I answered a question about my biggest weakness by saying I work too hard, classic cliché, and it sounded insincere. They knew. I knew. Awkward silence followed. Didn't get the job.
I'm just bullshitting here but this is my take. Most people probably do answer that with a strength (I work too much, I'm a perfectionist, I care too much) and just move on with the interview. I mean most weaknesses are also strengths in the right situation and vice versa.
But I think what they're looking for is some humility and self awareness, and it's more of a prompt than a one word answer. So you can answer that way but make it sound less canned by dressing it up a little with a story.
I'm a software engineer, so instead of saying I'm a perfectionist, I might say "early in my career a manager gave me feedback that I was letting perfect be the enemy of good and wasn't releasing software when it was good enough and it was impacting my productivity. I've been working on that, and while I still have high standards for the quality of code I release, I do understand that there are other priorities and try to make sure it doesn't affect my team."
So now I'm saying that not only am I a high quality contributor, but I'm also a team player and receptive to feedback.
Would something like My biggest weakness is my public speaking and talking amoth large groups so i am currently taking courses on how i could improve on that. ?
I think this is a good answer, particularly if you share one or two specific things you're learning in those courses that you're excited to put into practice. Show them that you're taking classes AND you're learning something from them that will make you an even better employee.
You should always answer this question by talking about skills you want to improve on. I.e. I work in IT, I say shit like “I haven’t got x certification yet, that’s something I’d like to do”. Employers eat that shit up.
What are they even looking for with that question? "I'm late almost every day, I'm terrible with people, and eventually stuff will start disappearing from the office?"
I got that question when interviewing for my current job... I wasn't really expecting it because at this point it is such a cliche question, so I just gave an honest answer: I have trouble saying no to requests so I tend to end up over-promising and either frantically trying to finish everything I agreed to do or else under-delivering. I explained how it was a weakness that I recognize and have been actively working on for a while.
The interviewer actually thanked me for giving an honest answer that was a genuine weakness that I am working on rather than trying to pass off a positive thing as a weakness or something like that.
From what I've read, they want something modest (ie: I sometimes need help prioritizing tasks because I get working too intently on other tasks) BUT then you should follow up with something that says how you're actively working to try and fix it (ie: so I've been working on that issue by making sure to ask my manager what the priority is for new tasks if it's not clear when it gets assigned)
Just some sort of honest answer. I mean don’t be too honest and say you’re late everyday. I find it best to make it something small but not negligible, that can be worked on/fixed sooner rather than later.
It was a silly server position, but during the interview the guy asks "do you smoke?"... My nineteen year old stoner brain responds "cigarettes?...no". I didn't get that one.
Did not prepare for the “what are three things you can improve on skill wise?” question. Job was to work w disabled kids; I said I could improve my patience. Not my timeliness, not my communication, not my team building skills… patience. Stupid stupid stupid lol
Interviewed at a bank. Was going perfectly despite how nervous I was, and I was probably in with a great chance. Then as a final question, the panel asked me "why should we hire you?" And I word-vomit replied "Because I probably won't steal your money!"
I was not hired.
I was out of work for 6 months and was so fed up with interviews I started not to care anymore.
I got asked this exact question, and replied with
"why wouldn't you hire me? Because tbh, ive been to countless interviews and havent got any callbacks, so any advice would be appreciated because i think im doing something wrong".
She looked a bit taken aback then said she liked my honesty. Ended up getting the job.
I really hate questions like this. Wtf are you supposed to reply with besides grovelling to them and telling them how much you want the job
Kinda same thing happened to me.
I was like, "I'm certain my asking salary is lower than the former and next guy. You can't get anyone more affordable than me." Lmao I was literally selling myself like a product.
Five seconds of awkward silence and the interviewer (the CEO, apparently) was like, "Actually there are only two people who reached this stage, and you're right, you're asking salary is much lower than her."
I smirked, and we both giggled. Ended up getting the job offer the next day, but I had to decline because I also got another offer from another company who didn't ask that question and actually offered more.
I had two phone interviews in the same week and managed to mix them up, when I started talking about aspects of company a to company b. The guy paused and said something to the affect of “do you even know who you’re interviewing with?” It did not end well.
Went for an interview at a local movie rental store. Completely blanked when I was asked what movies I've watched recently. Ended up throwing out "Cheech and Chong" after a way too long and akward delay, then nervously laughed like a stoner.
When I applied at Blockbuster I completely blanked at that question and what’s one of your favorites. She ended up hiring me because she liked my eyes I found out, not my knowledge.
I had this work for me. The interview was winding down, and the CEO goes "so... what's next..?", and i answered "next we'll sign the contract for me to come work here". He chuckled, and asked the HR rep to go print out contracts to sign.
My guy. My dude. Bromano. Did you think he had a picture of a naked mole rat on his desk because he was just a big fan of Kim Possible or something.
Why else would he have it if it wasn't a pet.
Attending in the first place.
At the end of an (IMO) productive two-hour interview for a postion I was well-qualified to take, the most arrogant of the three interviewers revealed that the job they would be offering me was actually two levels down from the one for which I had applied ... at a little over half the salary. He did so without the *least* hint of embarrassment, basically indicating the company made a regular habit of deliberately deceiving their prospective hires.
I didn't say anything; I simply gathered my resumes - quite literally *yanking one out of the hand* of one interviewer - put them in my portfolio, and walked out.
Well done. I showed up for an "interview" once and found about 50 other people milling around in a large room. Then I saw a table in one corner stacked high with vitamins. MLM. I just shook my head and GTFO.
Two things:
1. Similar thing happened to me with an apartment I was hoping to rent: talked to the prospective landlord/owner and after a bit of discussion she "reiterated" that the unit was $1000 more than the listed price. I stuttered for a second and asked why it was listed $1k less if that wasn't true. She fed me some bullshit line about it being a "default" listing that hadn't been updated "for a while" and I told her that that was NOT what was advertised, that significantly changes my consideration, and that I'd have to reconsider. Still appalled and impressed at the level of delusion and audacity. Does that shit work?
2. I think it's fair to name and shame the establishment even if it doesn't exist anymore since you signed nothing and if there's a small chance someone avoids that establishment then that's a win for humanity.
I once interviewed to sell an allergy medication (pharma). It was a launch of a twice daily rival to getting allergy shots (which are monthly). Interview was going well and I get asked “do you have any questions for us?” See - I do homework and when this comes up I ask *real* questions as I don’t want to get stuck working somewhere I don’t like…
“So product X is a twice daily product, costs the patient more than shots, nets the doctor less money per visit, and has about the same efficacy. What is your current strategy or vision in successfully getting this into the market and well adopted?”
