time and may exist now. But my favorite hobby has me spending lots of time in the woods, I've spent quite a lot of time fishing and camping in the area the interviewer was taking about. I've seen all sorts of animals but nothing out of the ordinary. It's hard to believe in something without any sort of evidence. Probably a big factor in why I'm agnostic." And then the "whole" explanation if you're interested: https://old.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ge6ly5/what_was_the_weirdest_most_inappropriate_or_most/fpopw4x/
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John C 4 years ago
I'm listening to a podcast (Wild Thing) that's doing its absolute best to look at the bigfoot thing in the most honest and scientifically literate way possible, and it does raise some interesting questions. Before I was like "prob not" and it's moved my needle to "eh, maybe".
Truth Monster 4 years ago
I believe in the possibility of Bigfoot, though mega-fauna has not been having a good 100k years or so. the mega-fauna has been going extinct at exceptionally fast rates, relatively speaking.
#39
Would I be ok with going shirtless.
Small private casino company that mostly did charity fake money events with prizes like champagne and chocolates. Corporate gigs etc.
I was hired as a blackjack croupier and thats the job I went for, advertised as above. Corporate events and charity events, dealing blackjack. Must be good with people (if you knew me that would make your gut bust).
The woman interviewing me, gave me the job, then asked would I be willing to wear just collars and cuffs like a male stripper.
Turns out they also did stag and hen nights and would ask new employees if they'd like to be considered for those shifts. But it requires the women to wear bikinis and men to wear only collars and cuffs, no shirt but wearing dress pants. They paid twice the rate for it.
Was not expecting that question I can be honest.
#40
I was a private nanny. I have been asked many questions that wouldn't be considered appropriate in any other job interview. I've been asked: How often I shower. Whether I have ever been to a therapist/psychiatrist. If I am promiscuous. If I have ever had an affair with an employer. How much I typically eat in a day. Do I have a partner. What religion I am. Whether I was gay or straight. If I had ever been bribed or had anyone ever attempt to bribe me. Whether I had ever taken nude pictures. Etc. Not all in the same interview.
Sum Guy 4 years ago
I do get most of these questions if you're going to be the de-facto parent for my kid most of the time.
Monday 4 years ago
Yeah I'd want to know if you're gonna make moves on my husband or myself and whether you shower every day too...but sexuality and religion is really none of my business.
Load More Replies... Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
Bet a lot of those questions came from people who actually had those things happen with former nannies. However, if that’s the case, they could’ve prefaced those questions so they didn’t sound quite so weird.
#41
"Your salary expectations are completely unrealistic - clearly you're overpaid, but we'll help you adapt when you join us!"
#42
Phone interview: 'Do you think that you're smarter than other people here because you have a degree?' 'um no, of course not' 'Good answer, a lot of smart people here.' I mean I get the idea of the question and maybe they didn't mean to word it like that, but I decided to decline a second interview. Didn't feel super comfortable after the first one, ended up with a great offer elsewhere after graduating anyway.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Having a degree means nothing. I had to work with a guy who just got a degree in IT. He was convinced that he couldn't get sick because he installed some anti-virus software on his laptop.
Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 4 years ago
Not nothing entirely. It used to say you have a mastery of a certain area, but it doesn't justify stupidity or incompetence.
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#43
i was in an interview for a college scholarship, not a job. i’m black, and was being interviewed by a panel of 4 white interviewers and one black interviewer. one of the white interviewers asked me “how was growing up with both parents?” the black interviewer and i immediately locked eyes and he gave me a knowing look. i don’t remember how i answered, but i got the scholarship!
Arctic Fox Lover 4 years ago
I'm black and white and I'm growing up with partially one parent. I guess that's how the cycle's going now--white children get both parents, mixed children get partial parents, and black children get one or none? At least, that how it's rollin' for me.
#44
Back in 2001, my potential employer asked: "What is the average air speed velocity of an unladen swallow?" I now use it for my interview questions to potential employees.
LivingTheDream 4 years ago
Or... What is the ultimate answer to life, the universe and everything?
Alphabet Soupy 4 years ago
Why is it that Monty Python fans are so...different? I’ve watched it and thought ok whatever, silly comedy, but it seems like they think it’s some high art and treat non-fans condescendingly??
