A job interview can really test our nerves. Yes, doing your homework and rehearsing our standout performance can help, but while we can maximize our chances, we can't prepare for everything.
"About 80% of interview questions are usually predictable, but there's always going to be that one oddball question," career coach Emily Liou said.
And nothing illustrates this better than one recent Twitter thread — it started when Amy Brown from California, seeking moral comfort, asked other users to share their worst job interview stories. Turns out, it was all they needed. Recruiters and applicants alike immediately started describing the trainwrecks they were a part of.
More info: Twitter
Image credits: arb
This post may include affiliate links.
Job interview and career coach Margaret Buj, who has helped thousands of people around the world get hired or promoted, thinks that apart from doing thorough company research and spending some time thinking about how your experience and skills match the requirements of the role, standing out in job interviews is actually pretty simple.
"Always back up your answers with examples, quantify your answers as much as you can and make sure you have a few examples prepared of what you've done in your current/previous job that would benefit the employer you’re interviewing with," Margaret told Bored Panda.
"If there is one thing most of my clients have in common is that they struggle with answering competency or behavioral interview questions during job interviews," Margaret explained. "The questions will start with 'Tell me about a time…' or 'Describe a situation…' and then you might be encouraged to elaborate further with questions like 'So, what were you thinking at that point?' or 'What was your decision-making process?' The interviewer will try to establish what benefits you will bring to the company and why the benefits you offer might be more appealing than those of other candidates."
Social media is one of the greatest dangers for the future of young people. Some experience this immediately, others only in many years, when someone digs up something old from Twitter.
A survey done by researchers at Everest College found that 9 in 10 employed adults fear at least one thing about the job interview process.
Ironically, many are worried that they'll come across as nervous. 17% of respondents stated having the jitters as their top concern, followed by being overqualified for the job (15%), being stumped by the employer's questions (15%), being late for the interview (14%), being underqualified (11%), and not being prepared (10%).
"For so many, the job interview can be a high-pressure, make-or-break event when searching for a job, so it's only natural that anxiety can play a major factor," survey spokesman John Swartz, regional director of career services at Everest College, said. "Everyone is different when coping under the pressure, but the best advice to help manage job interview fear is to simply be prepared. Conducting research, anticipating questions, and acting professionally are staples that will stand the test of time, regardless of the latest job interview trends."
An immaculate implementation of Murphy's law... This is both absolutely hilarious and fuel for my worst nightmares 😂😱
Luckily, Jody Michael, the CEO & Founder of Jody Michael Associates, a company that specializes in executive coaching, leadership development and career coaching, said there's an effective way to overcome these anxieties, one that she practiced personally when she worked in the corporate world and has been coaching her clients to do the same for over than 20 years.
"My advice is to prepare for your interview just like you prepared for your multiplication quizzes when you were a kid: with flashcards," Michael wrote. "Get a pack of five-by-seven lined index cards. On the blank side, write down the interview question. On the lined side, write your answer — how you would speak it, not like you're writing a paper."
This one physically hurts me. Why would they think that a real Irish accent is fake???
Michael suggests starting with the most common interview question: "Tell me about yourself." But also include obscure ones like, "What book are you reading right now?" that recruiters might use to throw you off. If you need inspiration, you can look for questions online, or think back to the previous interviews you've had.
"Your deck should include anywhere from 50 to 100 questions with varying difficulty," Michael said. "Once you have the cards written, practice speaking the answers out loud. Include keywords that will help remind you of the answers."
My husband does interviews all the time for new staff and I’m always giving him crap for expecting some b******t about wanting to be part of *insert retail shop here* and all that crap. They want to be paid, they want to earn money and where he works pays decent wages (my 16yr old worked there and was getting £9 an hour when her mates were working elsewhere getting about £6) - that is a perfectly acceptable reason and should be accepted as such. Paying a decent wage brings a lot more loyalty than some fake work culture nonsense.
The good thing about creating these flashcards is that the process doubles as a self-reflection exercise to help you understand who you are and how you want to communicate that to others.