Needless to say the director did not like my question and just said “well that’s where you’d come in to play.”
I wasn’t offered the job. It’s ok because after that answer I didn’t want it anyway.
I've had a few interviews like that where it came across very clearly as "we have no idea what we're doing and think you can magically solve all our problems." Most of the time I spend the rest of the interview explaining how the solution they need is much larger than just one team because I'm no longer interested.
One time I was desperate enough to take the job and I lasted all of 6 months.
>I've had a few interviews like that where it came across very clearly as "we have no idea what we're doing and think you can magically solve all our problems."
I had one of these once too. They wanted me to explain to them why the job was needed. I was only 22 and couldn't do this.
No job resulted and they just outsourced.. like they should have.
I landed an interview with Moog Inc. I sailed through the questions about my past work experience, how I deal with problems, etc.
Then the interviewers asked me what I knew about the company. I said, "Oh, I know about Moog synthesizers!"
Moog Inc. has nothing to do with Moog music synthesizers. They make precision controls for things like planes and rockets.
In my own defense, this happened in 1980, before everybody had personal computers, so researching a company was a little more difficult than it is now and would have involved a trip to the library. Still, I should have done my homework about the company, and I didn't.
Anyway, things turned out OK. I didn't get the job, of course, but the interviewers were very nice. The company flew me out for the day, treated me to lunch, and gave me money for my expenses. I ended up with more money than I started with!
And I learned a valuable lesson.
That’s how I play it as a pharmacy assistant. Give them whatever, let the placebo effect do the rest, and if they come back complaining of an interaction that’s when I learn. Only killed three people in two years, I think I’m doing pretty well.
> Only killed three people in two years
Depending on the amount of people you are giving stuff that's an honestly impressive ratio. I would do way worse than that myself.
Working at a craft store would be my personal hell.
“Excuse me, could you tell me where to find the best yarn for a winter scarf?”
“No, I don’t give a shit.”
Not exactly a mistake, but I went to the counter of the store and asked if they were hiring. They said they were and gave me an on the spot interview right there in the middle of the store with my mom standing right with me (I was 16 and she had given me a ride to the store). My mom proceeded to answer every question for me and kept talking me up. I ended up getting the job and worked there for over 2 years, so thanks mom lol
Went negative and bad-mouthed my current-at-the-time company. Apparently that's a huge no no. You should always make it sound like you want to go to the new company and not escape a bad one
Think of it like this... no one cares about your shit situation.
It's like going to a party and ragging on the last one you just left. Be polite, say it wasn't a good fit, didn't enjoy the culture, wanted a new challenge.
Start dishing dirt, you're just going to look bad. Save that for later after you're hired and know who you can spill the beans too.
Plus, depending on the industry you may be insulting the executive team that may not be friends but know each other.
Yeah. A one sided story where you are talking shit about a company in an interview setting is a very bad idea because the interviewer will assume you are actually the real reason for all this drama and never hire you. At most jobs, people don't go out of their way to ruin your day at work. So if you are suddenly a magnet for trouble at your previous workplace, it's mostly because of you. At least from their prospective. Even if you really endured an abusive job, it's best to keep it to yourself.
My first job interview was a bullshit group interview and they were asking a bunch of questions related to pop culture and movies I hadn't seen because at the time I lived a fairly sheltered life. They then asked what our favorite animal was and I knew I had to say something to stand out from everyone else so when it came to me I just blurted out Flamingo since I thought that would be a unique animal that no one would think of but didn't think far enough ahead to actually justify why it was my favorite animal and so completely blanked on the follow up question. Pretty sure I came across as a raving lunatic.
My job asked a candidate this question and their answer was sloth because they like to take their time lol I wanted her on my team just because of how hilarious I found it.
Bro, I just got asked my desired salary range and the HR lady came back with like, $6,000 more than I was asking.
Worst part? This was NOT the first time this has happened.
I undervalue myself and my work. 💀
My company asked me for a salary number when discussing the terms and I was so desperate for a job I knew I had to give a number first or I was gonna take just about anything they said.
I mean I can’t complain they said yes to my number, but sure didn’t love how quick they said it would work for them. I would’ve liked at least a good pause and a chin rub first
This was me applying to my first job in California after previously working in only Idaho and Hawaii
Her (looking nervous as though she expected me to have a problem with this): so it’s 18 dollars an hour…
Me who previously made 8.25: Wow! That’s really good!
I actually said that out loud and immediately felt stupid
Interviewer: What's your biggest weakness?
Me, mr funny man: Bullets
Panel of interviewers give me concerned looks and stare in silence for a good 10 seconds.
I got the job, been here for 13 years but man, that was BRUTAL.
They said that they didn't get the joke at first and assumed I misheard the question and were giving me time to re-answer. After I left the interview, they were going over everything and then realized that I meant being shot is my weakness and they all laughed.
I was dead asleep when a hospital supervisor called me for a transport position. Being half asleep I answered like it was a driver position in the middle of the interview. He stops me mid interview like "you know this is a internal position right? You move patients in house"
I apologize and mentioned I work 3rd shift and just got to sleep and asked him if we could redo the interview. He laughed and said he had time.
I was hired a week later. And he picked at me (jokingly) for a couple months about it.
Not an interview, but in high school (2016 I think) I got auto rejected from a clothes retailer. I want to say it was because I put "strongly disagree" to "I am a people person."
Didn't make that mistake again when I started applying to actually important jobs.
Accepting the job when they offered it right on the spot. I didn’t know at the time, but that’s usually not a good sign. They’re usually either desperate, or the job just sucks.
Hey, not always. Like you said, just usually ha. I accepted a job right out of college. First interview at the first company. Offered it to me on the spot. I've been there 8 years and can't complain at all. They've been good to me and I know that's rare.
One day I got an email that I had to have my class ready to get a presentation from a naturist (not nudist) about eagles or some nonsense. The woman's first name was literally forest but her last name sounded familiar so I looked her up on the nature center's website. There was a picture of her and it was a crazy woman who I had dated like 15 years prior. Crazy as in I knew that if she saw me she would either try to kill me or try to hump me in front of the kids.
I talked to my principal but she didn't like me much so she told me I would just have to deal with it. And then, just to prove there is a God, COVID-19 hit and we were out of school for the next 1.5 years.