Gage Franke 4 years ago
I don't know. I love Monty Python, but it's totally fine that you don't. Some people just take stuff too seriously.
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cybermerlin2000 4 years ago
African or European? By the way it's around 20.1 miles per hour or 9 meters per second
#45
I was asked if I'd ever sent identifiable nudes in a job interview.
Monday 4 years ago
This might make sense if it was some high-profile job where leaked nudes can cause a massive scandal.
Michał Jastrzębski 4 years ago
unless its an interview for a high level security clearance, not a legal question.
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#46
Because I mentioned I was getting married soon she asked if I planned to have kids because it would interfere with the job. It was for hotel housekeeping... She also showed up an hour late to the interview and told me I had been late, scheduled 2 interviews for the same time, and suggested I was lying about a previous boss having cancer. I got a call back and never responded.
#47
Went to dinner with a possible future boss after a pretty good interview. It was Asheville North Carolina in 2009. The guy says, "Yeah Asheville is nice but we got a lot of queers." Not sure what made him think I would be ok with that statement. He wasn't drunk. I decided to decline the job.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago
No, but being sober and saying that makes it a bit worse because he was (theoretically) in his right mind but still a huge bigot.
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#48
I was probably 21or 22, went for a interview in a real estate office as a receptionist. This dude pulls out a camera and asked can he take a picture to remember my face better. I have so many more incidents its sad.
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago (edited)
Yeah, I was 19 and interviewing for my first full time job at a rental car agency, first question at one company was what size shirt I wear. Sounded weird, even to an innocent kid like I was, and made even more creepy because the man interviewing me was about 50. I accepted an offer from another company that didn’t ask me anything but professional questions.
#49
Not a question, but my future boss made the observation: "I can tell you're not fashionable".
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
No, I have my own style and don’t want someone else dictating what I should wear—-which changes faster than I care to replace my entire wardrobe.
Alphabet Soupy 4 years ago
I’m not fashionable at all, can’t put a good outfit together, but me, myself, and I are the real show around here, not my clothes.
#50
"Why do you talk like that?" Umm, like what?
Marcia Cash 4 years ago
A Tibetan monk asked me if I was speaking English, he couldn't understand me. I said "East Texas" he says "I from East Tibet" we sat down with a big map atlas and had a great time looking at our old home places.
Load More Replies... #51
I was the interviewer (F). I introduced myself to the person being interviewed, shook her hand, and then she said - wow, you must workout, your arms are so big. She meant it as a compliment I think, but it was incredibly awkward and made me super self conscious. She bombed the interview and obviously lacked good discernment. Pro tip - never comment on someone's body at a workplace, interview included.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago
I once commented on the due date of an interviewer and immediately chastized myself (stupid!). Luckily she really was in the advanced stages of pregnancy.
#52
"If money is not an issue, what kind of car would you drive" "If you where a car would you be a sports or an economy car" That's when I walked out! Oh and no the job had nothing to do with the auto industry.
Mohsie Supposie 4 years ago
That's not so weird. These are more like ice breakers. And also to help you to relax and make you comfortable.
Kira Okah 4 years ago
They aren't ice breakers, they are part of personality tests. "What tree would you be" or "what animal would you be" are the most common.
Load More Replies... Shull GaRett 4 years ago
I hate those questions. Some say they are to show something about personality but in my opinion it just makes the recruiter look dumb.
Kira Okah 4 years ago
My old HR said they get brought out if what they need is boring drudgery rather than thinking. To see if they will just do the work they are given instead of trying to think outside of the box. They are bull, they are testing adherence to instructions.
Load More Replies... #53
As a man being asked about a spouse:
Do you have a wife?
No.
Well gay marriage is legal in this state, I assume you don't have a husband?
.... No.
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
But the question has zero to do with his ability to do the job.
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#54
The interviewer (m) reaches forward and grabs my (m) hand: “Do you have a girlfriend?” I later found out that this was his “strategy” for making me “feel uncomfortable”, to see if I could “roll with it”. I did get the job, didn’t report it then. Wish I had. This person turned out to be arrogant and rude in many ways.
