FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Job interview disasters
Job interview disasters
Jump to: Newest in thread
 |
By *inaTitz OP TV/TS
over a year ago
Titz Towers, North Notts |
Inspired by us all wishing Open-minded01 good luck on their job interview today.
What job interview disasters have you been involved in?
One of mine was an interview for this graduate position. It was in a small office in Nottingham and 2 minutes in, I dropped the world's smelliest, weapons grade fart.
I've never had anything like it before or since. We're talking paint trying to get off the walls just to get out of the danger zone.
Neither I, nor the interviewer acknowledged it, short of both coughing a bit and him getting up and opening every single window before carrying on.
I didn't get the job.
It was even worse than the time the door handle came off in my hand and I placed it down on the table in front of the panel.
What disasters have you all been mixed up with? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"At odeon ! I had to speak in front of 15 other candidates, my English wasn’t that good I panicked and left like a coward  "
Before anyone says it.
It is still not that good ´
that is done |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *etcplCouple
over a year ago
Gapping Fanny |
"At odeon ! I had to speak in front of 15 other candidates, my English wasn’t that good I panicked and left like a coward
Before anyone says it.
It is still not that good ´
that is done"
Did you get a job at Cineworld instead? |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
I've been fortunate and/or prepared enough to have been offered every job I have ever applied for. Except one. In which I inadvertently did a kind of candidate version of a Ratner, and told them their company was complete crap.... this was by way of suggesting I could help improve it, but I saw the faces drop, and knew I'd insulted their egos and was never going to get it, so I doubled down on why I thought it was shit... Walked out of that with mixed feelings... |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"At odeon ! I had to speak in front of 15 other candidates, my English wasn’t that good I panicked and left like a coward
Before anyone says it.
It is still not that good ´
that is done
Did you get a job at Cineworld instead?"
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
I was interviewed by 3 Young ladies for a maintenance job and one asked how I felt working under women and I replied some of my best work has been done under women . Didn't get the job . I did ask after how that was relevant and do they ask any ladies the same question . Apparently I was too confrontational for post |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *issmorganWoman
over a year ago
Calderdale innit |
I was half an hour late for an interview years ago,had a power cut overnight ,my phone didn't charge & the alarm never went off.
I then got lost trying to find the place.
I , not suprisingly didn't get the job!. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *ohn KanakaMan
over a year ago
Not all that North of North London |
Walked to an interview when I lived in London that was 10 minutes away from my home. Nice sunny day. Ahd then there was a torrential storm and I was soaked to the skin. White shirt was transparent, suit clinging to me, hair a mess. Didn't get the job. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Had an interview back in the spring online as company was based in Northern England. Even though I had over 25 years experience in the field that the job was in, I didn't get the job because I wasn't experienced enough. I think they'd already filled the position but didn't want to say. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
The job i was in before which was hydraulic engineering obviously my clothes used to get covered in hydraulic fluid. I used to clean the car seats and seatbelts after i had been driving, anyway i had a job interview for a big company about 40mins drive away, the interview was at 2pm and i finished my previous job at 12pm. Drove home, got showered changed into a new white shirt and cheenos i bought for the interview, drove the 40 minutes there, started walking to reception when i spotted a glimpse of myself in the window, my shirt and trousers were covered in hydraulic fluid as i'd forgot to wipe the car down. I explained and got the job anyway so happy days  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *inaTitz OP TV/TS
over a year ago
Titz Towers, North Notts |
Here's another one.
I went for an interview for police intelligence and I kid you not, I couldn't find my way into the building they were holding the interviews in. It was at some complex at an old hospital site and the door to this bit was hidden away  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *alcon43Woman
over a year ago
Paisley |
Related to the above - I used to send out invites for interviews with the date, time and location for the NHS. We’d rely on the interviewer providing us with the details. One location came back as ‘the room at the end of the long corridor’. Often they’d send building names or hospital names that were known only to those that worked in them. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
I was nervous and tripped as I walked in to reception, fell and bashed my face on a chair and split my lip open.
By the time of the interview (and a little bit of first aid later) my lip was 3 x it’s size.
I got the job. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Not long out of university I had an interview for a job in a charity that works in prisons with offenders. Interview was in Crewe. I'd been there the week before so I knew where the building was. I'd got as prepared as I could. Day of the interview the snow fell. I was sat on a train going nowhere. Too young and stupid to have taken their phone number with me, so I couldn't tell them I was late, I just sat there and stressed. Eventually the train moved and I got to Crewe. Ran through the snow. Got there about 40 minutes late almost in tears, soaked to the skin, out of breath. They made me a hot drink and were very kind. But the job wasn't right for me anyway, and I certainly didn't do a good interview as flustered as I was. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Inspired by us all wishing Open-minded01 good luck on their job interview today.
What job interview disasters have you been involved in?
One of mine was an interview for this graduate position. It was in a small office in Nottingham and 2 minutes in, I dropped the world's smelliest, weapons grade fart.