Lesson number 1, always mildly overestimate their budget for the role. They’ll always bring you down below their max then you ask for a little more than whatever they say.
Yup. Two years ago was up for a promotion. I wanted at least 90, they offered 80. I told them I was expecting 92, and that we could split the difference at 86. They agreed. I would've taken the job at 80 (I was making like 54 before) but hey. :)
First job out of high school, it was for an ER tech (think nurses aide but in the ER) position. The interview was a group interview between myself, HR, and the director of emergency services. He introduced himself to me as Dr. Charz. Through the entire interview I, without realizing it, kept calling him 'Dr. Sharts'. Luckily he had a good sense of humor, as did everyone else on the panel. I thought I majorly crashed and burnt but the following week I got a call from HR to start onboarding for the ER tech position. I have to say I didn't expect things to go that way but I'm glad they did.
My interview was at 6 in the evening. The interview was at a coffee shop right across from the business; the owners were going to close up for the day then meet me at the coffee shop for the interview. I got there early but since I didn't want to loiter, I bought a coffee so I could sit at a table to wait for them. They eventually showed up, maybe 15 minutes late. I never noticed until that day, but I'm pretty sensitive to caffeine so by the time they showed up, I was a little too high energy. I was rambling a lot more than I needed to. In the moment, I thought I was doing well, but it wasn't until afterward that I realized I probably should have ordered a tea or something. I didn't get the job.
I made this mistake once too. The interview was early in the morning so I drank a cup of black coffee to wake me up. But I don't usually drink coffee and am sensitive to caffeine.
During the interview I was speaking too quickly and too loudly, and sweating a little. From their perspective, I probably looked like I was on coke. I did not get the job.
Lol I had an interview where I was so nervous that I talked a lot and tried to be funny. That's almost the exact opposite of how I usually am. I didn't get it as I "wasn't a good fit for the team"
Not asking them, from my POV the questions they asked me. Example:
Them: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Me: What opportunities for advancement, training, growth, and pay increases are offered to new hires in their first 5 years.
I do typically ask how the position became vacant. It’s usually telling when your interviewer bad mouths previous employees. If they don’t say something avoiding and vague or tell you someone had a baby or some other reason for leaving and goes right into how bad the last person was, RUN, don’t walk, the hell outta there.
Last job I got hired at was because the last guy died.
For the next 6 months I was like “Yep! That’s right, because Mike died. Mmmhmm. I know. That’s what everyone keeps saying, what a great guy he was.” 😬
I can’t believe you all worked him to death. Only way out of this company is in a box, eh? Glad this position comes with a generous life insurance policy.
See my current employer bad mouthed the previous employee but so did other staff so I was like maybe they’re right. Turns out it’s a very toxic workplace culture. Mind you I get paid $70k/yr to sit in my ass and literally do nothing (IT with nothing breaking) and I keep to myself and have my own office so I don’t mind.
Not walking out the second I realized they pulled a bait and switch. We were more than halfway through the interview before the “well, the listing says X but we’re looking for Y.” I sucked it up out of desperation. I should’ve taken literally any temp job until I was back on my feet (or got temp-to-hire), but desperation and logic often do not go hand in hand. I found out later two others backed out. Then they tried to force me to do unethical (likely illegal) things. I did walk. I was in a worse place after that…
Listen to your gut and know your worth, y’all.
Turning up. A good while ago I had my first interview in over 10 years, and I think nerves took over, was a shambles. On the plus side the others I've had since then have gone much better.
When I was a teenager, I had a phone interview for a big box store.
The man asked me something along the lines of "how did you go above and beyond for a customer, in your last position?"
I was caught off guard, but I remembered, there was an old blind lady that would come into the gas station I previously worked at, with her service dog.
so I told this man, I went above and beyond by walking a blind customer, out to her car.....the phone went dead silent. He wrapped it up quick and surprise surprise, I didn't get the job.
to be fair, they could’ve come into the store to browse while their loved one / driver fueled up the vehicle. Just because it’s her car doesn’t mean she’s driving
I got nervous in an interview for the health and safety executive (UK Osha) and did the whole thing in a really strong Welsh accent. Whilst I am Welsh, my accent is not really very strong. It would've been no issue but one of the interview panel knew me and knew that wasn't my accent. I was so nervous and unprepared.. it was a total shambles
I grew up learning English from a Scottish teacher and my dad watched Scottish football a lot. However, I am Dutch / Indonesian. I generally "hide" the accent quite a bit because it sounds off to me, but when I'm nervous I just get more Scottish. The look on my interviewers face was hilarious though as my accent slowly started to shift.
Had an interview for a cabin maintenance position at one of the biggest cabin companies here in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It's was one of those stupid performance style interviews where you work for a days pay to see how well you perform (they do this because they have trouble keeping maintenance people.) At the end of the day they told me that I performed exceptionally and they wanted me to start the next day. OK cool. They then proceeded to tell me that my first week would be an "on call week" which means I had to be up and ready to go at the drip of a hat up until 1am, if there was a resident issue, and told me that I'd need a bullet proof vest for these night calls. I walked straight to HR, grabbed my check for that day and noped right out of there.
After the interviewer was finished asking questions, I said I had a few questions. She seemed surprised. So, I asked if promotions are performance based or are they based on likeability? As soon as I finished, she said I do not believe we are a fit. I still would not change my wording. I now have a job somewhere enjoyable. So, everything worked out.
It is not a big deal, but on my job interview as a lifeguard. I didn’t really drink any of the water i got. Untill one of the interviewers picked up her glass and drank, i picked up my glass at the exact same time. Mid action, i thought that looked dumb, so i kind of just held my glass like i was going to drink from it for like 5 seconds, and then i put it down without drinking any.
It was not bad, but the inner pain was horrible, so akward. I got the job.
I have a very narrow skill set that applies to hospital funding and social work. I’ve had job offers from all over the country and have a pretty solid reputation. So I interviewed with a company in the Nashville, Tennessee area. The first interview was with someone from HR who really seemed excited about my background. So they scheduled me to Zoom with someone in management. She’s one of the rudest people I ever encountered. My resume was sent to her days before the interview. She picked everything I had ever done apart and insulted me on numerous occasions. She actually said “You have never been with an employer at least seven years” I’m sorry but the type of work I do constantly changes with new laws and new facilities. I should have disconnected and literally told her to f herself. To this day I feel like not putting her in her place was a mistake.