#55
Was asked after the interview by the supervising manager, "If you want to work here you have to drop out of college since we would want you to work full time. Do you want to work or to finish your degree?" I was applying for a part-time job for a call center company back when I was 18 in order to support myself.
Marcia Cash 4 years ago
Cartoon in the "New Yorker": Satan leading a guy past the flaming pit of writhing bodies, says "That's too good for you, we are sending you to telemarketing."
#56
When he noticed "Military Service" the guy just goes "Oh cool, did you like, kill anyone?" To be fair, it took him about 2 seconds to realize how f*cking dumb that was and he started apologizing. But still, like, what the f*ck lmao.
Gay Giordano 4 years ago
Once interviewd a male vet for a receptionist job. Asked him if he' had relevant experience. "Well, no. But i know how to kill a man with 2 fingers." I relied that that could be a very useful skill but not as a receptionist.
Arctic Fox Lover 4 years ago
I wanna learn how to kill with two fingers *Trying to make finger guns work in the corner*
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#57
Have you ever had sex with a farm animal? Caught me off guard. Little older lady asked. I laughed. She didn't.
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
I want to know about her past employee (or relative, if nepotism) who was in jail for that particular activity.
Premislaus de Colo 4 years ago
My stupid snappy self would probably answer "no Maam, I only have intercourse with domestic ones..."
Guy MacGregor 4 years ago
Be careful, post numbers changes depending on the votes
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#58
I was once asked about my religious upbringing in a job. I'm a teacher. The new principal was apparently a heavy born-again Christian-type. My friends who had recommended me for the position had not had similar questions with the previous principal and were completely shocked I was asked this question.
I am not religious and did not get the job.
Marcia Cash 4 years ago
In 45 years of custom design work, 100% of clients who testified for Jesus screwed me out of some money.
#59
First thing out of the interviewer’s mouth during my first “real job” interview: “Tell us everything you know about ketchup.” Interview was to be a student lawyer at a large national firm.
Mohsie Supposie 4 years ago
That's understandable for a lawyer job. They are asking you to describe something in detail, which is something you should be able to do as a lawyer.
Arctic Fox Lover 4 years ago
Well, let's see, ketchup used to come in purple and green, ketchup's currently red, ketchup is made from tomatoes, Heinz is the most famous condiment brand (ketchup in particular here), and nobody can seem to spell ketchup quite right. Yep, that's all I got.
cassiushumanmother 4 years ago
That's a very good question for any job actually. Open questions are the bests. I would have gone with a lecture on ketchup, how is it made, how is it consumed, how is it related with health (goods and bads), how is it perceived worldwide and how we deal with used bottles (plastic or glass) and i would have finished with how ketchup is actually a social marker in a bottle. They would hire me to annoy rivals.
#60
Will you take off your clothes now?
#61
I was asked over the span of about five questions if I would let employees steal.
“What would you do if you saw a customer walk out the door with product?” “I would tell the manager and not confront them” (the correct answer for almost all retail companies, but not this one apparently)
“What if it was your store? ‘Gmony Retailers’ and you are the manager?” “I would try to stop them or call the cops”
“What if it was an employee trying to steal something really cheap like a $1 water bottle?” “I wouldn’t let them steal so I’d tell a manager”
“What if they have been having family troubles and their checks haven’t come in so they have no money but need that water” “I would offer to pay for them so they don’t feel like they have to steal”
“What if you left your wallet at home that day?”
What am I even supposed to say to that???
Nat Hedley 4 years ago
This sounds like the interviewer was trying to railroad the candidate into saying, 'In that case I would let them steal the water,' so they can say to someone senior the candidate can't be hired because they would allow theft. I'm guessing there's a friend waiting in the wings for the job.
danielw 4 years ago
pretty sure, ethically inclined owners pay enough that employees don't have to worry about necessities like that.
Load More Replies... Truth Monster 4 years ago
I had a workplace questionnaire ask: "I have stolen in the past, but I am over that now." Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree.
Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 4 years ago
This sounds like something my brother would do to throw me off.
#62
I was asked if my breasts where real. We were talking about the uniform and my concerns over it not fitting. He said, well you should have thought of that. When I asked what he meant he said, "Wait, are your boobs real?"