I've never had anything like it before or since. We're talking paint trying to get off the walls just to get out of the danger zone.
Neither I, nor the interviewer acknowledged it, short of both coughing a bit and him getting up and opening every single window before carrying on.
I didn't get the job.
It was even worse than the time the door handle came off in my hand and I placed it down on the table in front of the panel.
What disasters have you all been mixed up with?"
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
The last ever job interview I went to was disaster from start to finish. I was woefully under prepared but in my defence the job advert and spec was misleading enough for me to believe I was suitable. I was asked to do an off the cuff presentation and assessment on something I had only a tiny bit of experience of and I spilled a glass of water on the desk. During the panel interview it was obvious I had no proper idea. I cringe even now.
I didn't get the job. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
After an interview that lasted 1.5 hours they asked me to fill out a survey and come back tomorrow. I hadn't eaten as the interview was over lunchtime, so I was starving.
I came back the next day to the results of my survey which scrutinised me to the minutest detail and pointed out all my flaws. That pissed me off but then i was asked "how would you justify your skills to a colleague?" I said that I shouldn't need to justify my skills to a colleague and i pretty much gave them one word answers from then on. 3 hrs in interviews after all that and the place was so quiet it would have been like working in a morgue. It wasnt a morgue btw. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"Had an interview back in the spring online as company was based in Northern England. Even though I had over 25 years experience in the field that the job was in, I didn't get the job because I wasn't experienced enough. I think they'd already filled the position but didn't want to say. "
I hate when this happens! |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
Had one where it was roasting hot so I took my blazer off which was a mistake. Putting it back on the collar dug into my neck, the sleeve tucked itself up my arm and the buttons caught around the back of me - it was like it was attacking me for 5 minutes just as I was walking out.
Had another with the ceo, md, head of hr and (I think) company president - I thought it seemed a bit strong and was packing it. I got there and they and there's a row of 20 somethings. I think I asked if I had the right place and likely looked at them with silly a grin. Having near students practice interviewing is odd. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Went for an interview, im always early. Wasn't seen till an hour later, no apology.
Called me for the interview said wrong name I just looked at here, then said you mean ****** said yes oh sorry wrong sheet here.
Processed to call me the wrong name again for 5mins got a sterne look when I corrected her.
What job set and skills can you bring to the job proceeded to say, then got can you do that said yes my experience is written on my cv.
Wheni offered ideas and certain things I'd do I was quickly told we do this here etc.
Then she proceeded to go through a pile of cvs till she found mine.
Needles to say I was told I never got the job by email two weeks later. A month later she wrong to say the candid she hired wasn't as experience as they though and looking at my cv and from my interview I'd be the best candidate for the job. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Interviewed online for security manager role and it was clear the guy interviewing me didn't have a clue about the job. Didn't even seem to know what job he was interviewing me for.
Asked me a bunch of generic questions, but couldn't answer any of mine.
In the end, I suggested we postpone the interview until such point as he, or another representative of the company were able to sufficiently prepare themselves to conduct the interview.
3 days later, HR call me to offer me the job. Problem was, it was a totally different job. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Had an interview with the council and it became clear that the interviewer had no interest in anything I had to say. I assumed it was a role with someone internal already in mind and they were going through the motions, so at the end when she asked me if I had any questions I enthusiastically shouted "When do I start?" with a big grin on my face. She just stared at me so I said "I'll need size 9 boots by the way"... she thanked me and I never heard anything back from them  |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *yron69Man
over a year ago
Fareham |
We were taught at school to never quote dec places after a dec zero eg for 1.56780 just write 1.5678
During an interview for an electrical apprenticeship I was given a maths test and one question stated to quote the answers to three dec places.
Though as taught, a value of 1.230 for example I answered as 1.23
Afterwards the horrid boss took me to task stressing that if he wants 3 dec places he expects 3 dec places. He went on and on in front of the nicer guy who had did the interview whose face simply said 'the boss is a jumped up stupid cunt.'
I didn't get the job. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *inaTitz OP TV/TS
over a year ago
Titz Towers, North Notts |
Some of these are priceless
A friend of mine applied for the position of proof-reader with a legal firm.
Dave, as that is his name, is the most pedantic person I know. It's a great trait in some circumstances, but not in others.
When he received the letter inviting him for the interview, he assumed it was a covert test (no, I've no idea why, either) and went through it like a dose of salts, pointing out every mistake in it. He then took it with him to the interview and gave it to the writer, who was less than pleased at having their spelling and grammar taken to the cleaners.
He didn't get the job, which is a shame, as it would have suited him.
 |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
I went for an admin assistant for the CSA not long after it started. I had just come off a night shift at 7, so had to wait round till 11 for the interview. I was so knackered I totally fucked up the interview, needless to say I never got the job. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *uzie69xTV/TS
over a year ago
Maidstone |
"Had an interview back in the spring online as company was based in Northern England. Even though I had over 25 years experience in the field that the job was in, I didn't get the job because I wasn't experienced enough. I think they'd already filled the position but didn't want to say. "
I get this a lot... Not because the job was filled but a lot of managers panic when they realise I am trans.