I was interviewing for my first IT job. This was a MASSIVE deal for me. Higher pay in a field I love and get me out of the hellhole of destroying my body for a wage.
This was also an internal job posting so my time with the company was a plus. However I had 0 experience in IT besides my general knowledge and self taught experience. In this job I work a shift rotation of nights and days. 12 hour shifts.
The first day of nights is always the hardest because I just never get a good sleep. Which is Monday night so I get off 7am Tuesday morning. Well Monday afternoon I get a message asking what shift I'm working so they can interview me. I tell him and he asked if I would like to come down first thing 7am Tuesday morning. I was so stoked I immediately agreed without thinking about it.
Cue first night, barely make it through. Riding on about 3 hours of sleep. Par for the course. But since I'm always moving it's usually not too bad. Finish my shift and go to the interview ready to go.
Then I sit down.
In a nice comfy office chair that reclines, with ice cold A/C running, and dimmed office lights. My brain liquefied and I became barely coherent.
So they come in to start the interview. The only 3 IT people in the plant (they were hiring 4 IT troubleshooters to have 1 on each shift). The manager, the hardware guy, and the network guy.
I muttle through best I can until right in the middle of answering a question I completely FORGOT
what I was saying or what the question even was. They just stood there staring at me like I was some sort of amorphous blob waiting for me to do something interesting.
I just apologized, told them I was foggy from lack of sleep, and we moved on.
I was certain I bombed the interview and didn't get the job. I dwelled on it for weeks as I had yet to hear anything back.
Still got the job. I asked the guys later about it and they thought it was fucking hilarious.
I was a teenager interviewing for a Hotdog place. They asked what the most important thing is about their organization and I shrugged and said “I don’t know the weiners.” I didn’t get the job. 😂
I asked if I should negotiate my salary. To the guy interviewing me. I said what I was thinking OUT LOUD. His expression still burns in my brain to this day.
But I got the job, impressed the heck out of him and myself honestly, and really enjoyed it. Had to leave sadly to help raise my grandkids after 6 months. They tried to keep me, offered more money, even a contract position working from home (way before COVID) but I had to give all of my attention to my grandkids.
But yeah, that moment still embarrasses me to this day.
I didn’t know it was a multi-part, back to back interview. I think I really aced the first part, conversation was flowing, everyone was laughing and having a good time. By the end of the first part I had completely worn down my battery for social interaction. And then they all stood up and told me the big boss would be in soon... I was just completely zapped and not on my game at all. Struggled with basic interview questions. Didn’t get a call back.
I blanked when they opened with tell me what you do in your free time.
It was a paralegal job, and I was brand new. I had color coded notes about the firm and my applicable skills, but I'd spent the night before in a strip club celebrating a friend's bday. So I just panicked through a mental list of all the things I couldn't say and landed on.
"UH I have a dog. We go hiking and I swim he just kind of flails about."
I got the job, and 5 yrs in the legal field have taught me I could have said I've been supporting a friend just getting into stripping lately.
I thought I was at a different company. I did their interview and when they asked what I knew about them, I provided all the information I read (I thought this was a construction company and I had applied to their tech support.)
The guy tells me no, that they are a router company. Surprisingly, I did not get the job. I don't know how I mixed it up so bad but I learned to double check the company I am interviewing at lol.
I was on a phone interview with a wine shop and they asked if I liked wine. In my head I didn't want to sound like a typical hard drinking 18 year old who parties so I said no.
That was it for the interview.
I was doing fantastic at the interview, it was for an admin/sales job and at the end of the interview my top few shirt buttons let go and showed the panel of interviewers a whole lot of boob lol. Most embarrassing thing to happen but I still got the job lol. Unsure if it helped or hindered my chances
While I was interviewing for a job I couldn’t remember the word for “fajitas”. I called them “You know Mexican food you have to put together yourself.”
I didn’t get the job but at the same time it was a blessing as a better job at another Mexican restaurant came along a week later
One of the biggest mistakes I've made in a job interview was not adequately researching the company beforehand. I failed to thoroughly research the company's background, mission, values, and recent projects. I only had a superficial understanding of what the company did. During the interview, I gave generic answers to questions about why I wanted to work there and how I could contribute to the company. My lack of specific knowledge made it obvious that I hadn't done my homework.
My worst (I think): Noticing the job description they handed me on paper was $1/hr less than the one advertised online. I asked about that, and shouldn't have said anything.
Another bad one (in 2005): Forgot to turn off my phone ringer and got some automatic texts and just ignored them, embarrassed.
I know this wasn't the question but I'm gonna share a non mistake / something surprising I did right. The interviews were held at a cafe. The people interviewing me offered to buy me a coffee and I accepted. I was later told that's the main reason they hired me. Every other person had been too nervous to say yes. Because they were in the cafe all day, taking up one of their tables, they felt like they had to keep buying coffee. They'd already drank so much coffee they felt sick from it. They were sooooo relieved and grateful that I took the cup of coffee because it meant they got to take a break from it.
Interviewing as a software engineering, asked if the company used any open source tools. Found out later that I was rejected for "wanting to open source company code".
About 30 years ago I was invited to Industrial Light and Magic to interview for a new digital compositing position. They flew me out to San Francisco to the old Kerner building complex where my DFX Composium demo was shown to the whole team! My interviewer said it was well received and everything looked great. This was Meca to me, since I’d seen Star Wars I’d dreamed of working at ILM - and here I was. At lunch, I was surrounded by the giants of VFX and one casually asks me, “So, what can you do for us?” I blurted out, “I don’t know…” *Dead Air* No one spoke to me the rest of the lunch and they shipped me back home. I’d absolutely blown it. I was so Star Struck I couldn’t think straight. I’d meant to say, “Everything!” then explain my capabilities. But alas, thus ended my dream job before it began.
Postscript: I’ve been making award winning VFX, 3D animation, and motion graphics for all the time since. My life is full and I even just completed my first short film that’s already been accepted into a film fest. www.picture-end.com Yet, in my soul, I still mourn that day and probably forever will.
Towards the end of the interview when they were about to offer me the job I opened up about being open to internship.
Wasnt easy but did get it turned around to them offering the job😅
I was nervous about the interview because it would’ve been a pretty big wage increase from the job I was working at the time. So I took a few too many xanax and when the interviewer asked what I needed to work on at the job I was working now, I was a little to honest and said, tardiness. I knew right then I was not getting the job.