M O'Connell 4 years ago
If I had uniformed employees I would take the time and expense to make sure their uniforms fit properly. I've had to wear uncomfortable uniforms, so I understand! I wonder what this interviewer would have said to a man with exceptionally large biceps?
#63
Was in a job interview after college, I was asked whether I go to church and what my father does for a living. I was also given a tour of the place, there was an area where 6 women had their heads down working on things who weren't looking up like they weren't allowed to. I noped the f*ck out of there so hard. This was in the states btw. I was shocked
#64
"Are you the type of girl who's down to party?" I was applying for an administrative assistant position. Dude showed up 30 minutes late to my interview, sweating his ass off (it was March), talking a mile a minute, and wearing sunglasses inside. It was a hard nope from me.
#65
"If hired would you refrain from wearing deodorant or using scented soaps and shampoos?" Apparently the company was owned by an Indian family that really didn't like the smell of all the scented personal hygiene products we use in the west. That was the opening question. The rest of the interview was awkward because all I could smell was my deodorant and I began to worry I applied too much. Like it was me they didn't like the smell of specifically and the cultural thing was an excuse. So I just sort of sabotaged the interview by downplaying my experience, didn't ask any follow up questions, and got out of there. Never heard back from them.
Marcia Cash 4 years ago
I can sympathise with the owners, since I am allergic to all the layers and layers of artificial scents that modern people drown themselves in. You folks give me migraines.
Alphabet Soupy 4 years ago
Asthmatic office worker here, that’s highly unusual, and if someone is using perfumes instead of showering, that’s crazy rare, but usually it’s handled through their direct supervisor or HR. The most likely offender is someone who uses too much perfume/cologne, constantly sprays body spray, uses scented candle, essential oil diffuser, scented wall plug-ins, incense or something else AT work. Fragrance free workplaces ban their use AT work, no one should ask you to use specific toiletries at home. Aside from asthma, I also have skin sensitivities and this is not how you deal with allergens.
Load More Replies... #66
Are you going to grow your hair long and come in here and shoot up the place some day?
Ceredwyn Ealanta 4 years ago
"Is that part of the job description? 'Coz that seems a bit intense."
Ben Steinberg 4 years ago
Now a question like that, you have to pause for a little while, like you're really thinking about it good and hard. Then answer with, "yeah, probably not..."
Premislaus de Colo 4 years ago
If it's an option, can I shoot up the place with short hair as well, or is long hair a must?
Stannous Flouride 4 years ago
Most of the mass shooters look more like skinheads than hippies.
#67
Straight up, guy sat down paused then looked at me and said, “a penguin with a sombrero walks into this room, what would you say?” Me, confused as all hell, “why” End Of Interview
Arctic Fox Lover 4 years ago
Which is a pretty typical thing to say in a situation like this, wouldn't you agree-
Load More Replies... Boopie Dew 4 years ago
Depends, if its where penguins live wonder where it got a Sombrero. Warm place , wonder who stole a penguin and why they put a Sombrero on it. 3rd question, why is a penguin in a bar, is it a fish fry day???
#68
'You have to be fine to work 12 hour shifts with one break of 30 minutes in the middle' When I explained that that is literally illegal, they replied with 'but it's the industry standard.' C**t get f**ked This was an interview from a government funded job agency btw, they almost definitely make commissions on finding jobs, so they don't care if you have a s**t job because then they get two commissions instead of one.
alwaysMispelled 4 years ago
Try being a nurse. 12+ hours with the potential possibility of one 30-minute break.
Memere 4 years ago
alwaysMispelled - and having to wear adult diapers because you can't take 5 minutes to go pee! My sister is an ICU nurse.
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chuck.dont.surf 4 years ago
Depends on where you live if it's illegal or not. US labor laws don't require any breaks. I live in Texas and the state also doesn't require breaks. But in California they do.
Memere 4 years ago
U.S. Federal labor laws do require breaks but there's so many loopholes written in that a lot of companies can get around that through the individual state laws.
Load More Replies... #69
I have a friend that does air traffic control, and has had many military and non military posts. He shares some of the strange questions he gets asked. Things like, "How does the following make you feel?: (Insert random gibberish sentence here) I told him they are probably activation phrases for sleeper agents. Just a hunch. He has never failed an interview, so he must be answering the questions correctly.
