Halloween Job Interview Horror Stories Contest – WIN AN IPOD!
Recently one of our recruiters here at Continental was working with a promising job applicant to revise his resume before his initial interview. The applicant was having computer problems, so asked to come in and use one of Continental’s computers, then stay for the interview. The candidate arrived and after initial introductions asked the recruiter, “Since I need to use the restroom, I could go ahead and give you the sample for your drug test now.” The recruiter replied, “That’s OK. We use a saliva drug test. We can do that after the interview.” About a half hour later, the recruiter went to check on the applicant and he was nowhere to be found! He had just disappeared, apparently scared off by a drug test he could not cheat!
That’s a story of an interview that died before it even started. Often the interview dies at the introduction, especially if the candidate is dressed inappropriately or worse, smells bad. Sometimes it’s the little things an interviewee reveals about himself during the interview, like the fact that he got fired for having affairs at his last three jobs!
We think you may have some horror stories to relate, which will shock, amuse and educate our readers. So, in honor of Halloween, we are asking you to share your Interview Horror Stories. Whether it was your interview, a co-worker’s, past/current Company, or just a story heard from a friend...we want you to share it with us for your chance to win an iPod Nano!
AND THE WINNER IS...!
Frank
Several years ago we brought in a 60 year old man to interview for a senior management position. He interviewed very well, had a lot of experience and came highly recommended. All together he seemed perfect for the job. At the end of the interview we explained to him that as company policy every new employee must get a drug screen and he happily complied. We were shocked when we got his results back and he had tested positive for herion, methadone and cocaine!
After 321 votes Frank pulled away with the win after 7 days of voting.
At Continental Professional & Staffing Services, we understand that the staffing and interviewing process can be a time consuming and frustrating one. Thats why we pride ourselves on helping companies find the right person for the job. Since 1985 we have been making it easy for companies to staff their programs, whether long or short term. We offer several different approaches customized to help you achieve your goals.
To speak with our recruiting team about interviewing or hiring help, contact Cathy at: 765-778-9999 x304
Halloween Job Interview Horror Story Contest 2011 Entries!
April
A person was interviewing for a job and told the Supervisor, Asst Supervisor, and Office Manager that as long as they didn't s$*t (insert derogatory word) on her, she wouldn't s$*t (insert derogatory word) on them. Needless to say she didn't get the job.
Gregory
In the year 2000, I was 17, and right on the brink of the real world. I thought McDonalds would be the easiest job to get (just being honest), so I applied. Low and behold, the grease-burger giant followed their normal tradition of accepting anyone with a pulse, and I got called for an interview.
I walked on in at the appointed date & time, wiped my sweaty palms on my khakis... asked for the hiring manager before taking a seat. Some time went by before I grew a bit impatient, and decided to quench my nerves with a trip to the john. As soon as I stood up, the manager arrives out of nowhere and we both immediately sat down (against my best interest), as the interview was now underway.
Blah, blah, blah... blah, blah, blah... I just nodded away at her ramblings before trying to hide the fact that she was putting me to sleep with her corporate nonsense. In an attempt to stay awake, I was rolling a piece of gum in my mouth. What can I say?... I was a kid back then. Anyway, I quickly ended the interview when the gum fell down my throat enough to make me cough it right out... across the table and randomly managed to bounce it off of her glasses! I laughed both uncontrollably & hysterically, right in her face. I did not get the job...
Gary
A candidate interviewed for a job and successfully impressed the hiring manager for the open position. He was invited back for a follow up with the director and HR generalist.
Again, he was doing well.
The HR generalist followed up on his references and past positions and after all cleared to their satisfaction, an offer was extended.
Upon his acceptance, he was invited to come in and fill out the paperwork and to meet with the HR director. To his surprise, the HR director had been at one of his previous positions and fired him for stealing from the company. Needless to say, the job offer was rescinded and now the candidate is looking for a new job, having already resigned from his previous.
Julie
Recently interviewing for a customer service position the candidate came in appearing like a cast member from the Beverely Hill Billies. During the interview process I asked the question "How do you handle last minute changes and breaks in routines?" The answer: Well, I take my breaks!
Thom
Several years ago I was in the middle of a practical joke feud with a female co-worker. I had found her car unlocked one day and got in and turned on her heater, wipers and radio full-blast. She swore she would get even.
I had a 7:00 AM interview one Monday morning a week later. The previous Friday said co-worker had got into my office and taped a scented urinal cake (stink bomb)to the bottom of my office chair. It "fermented" in my office all weekend.
Early that Monday morning, I greeted the applicant outside my office with my usual hearty handshake and best HR guy smile. When I opened the door to my office, the smell hit me like a blast of cold air. I knew immediately what had happened, but was trying to keep my professional composure between laughing and swearing at my conniving co-worker. The applicant, a male, was looking at me like "What kind of wacko uses scented urinal blocks as the office room freshener?"
I never did get even with my co-worker.
Patrick
I was working in Ohio, and was interviewing for hourly production jobs and had an enthusiastic young woman in my office. Her resume had a lot of different experiences listed and I questioned her on the entry which referred to her currently running her own company. When I asked her what kind of business it was, she looked me in the eye, smiled and said, "Sex toys."
I was, as they say, a bit taken aback, and I'm sure looked somewhat dumbfounded, and responded with something not particularly well thought out, like "Well, I guess that's stimulating work."
Clearly enjoying my response and the look on my face, she then went on to voluntarily decribe some of her products until I cut it short and told her we'd get back to her. She thanked me and gave me her business card.
As I escorted her out, causing us to pass through one of our production areas, one of our female employees waved and greeted her with a "Hi! Good to see you". After realizing what she'd done, she blushed, laughed and went back to work as I walked my guest to the door.