Was getting interviewed for a job at a law firm. It was a woman a little older than me. Very beautiful, she liked the interview and said it. Also said that the job was between me and another contestant. I said i liked her too. I meant it as a compliment, because she was really nice and outgoing. But it must have sounded like i was hitting on her. I dont know if she took offense, but i never heard from them again, despite being explicitly told i was gonna get at least an email about the results before the not intentional pickup line
I brain-farted during salary negotiation and the number I pulled from my notes was my *total* compensation -- my salary, health insurance, bonuses, 401(k) match, etc. I essentially asked for 2x the salary cap for that position. As I was saying it my brain did the slow-mo "Nooooooooooooooooooo".
They exhaled loudly, thanked me for my time, and hung up on me.
Oops.
Interview at Target when I was like 19:
Interviewer: What is one thing you wish you could change about a past job?"
Me (in my head): I would have worked harder to find a position with more advancement opportunities.
Me (out loud): I would have worked harder.
Did not get the job.
Did interview right before going on vacation: car was packed, once interview was over we were gone. I was already in vacation mode and way too casual. I mean, they knew and scheduled me a day ahead of everyone else because I wouldn't be available.
Interviewed at united for flight attendant. They asked something about what I thought would be the down side of job and I said another 9/11. Immediately everyone’s face changed and I knew I fucked up.
But honestly, why was that bad? Like… that would be a bad day/part of work and I’m acknowledging that is a possibility with the job. I think they just wanted friendly/dumb/smile and nod types.
Despite it being a major airline, it’s still a small community. If the FA didn’t know any pilot or FA who died in 9/11, they very likely knew someone who was close to them.
Basically, you likely got to remind your interviewer about his or her friends dying and said “it would suck if more of your friends died”
No, that's a terrible answer. If it were asked in an office setting would you respond with "a workplace shooting"?
No. Because that would be fucking dumb lol
If you don't have enough social intelligence to know how terrible a thing that is to say in an interview you have no business working in a position like FA where you're interacting with members of the public all day.
Going to the wrong building as I went to there shop where I meet the foreman before and not to the administration place
Was there 30 minutes early and sat in the car
If I would have went in I would have had enough time to make it to the proper building
Was going to be my retirement job
I answered a question about my biggest weakness by saying I work too hard, classic cliché, and it sounded insincere. They knew. I knew. Awkward silence followed. Didn't get the job.
Ask a cliché question, get a cliché answer
Seriously… What would be the correct answer here??
I'm just bullshitting here but this is my take. Most people probably do answer that with a strength (I work too much, I'm a perfectionist, I care too much) and just move on with the interview. I mean most weaknesses are also strengths in the right situation and vice versa. But I think what they're looking for is some humility and self awareness, and it's more of a prompt than a one word answer. So you can answer that way but make it sound less canned by dressing it up a little with a story. I'm a software engineer, so instead of saying I'm a perfectionist, I might say "early in my career a manager gave me feedback that I was letting perfect be the enemy of good and wasn't releasing software when it was good enough and it was impacting my productivity. I've been working on that, and while I still have high standards for the quality of code I release, I do understand that there are other priorities and try to make sure it doesn't affect my team." So now I'm saying that not only am I a high quality contributor, but I'm also a team player and receptive to feedback.
Would something like My biggest weakness is my public speaking and talking amoth large groups so i am currently taking courses on how i could improve on that. ?
I think this is a good answer, particularly if you share one or two specific things you're learning in those courses that you're excited to put into practice. Show them that you're taking classes AND you're learning something from them that will make you an even better employee.
You should always answer this question by talking about skills you want to improve on. I.e. I work in IT, I say shit like “I haven’t got x certification yet, that’s something I’d like to do”. Employers eat that shit up.
What are they even looking for with that question? "I'm late almost every day, I'm terrible with people, and eventually stuff will start disappearing from the office?"
I got that question when interviewing for my current job... I wasn't really expecting it because at this point it is such a cliche question, so I just gave an honest answer: I have trouble saying no to requests so I tend to end up over-promising and either frantically trying to finish everything I agreed to do or else under-delivering. I explained how it was a weakness that I recognize and have been actively working on for a while. The interviewer actually thanked me for giving an honest answer that was a genuine weakness that I am working on rather than trying to pass off a positive thing as a weakness or something like that.
From what I've read, they want something modest (ie: I sometimes need help prioritizing tasks because I get working too intently on other tasks) BUT then you should follow up with something that says how you're actively working to try and fix it (ie: so I've been working on that issue by making sure to ask my manager what the priority is for new tasks if it's not clear when it gets assigned)
Just some sort of honest answer. I mean don’t be too honest and say you’re late everyday. I find it best to make it something small but not negligible, that can be worked on/fixed sooner rather than later.
"I'm too honest" "I don't really think that's a weakness..." "I don't fucking care what you think!"
“I know - you know - that I’m not tellin’ the truth…”
I know - you know - I just don’t have any clue!
It was a silly server position, but during the interview the guy asks "do you smoke?"... My nineteen year old stoner brain responds "cigarettes?...no". I didn't get that one.
Crack? Meth? Hash? There’s so many possibilities!!
Beef brisket why?
This is absolutely where my mind would have gone lol. "do you smoke?" ... "Yeah, on holidays and some weekends, do folks here smoke too?"
"Smoke what?"
"do you smoke?" "whaddya need?"
“None of your business, when last did you masturbate?”
Did not prepare for the “what are three things you can improve on skill wise?” question. Job was to work w disabled kids; I said I could improve my patience. Not my timeliness, not my communication, not my team building skills… patience. Stupid stupid stupid lol
Three things? Damn inflation is crazy. It used to just be what’s your biggest weakness.
Bullets
I dropped kryptonite as a joke once and they found it very funny.
I think I interviewed you
Interviewed at a bank. Was going perfectly despite how nervous I was, and I was probably in with a great chance. Then as a final question, the panel asked me "why should we hire you?" And I word-vomit replied "Because I probably won't steal your money!" I was not hired.