#70
My ninth and final interview at a world-renowned investment bank. With the big boss. I have flown in for the interview which is scheduled for 9am. I arrive at 8:45 and am left waiting until 9:45. Interviewer walks in. He says, verbatim, “Sorry I’m f**king late the f**king bastards in BAC kept me up for 15 f**king minutes.” He throws my CV on the table. So hard the front page rips off the staple and flitters across the table. He looks me square in the eye: “So ... who the fu*k are you again?”
Tamsin Far 4 years ago
And I hope at least they paid the travel expenses.
Load More Replies... #71
What’s your religion?
Real_Katsuki_Bakugou 4 years ago (edited)
Fun Fact: The Satanic Temple does not actually believe in Satan, they just use him as a symbol. Their tenets are actually really great, such as, "One should strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures in accordance to reason." And also "One's body is inviolable, subject to one's will alone." Basically saying be a decent person and also you alone have the right to make decisions about your body. There are other tenets that are also really great, I hope this helped!
Load More Replies... CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago
Carry pamphlets in your purse for just such a question. "Oh! I'm so glad you asked..." *pulls out a Watchtower*
Eslamala 4 years ago
I was asked this once. Knowing I would never work at a place where they ask that kind of questions, I smiled and said "I'm way too old to have imaginary friends, let alone believe in that kind of crap". I would never, ever, work for someone who can't keep their moronic religion to themselves.
Monday 4 years ago
I am OFFENDED! How dare you imply old people can't have imaginary friends? My invisible squirrel/crocodile hybrid who likes to sing Broadway songs is very upset with you.
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Kawa1i_Pand@ 4 years ago (edited)
just smile creepily and laugh untill they become uncomfortable and move on
#72
I once had a cold on the day of a phone interview at a speech therapist office. I started the call by apologizing that I was losing my voice and explained I had a cold. The interviewer, a speech therapist, asked me twice what was "wrong with my voice". The first time she asked, I repeated that I had a cold and asked if that was relevant to the interview. It was not, she assured me. The second time she asked, I told her thanks but I wasn't interested anymore.
#73
I was at a hiring fair, think speed dating for teachers. My last meeting was with a woman representing an all-girls boarding school. She started it out by insulting her administration and saying that they were useless which is why she was there. She proceeded to ask if I was gay, as that was the only way I was allowed to do certain jobs at the school.
Kira Okah 4 years ago
My father interviewed as a science teacher at an all-girls school. They asked him if he didn't mind "straightening out their students a bit" because "we have a big lesbian problem here". He walked out.
M O'Connell 4 years ago
What exactly constitutes a lesbian "problem"? I've generally found lesbians to be the opposite of problematic.
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#74
Not a job interview but during my green card interview there was some great questions. Got asked if I was a hooker, a nazi, a war criminal and several other things. I was moving to the USA from Canada
M O'Connell 4 years ago
"This week on Town Talk: Lesbian Nazi Hookers abducted by UFOs and forced into weight-loss programs!" (UHF, 1989)
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danielw 4 years ago
plot twist: they were a nazi war criminal, and the Canadian people were closing in?
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Ben Steinberg 4 years ago
If this was during the dRumpf administration, answering yes to any of those would have landed you a top-level government position... /s
#75
"Whats your life motto?" Was a huge curveball. They also told me they're a christian company. The whole interview was weird. They're a pretty popular breakfast and coffee roaster chain in my area.
Marika Miettinen 4 years ago
If somebody asks me for a life motto, I'd say "you can always learn something new" which is accurate and so far it has been received well
RiaDeCaterpillar 4 years ago
Some people like to run a family friendly place and don't want people who swear or say inappropriate things working for them
CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago
These aren't all inappropriate, just unexpected. :)
Load More Replies... #76
In my mid 20s, I was interviewed to be a door greeter at walmart, though I applied for midnight stock. They had a 3 person panel drill me like I was applying at the Pentagon. No crazy questions, just a bizarre feeling altogether. Thank god they didnt hire me.
#77
If I'd prefer to get ice cream or a beer afterwards...
Linus Nilsson 4 years ago
I could do with a Guinness right now, at a pub, music a bit too loud, talking with old friends that has a completely different career than me about their jobs... Sorry, what was the question?