Your answers will help clarify these questions for the interviewer:
• What is your value?
• How can you contribute to the company?
• How well do you fit into the company’s culture?
• Are you competent in what you say?
• Are you trustworthy?
This is (sadly) the second time I've had to say this in this article but: fellas, is it unprofessional to be hydrated?
"In addition to being prepared for your interview, reviewing proper interview etiquette rules can help alleviate stress," Michael said.
Read the email the company sent you with details about your interview, and then reread it again.
"My coaching clients get a very detailed email that includes information about how to enter the office and where to have a seat. Just last week, a client who admittedly did not read the email, barged in on me during a session with another client. You certainly don’t want to seem like someone who cannot follow instructions at the interview. Also, this may sound obvious, but arrive at the interview early. Very early. You never know what can happen with traffic or public transportation, so plan ahead."
There is always a right time for jokes, but a job interview usually is not that time.
A survey done by CareerBuilder revealed that we need to work on our body language too. When asked to identify the biggest body language mistakes job seekers make during an interview, hiring managers named the following:
- Failure to make eye contact: 68 percent
- Failure to smile: 38 percent
- Playing with something on the table: 36 percent
- Fidgeting too much in his/her seat: 32 percent
- Bad posture: 31 percent
- Crossing their arms over their chest: 31 percent
- Playing with hair or touching one's face: 26 percent
- Handshake that is too weak: 22 percent
- Using too many hand gestures: 13 percent
- Handshake is too strong: 8 percent
I would’ve left, came back in the next day to start my new job position ( remember you said I got the position before you fell asleep?)
You answered correctly. To assume that all 4 walls are the same color would be incorrect if you hadn't actually seen the wall on your way in. I would have given you extra points for that answer.
She probably was, so she is seeking comfort in people who are the same as she is 😉
"Before the interview begins, perform deep diaphragmatic breathing. This is, in my experience, the fastest way to slow your body’s physiological response to stress," Michael said.
"Breathe in through your nose, concentrating on filling your belly with air like a balloon. Hold your breath for a count of two seconds, and then, exhale slowly through your mouth until your belly flattens. Breaths should be at a ratio of 1:2, with exhales about twice as long as inhales. Try counting to four as you inhale, hold for the count of two, and then exhale to the count of eight. You can easily do this undercover while you are sitting in the lobby."
Okay what is it with some men and their link between man-haters and feminists? I know someone (sadly) who has asked multiple times if I hate him because I'm a feminist and it's so f*****g annoying.
It's because the ones you need to hate are the ones that ask that, because they're insecure. Toxic masculinity arises from insecure masculinity.
Load More Replies...
Yes. They are usually raised in societies where they are elevated culturally and professionally. Look into gender inequality experiments. It will blow your mind. Boys in school and in a lot of homes are allowed to speak more often and louder. Permitted to interrupt. Given much more of the teacher's/parent's time and attention. Etc. They are constantly getting the message that boys will be boys and their behavior will be excused. Even with school dress codes almost entirely police girls while boys wear whatever they want. Imagine being shown in every aspect of society that you're superior and you have and practically nothing is off limits to you? It's so pervasive that they don't even recognize it because it is just the way things are. Our society produces man/children and permissiveness and toxic masculinity is harming men along with the rest of us. It's truly is in the best interests of everyone that this inequality changes.
Load More Replies...
i... you realize that has nothing to do with the post, or the question they asked, correct?
Load More Replies...
That's a small radicalized group. That is not the feminist agenda or movement at all. Just like when people shout all Muslims are terrorists. All of us that can critically think know that's not true and terrorism is a radicalized fringe group. You should really look into what you just wrote bc it's not true.
Load More Replies...
Lastly, when you get shocked by a question in an interview, it’s easy to freeze or stumble. But reaching for that glass of water they gave you instead. Use the time as you have a sip to calm your brain down. Just like that, you've just given yourself five to eight seconds to respond.