The number of post-interview feed-back I've had where they say I'm skilled and experienced and my answers were perfect...
But sorry we just have another "better fit" candidate. When I ask how better, their stuttered answers dig themselves into holes... |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *os19Man
over a year ago
Edmonton |
Back in 2009 I had a interview for promotion in another civil service department. I knew the interview was going to be based around 4 competencies I knew what the 4 competencies would be.When I was asked about the first competency I started talking and half way through I realised I was talking about a different competency I finished what I was saying and at the end I apologise and said I had given them a example of a different competency.The 2 interviewers said no problem and I then gave the other 3 competencies.Unfortunately I was so embarrassed and felt I had blown my chance that I struggled with the rest of the interview.As expected I didn’t get the promotion and my lowest score was on the first competency even though I was told no problem |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Reasons I have been turned down for jobs include:
- I didn’t have a car (the role involved no driving)
- I went to the wrong university
- I didn’t look at one of the members of the interviewing panel often enough.
You’ll notice that none of these have any bearing on my ability to actually do the job.
|
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
I applied for a job, filled out the application form. They phoned me 2 days later and had a discussion about it. Fair play to them I got an instant answer, which was "No, sorry but your not what we are looking for" when I asked why, I was informed that "I would take to long and actually care about the 'Service Users'" cause obviously a home carer is not supposed to give a damn about the 'Clients' |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *yron69Man
over a year ago
Fareham |
Two other awful ones ...
RAF - I was 16 and had to wait a long time as I first went to the recruitment office at 15. I passed everything though the doctor was concerned about my acne. Final interview was with the Wing Co who turned the chat into a cross examination. He was bothered I'd never yet left the UK. More concerned was when I said the police were awful to the striking miners (it was 1984). He was a dreadful man who delighted in telling me I was unsuccessful. Ever harder was the fact three idiots I knew got in!
Exxon Chemicals - out of 2500 applicants I was one of 32 who passed the exams and had an interview for 16 places .
But it included a tour of the plant. In hard hat, goggles, ear muffs we went up and down chimneys, crossed pipes, opened valves and examined weird jellies.
All with our guide going "....Muh muh muh [Hisss]...Muh muh muh [siren goes off]..."
I could hardly hear a word.
Back in the office in front of a panel.....explain the process..
I didn't get the job. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Been turned down for jobs for being too quiet/shy.
For being to keen
Thankfully I’m doing the best job in the world which is looking after my children whilst hubby works. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
"
Been turned down for jobs for being too quiet/shy.
For being to keen
Thankfully I’m doing the best job in the world which is looking after my children whilst hubby works."
Tough job that, very tough sometimes. You deserve a promotion |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Years ago I worked as a binman
Halfway thought the interview they asked if I'd start there and then as
One of the guys had got a punch up with a member of the public and been taken to the police station |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"
Been turned down for jobs for being too quiet/shy.
For being to keen
Thankfully I’m doing the best job in the world which is looking after my children whilst hubby works.
Tough job that, very tough sometimes. You deserve a promotion"
Thank you! Yes it’s very stressful at times but the rewards far outweighs the tough times. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
I can think of two interviews, when I've stopped it half way through and explained that the way they run their company and what they expect from their employees was not for me and simply walked out. The look on their faces is always priceless |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
I was a day early for an interview with another site of the company I worked for. HR had given me the wrong date. Wasn't the reason I didn't get the job though - on the real day the executive boss from my own site was in the meeting room next door and could hear every word - he vetoed my application. He did extend my contract but I left a month later as it was him I didn't want to work for not the company.
Keeping the theme of getting the interview date wrong I was most of my way to work 100 miles away when the agent called me to wish me well in my interview that day. I had just got the wrong date in my head. They rescheduled the interview - it's the job I'm in now. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
Had an interview first thing Monday morning after getting home from a stag do in the early hours. Woke up late, groggy, could not be arsed and got lost on the way. By some miracle, made it to the building just on time.
I didn't realise that the building hosted multiple companies, with their own receptions on each floor. Spent 15 mins waiting on the wrong floor for a HR person to tell me there were no interviews that day. "Are you on the right floor?" |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
|
By *yron69Man
over a year ago
Fareham |
Years back I went for an interview at a laboratory that tested concrete. It was almost a one-man show and the guy who ran it lived upstairs above the labs. When I got there early he was upstairs in his pyjamas. His dog was running lose and he interviewed me in his dressing gown.
It seemed a lonely job taking samples from the holds of ships and to a 16 yo me he seemed ancient with his grey beard.
But I didn't get the job anyway. |
Reply privately, Reply in forum +quote
or View forums list | |
» Add a new message to this topic