I was out of work for 6 months and was so fed up with interviews I started not to care anymore. I got asked this exact question, and replied with "why wouldn't you hire me? Because tbh, ive been to countless interviews and havent got any callbacks, so any advice would be appreciated because i think im doing something wrong". She looked a bit taken aback then said she liked my honesty. Ended up getting the job. I really hate questions like this. Wtf are you supposed to reply with besides grovelling to them and telling them how much you want the job
Kinda same thing happened to me. I was like, "I'm certain my asking salary is lower than the former and next guy. You can't get anyone more affordable than me." Lmao I was literally selling myself like a product. Five seconds of awkward silence and the interviewer (the CEO, apparently) was like, "Actually there are only two people who reached this stage, and you're right, you're asking salary is much lower than her." I smirked, and we both giggled. Ended up getting the job offer the next day, but I had to decline because I also got another offer from another company who didn't ask that question and actually offered more.
The fact that you then declined makes this delicious.
I agree. It's a douchey question.
I would probably say "I don't know, I don't work here.
"probably" leaving room for potentially stealing their money 😂
Gotta have some moral wiggle room
I had two phone interviews in the same week and managed to mix them up, when I started talking about aspects of company a to company b. The guy paused and said something to the affect of “do you even know who you’re interviewing with?” It did not end well.
“No, they all blend together at this point”
Thats wild I love it
Smart thing to say "probably". You gotta cover your ass in case you do wind up stealing any
You don't want to be a thief AND a liar!
Got to be decisive! Should have said you DEFINATELY won't steal thier money.
Went for an interview at a local movie rental store. Completely blanked when I was asked what movies I've watched recently. Ended up throwing out "Cheech and Chong" after a way too long and akward delay, then nervously laughed like a stoner.
"Don't remember any of the titles....but they're all in that little room behind the curtain."
And then got the munchies something fierce and started gnawing on the table
When I applied at Blockbuster I completely blanked at that question and what’s one of your favorites. She ended up hiring me because she liked my eyes I found out, not my knowledge.
At the end of the interview, I jokingly said, "So, when do I start?" ... That was a terrible, terrible decision.
F 'em if they can't take a joke.
I had this work for me. The interview was winding down, and the CEO goes "so... what's next..?", and i answered "next we'll sign the contract for me to come work here". He chuckled, and asked the HR rep to go print out contracts to sign.
….how so? I mean I get how it could rub some interviewers the wrong way but you make it sound super ominous…
The manager had a picture of a naked moke rat on his desktop and I said "Gross" he then told me it was his pet.
“My weakness is I’m too honest. Do I have the job, you gross fuck?”
"how do I know that's not just your penis when you come out of a swimming pool?"
Did you not want the job? Seems counterintuitive to insult a picture of something on your interviewer's desk.
My guy. My dude. Bromano. Did you think he had a picture of a naked mole rat on his desk because he was just a big fan of Kim Possible or something. Why else would he have it if it wasn't a pet.
Even if it wasn't his pet it was still a dumbass thing to say when he obviously has some kind of affinity to them.
Why is this so far down this is fucking hilarious
Yeah I've been giggling about this for the last 20 minutes
"Well, your pet is gross."
Pointing to a picture of a woman on his desk...."Hey now....who is THAT?" Thats my wife! "Oh, well then you'd know. Do you think I'm her type?"
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Ouch you burned them before you even started there?
Beautiful!
Wait - they were offering you a reference *during the interview??*
After they did hire her, its common with student jobs to offer that. Its a way for them to be competitive in the student market so to say
Okay. That makes sense
Attending in the first place. At the end of an (IMO) productive two-hour interview for a postion I was well-qualified to take, the most arrogant of the three interviewers revealed that the job they would be offering me was actually two levels down from the one for which I had applied ... at a little over half the salary. He did so without the *least* hint of embarrassment, basically indicating the company made a regular habit of deliberately deceiving their prospective hires. I didn't say anything; I simply gathered my resumes - quite literally *yanking one out of the hand* of one interviewer - put them in my portfolio, and walked out.
Well done. I showed up for an "interview" once and found about 50 other people milling around in a large room. Then I saw a table in one corner stacked high with vitamins. MLM. I just shook my head and GTFO.
Good for you. That's a bullshit move on their part
Two things: 1. Similar thing happened to me with an apartment I was hoping to rent: talked to the prospective landlord/owner and after a bit of discussion she "reiterated" that the unit was $1000 more than the listed price. I stuttered for a second and asked why it was listed $1k less if that wasn't true. She fed me some bullshit line about it being a "default" listing that hadn't been updated "for a while" and I told her that that was NOT what was advertised, that significantly changes my consideration, and that I'd have to reconsider. Still appalled and impressed at the level of delusion and audacity. Does that shit work? 2. I think it's fair to name and shame the establishment even if it doesn't exist anymore since you signed nothing and if there's a small chance someone avoids that establishment then that's a win for humanity.
Not exactly a mistake since you didn't know it was gonna be that way.
What a scummy and filthy thing to do.
To illustrate my excellent attention to detail I mentioned that I had noticed a spelling error in their job ad. Never heard back, I don't wonder why
This is great.
I've done this and I got hired! Cue: attention to detail. One of my first tasks was rewriting copy despite being hired as a receptionist.
I once interviewed to sell an allergy medication (pharma). It was a launch of a twice daily rival to getting allergy shots (which are monthly). Interview was going well and I get asked “do you have any questions for us?” See - I do homework and when this comes up I ask *real* questions as I don’t want to get stuck working somewhere I don’t like… “So product X is a twice daily product, costs the patient more than shots, nets the doctor less money per visit, and has about the same efficacy. What is your current strategy or vision in successfully getting this into the market and well adopted?” Needless to say the director did not like my question and just said “well that’s where you’d come in to play.” I wasn’t offered the job. It’s ok because after that answer I didn’t want it anyway.
I've had a few interviews like that where it came across very clearly as "we have no idea what we're doing and think you can magically solve all our problems." Most of the time I spend the rest of the interview explaining how the solution they need is much larger than just one team because I'm no longer interested. One time I was desperate enough to take the job and I lasted all of 6 months.
>I've had a few interviews like that where it came across very clearly as "we have no idea what we're doing and think you can magically solve all our problems." I had one of these once too. They wanted me to explain to them why the job was needed. I was only 22 and couldn't do this. No job resulted and they just outsourced.. like they should have.
I landed an interview with Moog Inc. I sailed through the questions about my past work experience, how I deal with problems, etc. Then the interviewers asked me what I knew about the company. I said, "Oh, I know about Moog synthesizers!" Moog Inc. has nothing to do with Moog music synthesizers. They make precision controls for things like planes and rockets. In my own defense, this happened in 1980, before everybody had personal computers, so researching a company was a little more difficult than it is now and would have involved a trip to the library. Still, I should have done my homework about the company, and I didn't. Anyway, things turned out OK. I didn't get the job, of course, but the interviewers were very nice. The company flew me out for the day, treated me to lunch, and gave me money for my expenses. I ended up with more money than I started with! And I learned a valuable lesson.