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#78
Are you a mormon, and do you drink?
#79
My first job was at a big medical center, where I had worked part-time in a related department. I was being hired to work for Gary, and was being interviewed by Gary and his boss Neils as well as several other people. I was invited to a staff meeting just before the interview started. No one introduced me to anyone and must have figured I knew everyone and so I went through a day talking to all these people not sure who was who. Significantly, I mixed up Gary and Neils since Gary acted like the top man and was very dominating whereas Neils said hardly anything. Somehow I got hired and worked there for many years.
#80
I was told being "thick" and "a little gothy" would provide a lot of variety to the male clients, and I would make "tons" in tips.
Truth Monster 4 years ago
well, depends on what business this is. If she feels comfortable trading on her outward aesthetic then I find this perfectly ok.
#81
I’m a teacher. I was asked if I do drugs. I don’t, been clean and sober for a while. The interviewer asks me again, a little louder, do you do drugs? No. well, he says, I can’t tell you the number of people that have sat there and say they don’t do drugs and then fail the drug test! I’m 50 years old. WTF. Pissed in the cup and passed.
Viviane 4 years ago
Someone told me that her company suspected that a few people in the workshop were doing drugs. For legal reasons, they had to test everyone, including the president's mother (who was outraged, but had to do it). The narrator giggled because she's rather conservative (last person you'd imagine having a spliff) and she flunked the test.
Seabeast 4 years ago
Yeah, I had to take one when the company I worked for picked up a particular client. The client demanded it for everyone who was going to enter their work site, no matter what they were doing.
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Marcia Cash 4 years ago
If someone needs to sniff your pee, would you really want to work there?
#82
Not me, but my coworker and I worked in mental health. He was asked at an interview how he felt about relationships with clients (this was for an addictions clinic). He gave the response that he wouldn't consider it and that it would be unethical. Apparently, their response was that it's fine, that they had done so before, and "it felt like they were trying to convince" him that it was something he should do too. He didn't accept the job. For myself it would probably be "Do you know who Tracy Chapman is? (me: yes) Do you watch Glee? (me: no) You're hired!" and "If you could have a superpower what would it be?"
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago (edited)
My superpower? To keep interviewers from asking totally unrelated, batshit crazy questions.
Myrtle Yoma 4 years ago
If they were trying to convince him, That’s disgusting and extremely unethical. I hope the friend reported them to their states justice center or office of mental health. Places like that should be shut down. Dating patients is a violation of every ethics code written for human service workers. The question itself isn’t inappropriate, but their response to it was gross. BUT If they were trying to see if he would do it if everyone else was doing it to really test his ethics, the question could have been asked differently. I’ve worked as a counselor for people with substance use disorders for about 7 years. You would not believe how many masters level predators there are (it’s not a lot, but it really should be zero). Taking advantage of a vulnerable population is as gross as it gets.
#83
Whether the job pans out or not, would you be interested in getting a drink sometime?
#84
"What is your religion?" Now, my country is fairly secular and it's illegal to ask that, but apparently there are companies that have an unwritten policy about not hiring Jehova's Witnesses because they usually end up asking for days off or don't even go to work in order to to go door to door preaching.
Monday 4 years ago
Kinda makes sense? I'm all for believing what you want but you can't let religion interfere with work.
Arctic Fox Lover 4 years ago
If "believing what you want" means believing anything you want, why can't someone believe that their work interrupts their religion? That's interfering with work, and therefore, if you think you're not supposed to do that, you're not "all for believing what you want" entirely.
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Isabella 4 years ago
I had in UK a colleague who was Jehova witness. He was one of the nicest and kindest person I worked with.
Viviane 4 years ago
Same here. She was a hard worker, very good at her job. She was also my mentor and I'm very grateful for the training she gave me. After her position was cut, I left a reference on LinkedIn to help her out. She's doing well and I'm very happy for her.
Load More Replies... #85
What’s up with your hair style ? Is what an interviewer once asked me . Glad he didn’t hire me wouldn’t have accepted anyway
#86
I was interviewing for a job that involved an expat gig in China. We had a detailed conversation about squat toilets and our dislike of them. I got the job, took it, and am good friends with miss squat toilet!