However, there's no guaranteed recipe to make all of your job interviews a success. There's always an element of chance. So if things do go south, at least tell the internet about it. That can be the only way to get something out of it, even it's just a few likes.
Note: this post originally had 110 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
My most interesting job interview was when I didn't realize I was in one. I was working at this facility and one of the owners came by and we chatted about future plans, etc. At the end, he told me I "had the job". I was visibly confused. Turned out I had just been hired as the new manager, without knowing it was even an option.
I like it! After uni, I thought I should do some voluntary work to keep busy while job hunting. Phoned a number, was asked to pop in. Thought it was odd they kept me waiting - thought the amount of questions I was asked to do a bit of voluntary work was a bit over the top. Was also confused when I got home and was called to say I had got the job! Turned out to be a great job.
Load More Replies...
I was asked if I'd rather get into a fight or steal. No context, why, what, nothing. The conditions were horrible, too. At the end of the interview they asked if I had anything else I felt they should know. Told them to remember that the interview goes two ways, the candidates are also judging them. They were shocked and asked what I meant. Not surprised when they didn't call me back.
Whether you guys are assholes and I need to post about you on social media, is what.
Load More Replies... I had a guy lose his front tooth midway through the interview. To this day, I regret not taking that moment to ask about the company's dental insurance.😆
Did an Interview for a windows Server administrator position at Guildan, did 2 technical interviews with the IT guys, they really wanted me, so they tell me last interview is with HR, so I'm like no problem , HR are the easy interviews compare to technical, so I meet this HR woman and she looks at me 30 seconds and says "You look like a Karen, I bet you are one and I don't want a Karen to work with my guys" I was frozen, I could not believe that such a sexist comment came out of the mouth of an HR woman !!! I told her that I am not a Karen I have been working with men for over 30 years and never had any issues, because I make my place by doing my job properly, not telling other people what to do. I didn't get the job but ended up getting a better one...LOL
I probably already shared this: I've been to an interview on a boiling hot summer day, their office was above their retail shop (a bakery), I was waiting for over an hour just standing there among the customers, had to buy my own drink as I wasn't offered even a glass of tap water. Got called and I barely sat down, one of the interviewers glanced at my CV and said "oh my goodness, no, you're not the right fit for this job, actually we hired the person before you as we were so impressed with her, but since you're here anyway tell me about your work experience." Nah, I'm good, bye.
Shortly after my husband died, I was on my own. 6 mo in Israel lawnmower broke down and I had to get a new one. As I was asking questions , the gut said. "Don't you have a man to do this?". Lost it, yelled he's dead and get away from me. Horrible
Wait I realise this is ignorant but lawnmower... israel? Can you share a photo?
Load More Replies...
I once had an interview that I thought had gone very well. This was a couple of days after attending a funeral on a very hot day. I had taken my suit coat off and placed it in the trunk next to some flower bouquets and potted plant. In doing so I must have knocked some dirt from one of the plants onto the lapel of the very same coat that I wore to my job interview. The one that I thought had gone so well. As I was getting into my car I caught my reflection in the car window, and then noticed a big clump of reddish dirt on my charcoal gray suit. I didn't get the job.
"I know I'm not supposed to ask, but are you planning on having children in the future?" I stuttered an answer of "no", got the job, and then got pregnant a couple of years in. I mean, I didn't lie, at that exact moment in time when she asked the question, I had no plans, but plans change. ;)
I got a good one! Went to an interview at a lumber yard when I was 20 or so. The receptionist is on the right as soon as you walk in and right across from the door I'd bee interviewing in. We went through the introductions and as soon as he moved his mouse to wake his computer from sleep mode, a woman moaning lustfully from whatever sexual act that was being performed screamed from his pc speakers. Needless to say I was in a state of shock and made eye contact with the 80 year old lady whose eyes were wide open in a state of shock. After he stopped the loud audio, he immediately ended the interview and I never heard back from them.