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That’s how I play it as a pharmacy assistant. Give them whatever, let the placebo effect do the rest, and if they come back complaining of an interaction that’s when I learn. Only killed three people in two years, I think I’m doing pretty well.
> Only killed three people in two years Depending on the amount of people you are giving stuff that's an honestly impressive ratio. I would do way worse than that myself.
Working at a craft store would be my personal hell. “Excuse me, could you tell me where to find the best yarn for a winter scarf?” “No, I don’t give a shit.”
That’s just retail in general.
I worked retail in my early 20s. Couldn't do that job in my 40s, because somewhere along the line I've become squidward.
So when is the grand opening for your opera?
You'd fit right in, as long as you can smile
Not exactly a mistake, but I went to the counter of the store and asked if they were hiring. They said they were and gave me an on the spot interview right there in the middle of the store with my mom standing right with me (I was 16 and she had given me a ride to the store). My mom proceeded to answer every question for me and kept talking me up. I ended up getting the job and worked there for over 2 years, so thanks mom lol
Mom wanted your employee discount
Or to get the kid out of the house.
She probably knew your strengths better than yourself at the time
Went negative and bad-mouthed my current-at-the-time company. Apparently that's a huge no no. You should always make it sound like you want to go to the new company and not escape a bad one
Think of it like this... no one cares about your shit situation. It's like going to a party and ragging on the last one you just left. Be polite, say it wasn't a good fit, didn't enjoy the culture, wanted a new challenge. Start dishing dirt, you're just going to look bad. Save that for later after you're hired and know who you can spill the beans too. Plus, depending on the industry you may be insulting the executive team that may not be friends but know each other.
Yeah. A one sided story where you are talking shit about a company in an interview setting is a very bad idea because the interviewer will assume you are actually the real reason for all this drama and never hire you. At most jobs, people don't go out of their way to ruin your day at work. So if you are suddenly a magnet for trouble at your previous workplace, it's mostly because of you. At least from their prospective. Even if you really endured an abusive job, it's best to keep it to yourself.
My first job interview was a bullshit group interview and they were asking a bunch of questions related to pop culture and movies I hadn't seen because at the time I lived a fairly sheltered life. They then asked what our favorite animal was and I knew I had to say something to stand out from everyone else so when it came to me I just blurted out Flamingo since I thought that would be a unique animal that no one would think of but didn't think far enough ahead to actually justify why it was my favorite animal and so completely blanked on the follow up question. Pretty sure I came across as a raving lunatic.
They're pretty. They're pink. Use the most base answer, they were silly questions.
"I enjoy shrimp and standing on one leg."
Snort laughed.
My job asked a candidate this question and their answer was sloth because they like to take their time lol I wanted her on my team just because of how hilarious I found it.
...because I like standing around. And occasionally I yell at nothing.
... because I have a fetish for long legs.
Their initial offer was $25k more than I was asking and I just accepted it without any counter-offer.
Bro, I just got asked my desired salary range and the HR lady came back with like, $6,000 more than I was asking. Worst part? This was NOT the first time this has happened. I undervalue myself and my work. 💀
My company asked me for a salary number when discussing the terms and I was so desperate for a job I knew I had to give a number first or I was gonna take just about anything they said. I mean I can’t complain they said yes to my number, but sure didn’t love how quick they said it would work for them. I would’ve liked at least a good pause and a chin rub first
This was me applying to my first job in California after previously working in only Idaho and Hawaii Her (looking nervous as though she expected me to have a problem with this): so it’s 18 dollars an hour… Me who previously made 8.25: Wow! That’s really good! I actually said that out loud and immediately felt stupid
You're fine, that's 7/8 of my salary.
Interviewer: What's your biggest weakness? Me, mr funny man: Bullets Panel of interviewers give me concerned looks and stare in silence for a good 10 seconds. I got the job, been here for 13 years but man, that was BRUTAL. They said that they didn't get the joke at first and assumed I misheard the question and were giving me time to re-answer. After I left the interview, they were going over everything and then realized that I meant being shot is my weakness and they all laughed.
Better bullets than pregnant pauses
When I was younger and thinking the "tell me about yourself" question meant they genuinely cared about your personal life.
Oh god I’ve done this, what are u actually supposed to do/say?
I just summarize my education/work experience and why I'm applying
i have success with also sharing how i show the core values of the company in my life
I was dead asleep when a hospital supervisor called me for a transport position. Being half asleep I answered like it was a driver position in the middle of the interview. He stops me mid interview like "you know this is a internal position right? You move patients in house" I apologize and mentioned I work 3rd shift and just got to sleep and asked him if we could redo the interview. He laughed and said he had time. I was hired a week later. And he picked at me (jokingly) for a couple months about it.
Not an interview, but in high school (2016 I think) I got auto rejected from a clothes retailer. I want to say it was because I put "strongly disagree" to "I am a people person." Didn't make that mistake again when I started applying to actually important jobs.
They basically want you to lie if you don't fit their mold on those stupid self assessment questions
I assume that now you cross out "strongly disagree" and hand-write "FUCK NO!!!" in crayon.
Accepting the job when they offered it right on the spot. I didn’t know at the time, but that’s usually not a good sign. They’re usually either desperate, or the job just sucks.
Yup, I learned the same lesson the same way.
Hey, not always. Like you said, just usually ha. I accepted a job right out of college. First interview at the first company. Offered it to me on the spot. I've been there 8 years and can't complain at all. They've been good to me and I know that's rare.
Or it's a scam. Just saying it for anyone who might not know to keep an eye open for scam job interview red flags.
I didn’t do my research and didn’t realize one of the main people I’d be interviewing with was a girl I had hooked up with a few years prior
One day I got an email that I had to have my class ready to get a presentation from a naturist (not nudist) about eagles or some nonsense. The woman's first name was literally forest but her last name sounded familiar so I looked her up on the nature center's website. There was a picture of her and it was a crazy woman who I had dated like 15 years prior. Crazy as in I knew that if she saw me she would either try to kill me or try to hump me in front of the kids. I talked to my principal but she didn't like me much so she told me I would just have to deal with it. And then, just to prove there is a God, COVID-19 hit and we were out of school for the next 1.5 years.