#87
I was asked once what kind of animal I would be and why? I said a bear because I panicked and couldn't think of what to say. Don't know why a bear came to mind either. I researched it later and apparently you supposed to respond with some kind of animals that works in a group or something. So bear not a good answer.
Kira Okah 4 years ago
The most acceptable answer to this question, accordng to my old HR I worked for, is DOG. Working in groups but can work alone, loyal, respectful, and follows orders. If any "personality test" questions come up, they are looking for someone who does what they are told and isn't needed for thinking.
#88
Hobby Lobby made me complete a math test during my interview
Kira Okah 4 years ago (edited)
Yep, I've had maths tests for ever cashier position I've interviewed for. Is this not usual?
Myrtle Yoma 4 years ago
It’s normal. How can they hire someone for a cashier position whose primary job will be to handle money? If you can’t do basic math, it’s not the position for you. There are plenty of other jobs in retail that don’t require any math skills other than counting. Some don’t even need that, they just need to be able to lift and put things away.
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The Deez 4 years ago
There's a huge, very successful chain of convenience stores in my area that has a math test as the first part of their interview process. The cashiers in the stores don't use the registers to return change, they do the math in their heads! I've heard it's a great company to work for - I think they even make the Forbes list as a top employer every year! - and I always wonder why they do it this way.
#89
I worked for a pharma-supply company of less than 20 people where a high percentage of employees had amusement park experience. I was told by HR I was not allowed to ask the engineering interns "Do you have any theme park experience?"
#91
Not too bad but I was asked "Could you name a time in your life where you did something fast?" Who tf asks that?
Robert Bailey 4 years ago
I swam faster than anyone that might be here in my place. First to the egg!
#92
This was for a volunteer internship position with some national park. “We provide food but we mostly have vegetarians here. Are you ok with only eating vegetarian food all summer?” In the same interview I was asked, “We allow alcohol in the staff living quarters but some of our interns have gone overboard in the past.....do you party?”
What do you think ?
Bobert Robertson 4 years ago
I never understand why employers ask "can you explain his 2 year gap in employment?" Um I was sick, or I didn't want to work, or I was studying, or I was helping care for a relative, or who the eff cares it's none of your business, I'm qualified for the job and I want to work.
Jackie J. 4 years ago
I would agree, but this is sometimes how you find out that they were in prison for _____ and lied on the earlier part of the application.
Load More Replies... Ceredwyn Ealanta 4 years ago
"Why do you think men's and women's shirts are buttoned on different sides?" "Because historically, women able to afford buttons were frequently dressed by a maid and it was easier to fix them so, due to the higher complexity of women's clothing." "No. You were supposed to have a creative answer, not a boring one."
CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago
I once interviewed for this lady that was clearly not playing with a full deck. She was one of those that had an obscene amount of plastic surgery, to the point she'd wandered into the uncanny valley. she asked me questions like "Do you have any other source of income?" "Does your husband have a source of income?" and "Did you Google me before coming in?" And she clarified she didn't mean the company, but her personally. No, I said, that's kind of creepy. She became enraged and said, "No it's not! I do it all the time." I bet you do, creepy lady.
Mimi777 4 years ago
Shortly after I sat down and she asked me how to pronounce my name. After I told her she said“oh i can’t say that I’m just going to call you B.” Doesn’t even try to pronounce it. Then she asked where I was from originally. Then asked what my religion I was. After I said Muslim she said “you don’t wear one of those weird things on your head do you? When I told her no I did not wear a hijab she said “ok because that s**t won’t fly around here.” I was interviewing for an insurance company and I live in a small town in the South.
Stannous Flouride 4 years ago
Most of these questions are illegal. Period. The companies should be reported.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago
Certainly. The issue is that proving it is extremely difficult. But, making a complaint to the Labor Board will at least start the paper trail.
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Rhea 4 years ago (edited)
I still think my first day at a new job was a winner: *boss* Do you have a middle name? *me* Yes. *boss* Since my name is Thea, I'm afraid it'll be confusing for cliënts when you answer the phone with your first name Rhea. Shall we use your middle name instead? *me* No. *End of discussion* She was a really nice boss, but I was so glad she never brought that up again :P
Ozacoter 4 years ago
I got an interview once for a minimum wage job that explicitly said that required zero knowledge of flemish. I went to the interview and they gave me a language test. I "only" got 60% so they told me to leave. F**k them.