My brother had an epic fail. He interviewed for a tech position. He showed up in jeans and a polo. Everyone interviewing were wearing suits and ties. He go into the interview then gets nervous as they ask him to do a few simple tasks and programs. He said one of the guys interviewing looks like the guy who played the Scarecrow in Batman. So when they ask him if he has any questions for them he says did anyone tell you - you look like the Scarecrow from Batman. The guy looks at him kinda taken aback and doesn’t respond. They said thank you for your interview. My brother relayed this to me right before he asked me if I thought he got the job.. I almost died laughing.
I have an engineering degree which lead to many lousy interviews. I spent the entire day interviewing at a manufacturing firm for an IT position. The plant manager was the last. "You have an engineering degree. Isn't that unusual? Women aren't as good as men at math." I thought, okay they are not going to hire me when I answer this one. "I made A's and B's in math and I didn't offer to sleep with the professors. She would have been upset if I had offered." True as I had two female professors, one in calculus and one for differential equations. I got the job and avoided that manager for the next 5 years.
I was sent by the JobCentre (England) for an interview for an Admin position with a Charity. The Office was in a ramshackle old house, there were holes in the ceilings, bugs climbing all over the walls, and water dripping from there on to the floor. I was told to sit down - it was a broken filthy sofa. I was then invited in to meet the Boss, it was a tiny room, with the curtains drawn, I felt very uncomfortable. He kept asking me what I would do to entertain a group of people who spoke a different language, I really didn't know what to answer, and just couldn't wait to leave. I then got two letters saying I hadn't got the job (phew) and saying that I must be really disappointed!
I've had many interviews in my life and almost all are average, nothing special. Except one. I was desperate for work and grabbed an interview with an engraving location in the mall. Turns out it was a kiosk. I though fine, I need work, I'll put up with it if I get the job. She took me to a public seating area in the middle of a busy mall, it was very loud, spoke very quietly and with a thick accent. I asked her to repeat every question at least twice and basically guessed what half of them were in order to give an answer even if my answers probably didn't match the questions she asked. I didn't hold my breath for that job.
I don't know if this is the worst interview but it was pretty bad...Ok, so my husband told me that there was a guy that got interviewed and he was asked the question " What would you do if you got injured at the job and you went home but you were ready to come back to work? Or if you got injured at work but was still OK to work? He said to 3 people that were interviewing him and said " Oh, bruh, I got it covered, I would just pop a pill and ill be fine!" Cmon, what else you got?! Yeah, let's say that that guy never got a second call.
I'm not sure I have ever had an interview with someone who is any good at interviewing people. This can be good or bad though. Last set I went to (school) the worst was led by a school governor who got really angry at me for using 'too much jargon' in my answer - basically she was annoyed I knew what I was talking about. The best was when a head teacher asked me about a previous role saying he wanted to try it out in his school. I started talking about it, but he stopped me saying he wasn't following but turned to the deputy saying just give her the job (few months later he came to say he still wasn't totally clear what I did, but felt I needed a raise).
I was interviewing for a summer internship at my union and at the end the union president asked me "if we (the interview panel) were wild animals on a safari, what would each of us be?" I was taken off guard but gave good answers that were also funny. Didn't get the internship but oh well.
I had a boss give a personality test as part of the interview (something that involved four colors). I scored exactly even and she was just baffled. No one on her staff had ever done that before, so she didn't know how to categorize me. It was weird. Kinda glad I didn't get that job. People are not just one of four types!
i spent a whole day at a company as sort of an induction rather than an interview it was a small office not that many people there only for them to ask the person i was meant to be replacing to stay while i was there and announce it to the office right in front of me
#24: what sort of brick is it? Clay brick, engineering brick, blue brick, Lego brick? These things matter, y'know.
The interviewer asked three simple programmer interview questions. Then he set up a "puzzle question" - you need to cross a gorge, there's only a rope bridge, you're being chased by zombies... I had to ask a lot of questions to get the basics and all the associated constraints. He didn't seem to have the puzzle fully memorized and he didn't have it written down. Then he left the room while I "solved it". He popped back in 15 minutes later to ask if I how I was doing, if I had any questions, and if I wanted any water (I said yes, never got any) then left again. He came back another 15 minutes later, told me that I could email him the answer later, and thanked me for coming in. That was the interview - 3 technical questions and a puzzle. When I got home, I ordered a copy of "How Would You Move Mt Fuji" and started taking it with me to any interview.
At a religious based college the application asked if I would have a problem with an environment with restrictions on alcohol, drugs, language, and sex. Strange question from a college whose President was under indictment for felony drunk driving and resulting manslaughter.
At the end of one interview years ago, I was told that “we’re a young, energetic group here.” Now, I’d reply, in honeyed tones, “How lovely for you.” I was 35.
I got asked if it's better to sell illegal drugs or to give them away. Uh, wtf? I asked the guy what the correct answer was. He never answered me, and went on a tirade. He told me that he worked all his life and he knows a thing or two about work, not like the young people today! And they're all on drugs!
I was actually the interviewer not the interviewee and I asked the interviewing what do you do in a stressful situation and she replied I would smoke a joint. I then asked her if one of your colleagues was not holding up her end of the job what would you do she said she would wait till 5:00 and meet her outside in the parking lot. Needless to say she did not get the job
I had an interview for a temp job and they totally rushed me through it cause the whole office wanted to close to watch the Trump inauguration. I did not get a call back, maybe because I didn't ask to stay and watch with them?
I once had a 1st round phone interview where the head of department asked me about all my experience and accomplishments. I list my long tenure in the business and how I fast tracked to my current position due to my great skill set. She then asked what my pay range would be and I mentioned a perfectly reasonable wage on the lower end of average and she stuttered for a minute. Knowing they hadn't even considered paying me anything close to industry average was a no-go for me, not to mention I only interviewed because an old coworker who went their swore it was better. Icing on the cake was when I received communication from a prospective client I knew we were trying to get but hadn't officially gotten yet. I called them up to clarify and the prospective client went "Oh shoot, I wasn't supposed to send you that yet, we haven't told *other business* we aren't renewing our contract with them!" The client signed the contract with us within the week and I declined the 2nd interview.
My most interesting job interview was when I didn't realize I was in one. I was working at this facility and one of the owners came by and we chatted about future plans, etc. At the end, he told me I "had the job". I was visibly confused. Turned out I had just been hired as the new manager, without knowing it was even an option.
I like it! After uni, I thought I should do some voluntary work to keep busy while job hunting. Phoned a number, was asked to pop in. Thought it was odd they kept me waiting - thought the amount of questions I was asked to do a bit of voluntary work was a bit over the top. Was also confused when I got home and was called to say I had got the job! Turned out to be a great job.
Load More Replies... I was asked if I'd rather get into a fight or steal. No context, why, what, nothing. The conditions were horrible, too. At the end of the interview they asked if I had anything else I felt they should know. Told them to remember that the interview goes two ways, the candidates are also judging them. They were shocked and asked what I meant. Not surprised when they didn't call me back.
Whether you guys are assholes and I need to post about you on social media, is what.
Load More Replies... I had a guy lose his front tooth midway through the interview. To this day, I regret not taking that moment to ask about the company's dental insurance.😆
Did an Interview for a windows Server administrator position at Guildan, did 2 technical interviews with the IT guys, they really wanted me, so they tell me last interview is with HR, so I'm like no problem , HR are the easy interviews compare to technical, so I meet this HR woman and she looks at me 30 seconds and says "You look like a Karen, I bet you are one and I don't want a Karen to work with my guys" I was frozen, I could not believe that such a sexist comment came out of the mouth of an HR woman !!! I told her that I am not a Karen I have been working with men for over 30 years and never had any issues, because I make my place by doing my job properly, not telling other people what to do. I didn't get the job but ended up getting a better one...LOL
I probably already shared this: I've been to an interview on a boiling hot summer day, their office was above their retail shop (a bakery), I was waiting for over an hour just standing there among the customers, had to buy my own drink as I wasn't offered even a glass of tap water. Got called and I barely sat down, one of the interviewers glanced at my CV and said "oh my goodness, no, you're not the right fit for this job, actually we hired the person before you as we were so impressed with her, but since you're here anyway tell me about your work experience." Nah, I'm good, bye.