Ozacoter 4 years ago
I another one they asked me if "as a woman It thought that I could do the job" and if "I would be comfortable working with men". I dont get whats wrong with people.
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Chris Malme 4 years ago
Not a bad question, but my first "proper job" interview, the interviewer noted that I'd be the first graduate they had ever employed, and did I feel that exempted me from being given menial tasks to do. I said no. "That's good, because I'll be giving you a lot of really boring stuff that needs to get done at first, but it means that when I start giving you the interesting stuff, no-one can complain." Over 10 years, I went from being an over-qualified filing clerk and messenger to heading the IT department.
Karen Van Cleve 4 years ago
I was interviewing for a clerical job when I was in my late teens. One of the questions was "if I was dying of thirst, would I drink blood?"
Bobert Robertson 4 years ago
I never understand why employers ask "can you explain his 2 year gap in employment?" Um I was sick, or I didn't want to work, or I was studying, or I was helping care for a relative, or who the eff cares it's none of your business, I'm qualified for the job and I want to work.
Jackie J. 4 years ago
I would agree, but this is sometimes how you find out that they were in prison for _____ and lied on the earlier part of the application.
Load More Replies... Ceredwyn Ealanta 4 years ago
"Why do you think men's and women's shirts are buttoned on different sides?" "Because historically, women able to afford buttons were frequently dressed by a maid and it was easier to fix them so, due to the higher complexity of women's clothing." "No. You were supposed to have a creative answer, not a boring one."
CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago
I once interviewed for this lady that was clearly not playing with a full deck. She was one of those that had an obscene amount of plastic surgery, to the point she'd wandered into the uncanny valley. she asked me questions like "Do you have any other source of income?" "Does your husband have a source of income?" and "Did you Google me before coming in?" And she clarified she didn't mean the company, but her personally. No, I said, that's kind of creepy. She became enraged and said, "No it's not! I do it all the time." I bet you do, creepy lady.
Mimi777 4 years ago
Shortly after I sat down and she asked me how to pronounce my name. After I told her she said“oh i can’t say that I’m just going to call you B.” Doesn’t even try to pronounce it. Then she asked where I was from originally. Then asked what my religion I was. After I said Muslim she said “you don’t wear one of those weird things on your head do you? When I told her no I did not wear a hijab she said “ok because that s**t won’t fly around here.” I was interviewing for an insurance company and I live in a small town in the South.
Stannous Flouride 4 years ago
Most of these questions are illegal. Period. The companies should be reported.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago
Certainly. The issue is that proving it is extremely difficult. But, making a complaint to the Labor Board will at least start the paper trail.
Load More Replies... Rhea 4 years ago (edited)
I still think my first day at a new job was a winner: *boss* Do you have a middle name? *me* Yes. *boss* Since my name is Thea, I'm afraid it'll be confusing for cliënts when you answer the phone with your first name Rhea. Shall we use your middle name instead? *me* No. *End of discussion* She was a really nice boss, but I was so glad she never brought that up again :P
Ozacoter 4 years ago
I got an interview once for a minimum wage job that explicitly said that required zero knowledge of flemish. I went to the interview and they gave me a language test. I "only" got 60% so they told me to leave. F**k them.
Ozacoter 4 years ago
I another one they asked me if "as a woman It thought that I could do the job" and if "I would be comfortable working with men". I dont get whats wrong with people.
Load More Replies... Chris Malme 4 years ago
Not a bad question, but my first "proper job" interview, the interviewer noted that I'd be the first graduate they had ever employed, and did I feel that exempted me from being given menial tasks to do. I said no. "That's good, because I'll be giving you a lot of really boring stuff that needs to get done at first, but it means that when I start giving you the interesting stuff, no-one can complain." Over 10 years, I went from being an over-qualified filing clerk and messenger to heading the IT department.
Karen Van Cleve 4 years ago
I was interviewing for a clerical job when I was in my late teens. One of the questions was "if I was dying of thirst, would I drink blood?"
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