Shortly after my husband died, I was on my own. 6 mo in Israel lawnmower broke down and I had to get a new one. As I was asking questions , the gut said. "Don't you have a man to do this?". Lost it, yelled he's dead and get away from me. Horrible
Wait I realise this is ignorant but lawnmower... israel? Can you share a photo?
Load More Replies... I once had an interview that I thought had gone very well. This was a couple of days after attending a funeral on a very hot day. I had taken my suit coat off and placed it in the trunk next to some flower bouquets and potted plant. In doing so I must have knocked some dirt from one of the plants onto the lapel of the very same coat that I wore to my job interview. The one that I thought had gone so well. As I was getting into my car I caught my reflection in the car window, and then noticed a big clump of reddish dirt on my charcoal gray suit. I didn't get the job.
"I know I'm not supposed to ask, but are you planning on having children in the future?" I stuttered an answer of "no", got the job, and then got pregnant a couple of years in. I mean, I didn't lie, at that exact moment in time when she asked the question, I had no plans, but plans change. ;)
I got a good one! Went to an interview at a lumber yard when I was 20 or so. The receptionist is on the right as soon as you walk in and right across from the door I'd bee interviewing in. We went through the introductions and as soon as he moved his mouse to wake his computer from sleep mode, a woman moaning lustfully from whatever sexual act that was being performed screamed from his pc speakers. Needless to say I was in a state of shock and made eye contact with the 80 year old lady whose eyes were wide open in a state of shock. After he stopped the loud audio, he immediately ended the interview and I never heard back from them.
My brother had an epic fail. He interviewed for a tech position. He showed up in jeans and a polo. Everyone interviewing were wearing suits and ties. He go into the interview then gets nervous as they ask him to do a few simple tasks and programs. He said one of the guys interviewing looks like the guy who played the Scarecrow in Batman. So when they ask him if he has any questions for them he says did anyone tell you - you look like the Scarecrow from Batman. The guy looks at him kinda taken aback and doesn’t respond. They said thank you for your interview. My brother relayed this to me right before he asked me if I thought he got the job.. I almost died laughing.
I have an engineering degree which lead to many lousy interviews. I spent the entire day interviewing at a manufacturing firm for an IT position. The plant manager was the last. "You have an engineering degree. Isn't that unusual? Women aren't as good as men at math." I thought, okay they are not going to hire me when I answer this one. "I made A's and B's in math and I didn't offer to sleep with the professors. She would have been upset if I had offered." True as I had two female professors, one in calculus and one for differential equations. I got the job and avoided that manager for the next 5 years.
I was sent by the JobCentre (England) for an interview for an Admin position with a Charity. The Office was in a ramshackle old house, there were holes in the ceilings, bugs climbing all over the walls, and water dripping from there on to the floor. I was told to sit down - it was a broken filthy sofa. I was then invited in to meet the Boss, it was a tiny room, with the curtains drawn, I felt very uncomfortable. He kept asking me what I would do to entertain a group of people who spoke a different language, I really didn't know what to answer, and just couldn't wait to leave. I then got two letters saying I hadn't got the job (phew) and saying that I must be really disappointed!
I've had many interviews in my life and almost all are average, nothing special. Except one. I was desperate for work and grabbed an interview with an engraving location in the mall. Turns out it was a kiosk. I though fine, I need work, I'll put up with it if I get the job. She took me to a public seating area in the middle of a busy mall, it was very loud, spoke very quietly and with a thick accent. I asked her to repeat every question at least twice and basically guessed what half of them were in order to give an answer even if my answers probably didn't match the questions she asked. I didn't hold my breath for that job.
I don't know if this is the worst interview but it was pretty bad...Ok, so my husband told me that there was a guy that got interviewed and he was asked the question " What would you do if you got injured at the job and you went home but you were ready to come back to work? Or if you got injured at work but was still OK to work? He said to 3 people that were interviewing him and said " Oh, bruh, I got it covered, I would just pop a pill and ill be fine!" Cmon, what else you got?! Yeah, let's say that that guy never got a second call.
I'm not sure I have ever had an interview with someone who is any good at interviewing people. This can be good or bad though. Last set I went to (school) the worst was led by a school governor who got really angry at me for using 'too much jargon' in my answer - basically she was annoyed I knew what I was talking about. The best was when a head teacher asked me about a previous role saying he wanted to try it out in his school. I started talking about it, but he stopped me saying he wasn't following but turned to the deputy saying just give her the job (few months later he came to say he still wasn't totally clear what I did, but felt I needed a raise).
I was interviewing for a summer internship at my union and at the end the union president asked me "if we (the interview panel) were wild animals on a safari, what would each of us be?" I was taken off guard but gave good answers that were also funny. Didn't get the internship but oh well.
I had a boss give a personality test as part of the interview (something that involved four colors). I scored exactly even and she was just baffled. No one on her staff had ever done that before, so she didn't know how to categorize me. It was weird. Kinda glad I didn't get that job. People are not just one of four types!
i spent a whole day at a company as sort of an induction rather than an interview it was a small office not that many people there only for them to ask the person i was meant to be replacing to stay while i was there and announce it to the office right in front of me
#24: what sort of brick is it? Clay brick, engineering brick, blue brick, Lego brick? These things matter, y'know.
The interviewer asked three simple programmer interview questions. Then he set up a "puzzle question" - you need to cross a gorge, there's only a rope bridge, you're being chased by zombies... I had to ask a lot of questions to get the basics and all the associated constraints. He didn't seem to have the puzzle fully memorized and he didn't have it written down. Then he left the room while I "solved it". He popped back in 15 minutes later to ask if I how I was doing, if I had any questions, and if I wanted any water (I said yes, never got any) then left again. He came back another 15 minutes later, told me that I could email him the answer later, and thanked me for coming in. That was the interview - 3 technical questions and a puzzle. When I got home, I ordered a copy of "How Would You Move Mt Fuji" and started taking it with me to any interview.
At a religious based college the application asked if I would have a problem with an environment with restrictions on alcohol, drugs, language, and sex. Strange question from a college whose President was under indictment for felony drunk driving and resulting manslaughter.
At the end of one interview years ago, I was told that “we’re a young, energetic group here.” Now, I’d reply, in honeyed tones, “How lovely for you.” I was 35.
I got asked if it's better to sell illegal drugs or to give them away. Uh, wtf? I asked the guy what the correct answer was. He never answered me, and went on a tirade. He told me that he worked all his life and he knows a thing or two about work, not like the young people today! And they're all on drugs!
I was actually the interviewer not the interviewee and I asked the interviewing what do you do in a stressful situation and she replied I would smoke a joint. I then asked her if one of your colleagues was not holding up her end of the job what would you do she said she would wait till 5:00 and meet her outside in the parking lot. Needless to say she did not get the job
I had an interview for a temp job and they totally rushed me through it cause the whole office wanted to close to watch the Trump inauguration. I did not get a call back, maybe because I didn't ask to stay and watch with them?
I once had a 1st round phone interview where the head of department asked me about all my experience and accomplishments. I list my long tenure in the business and how I fast tracked to my current position due to my great skill set. She then asked what my pay range would be and I mentioned a perfectly reasonable wage on the lower end of average and she stuttered for a minute. Knowing they hadn't even considered paying me anything close to industry average was a no-go for me, not to mention I only interviewed because an old coworker who went their swore it was better. Icing on the cake was when I received communication from a prospective client I knew we were trying to get but hadn't officially gotten yet. I called them up to clarify and the prospective client went "Oh shoot, I wasn't supposed to send you that yet, we haven't told *other business* we aren't renewing our contract with them!" The client signed the contract with us within the week and I declined the 2nd interview.