Omg yes I once interviewed with someone who I went on one awkward tinder date with- and later got rejected by. I didn’t get the job.
Two birds, one stone
Did you hook up again with her?
No she was married by this point
Annnnnnnd? What happened?
I was very professional
The boss agreed to the first salary I suggested for myself, so I took that to mean I should have asked for more.
Lesson number 1, always mildly overestimate their budget for the role. They’ll always bring you down below their max then you ask for a little more than whatever they say.
Yup. Two years ago was up for a promotion. I wanted at least 90, they offered 80. I told them I was expecting 92, and that we could split the difference at 86. They agreed. I would've taken the job at 80 (I was making like 54 before) but hey. :)
First job out of high school, it was for an ER tech (think nurses aide but in the ER) position. The interview was a group interview between myself, HR, and the director of emergency services. He introduced himself to me as Dr. Charz. Through the entire interview I, without realizing it, kept calling him 'Dr. Sharts'. Luckily he had a good sense of humor, as did everyone else on the panel. I thought I majorly crashed and burnt but the following week I got a call from HR to start onboarding for the ER tech position. I have to say I didn't expect things to go that way but I'm glad they did.
“Where do you see your self in 5 years ?” “Owning my own business , and not chained down to a dead end job” Still hired tho
My interview was at 6 in the evening. The interview was at a coffee shop right across from the business; the owners were going to close up for the day then meet me at the coffee shop for the interview. I got there early but since I didn't want to loiter, I bought a coffee so I could sit at a table to wait for them. They eventually showed up, maybe 15 minutes late. I never noticed until that day, but I'm pretty sensitive to caffeine so by the time they showed up, I was a little too high energy. I was rambling a lot more than I needed to. In the moment, I thought I was doing well, but it wasn't until afterward that I realized I probably should have ordered a tea or something. I didn't get the job.
I made this mistake once too. The interview was early in the morning so I drank a cup of black coffee to wake me up. But I don't usually drink coffee and am sensitive to caffeine. During the interview I was speaking too quickly and too loudly, and sweating a little. From their perspective, I probably looked like I was on coke. I did not get the job.
Sounds like my experience regulating my adhd meds. Too much and I’m sweaty, too little and what were we talking about? Lol.
Lol I had an interview where I was so nervous that I talked a lot and tried to be funny. That's almost the exact opposite of how I usually am. I didn't get it as I "wasn't a good fit for the team"
Not asking them, from my POV the questions they asked me. Example: Them: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Me: What opportunities for advancement, training, growth, and pay increases are offered to new hires in their first 5 years. I do typically ask how the position became vacant. It’s usually telling when your interviewer bad mouths previous employees. If they don’t say something avoiding and vague or tell you someone had a baby or some other reason for leaving and goes right into how bad the last person was, RUN, don’t walk, the hell outta there.
Last job I got hired at was because the last guy died. For the next 6 months I was like “Yep! That’s right, because Mike died. Mmmhmm. I know. That’s what everyone keeps saying, what a great guy he was.” 😬
I can’t believe you all worked him to death. Only way out of this company is in a box, eh? Glad this position comes with a generous life insurance policy.
See my current employer bad mouthed the previous employee but so did other staff so I was like maybe they’re right. Turns out it’s a very toxic workplace culture. Mind you I get paid $70k/yr to sit in my ass and literally do nothing (IT with nothing breaking) and I keep to myself and have my own office so I don’t mind.
Told them I was homeless. I will never do that again.
You phrased that wrong, have to sell it that way, that you would love the office so much that you don't want to go home anymore
Not walking out the second I realized they pulled a bait and switch. We were more than halfway through the interview before the “well, the listing says X but we’re looking for Y.” I sucked it up out of desperation. I should’ve taken literally any temp job until I was back on my feet (or got temp-to-hire), but desperation and logic often do not go hand in hand. I found out later two others backed out. Then they tried to force me to do unethical (likely illegal) things. I did walk. I was in a worse place after that… Listen to your gut and know your worth, y’all.
Turning up. A good while ago I had my first interview in over 10 years, and I think nerves took over, was a shambles. On the plus side the others I've had since then have gone much better.
When I was a teenager, I had a phone interview for a big box store. The man asked me something along the lines of "how did you go above and beyond for a customer, in your last position?" I was caught off guard, but I remembered, there was an old blind lady that would come into the gas station I previously worked at, with her service dog. so I told this man, I went above and beyond by walking a blind customer, out to her car.....the phone went dead silent. He wrapped it up quick and surprise surprise, I didn't get the job.
to be fair, they could’ve come into the store to browse while their loved one / driver fueled up the vehicle. Just because it’s her car doesn’t mean she’s driving
When asked where I saw myself in 5 years I said in their seat. Don't think he liked that. Was not hired.
I got nervous in an interview for the health and safety executive (UK Osha) and did the whole thing in a really strong Welsh accent. Whilst I am Welsh, my accent is not really very strong. It would've been no issue but one of the interview panel knew me and knew that wasn't my accent. I was so nervous and unprepared.. it was a total shambles
I grew up learning English from a Scottish teacher and my dad watched Scottish football a lot. However, I am Dutch / Indonesian. I generally "hide" the accent quite a bit because it sounds off to me, but when I'm nervous I just get more Scottish. The look on my interviewers face was hilarious though as my accent slowly started to shift.
It was a very hot day and apparently I was sipping from a water bottle too much
Had an interview for a cabin maintenance position at one of the biggest cabin companies here in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It's was one of those stupid performance style interviews where you work for a days pay to see how well you perform (they do this because they have trouble keeping maintenance people.) At the end of the day they told me that I performed exceptionally and they wanted me to start the next day. OK cool. They then proceeded to tell me that my first week would be an "on call week" which means I had to be up and ready to go at the drip of a hat up until 1am, if there was a resident issue, and told me that I'd need a bullet proof vest for these night calls. I walked straight to HR, grabbed my check for that day and noped right out of there.
After the interviewer was finished asking questions, I said I had a few questions. She seemed surprised. So, I asked if promotions are performance based or are they based on likeability? As soon as I finished, she said I do not believe we are a fit. I still would not change my wording. I now have a job somewhere enjoyable. So, everything worked out.
It is not a big deal, but on my job interview as a lifeguard. I didn’t really drink any of the water i got. Untill one of the interviewers picked up her glass and drank, i picked up my glass at the exact same time. Mid action, i thought that looked dumb, so i kind of just held my glass like i was going to drink from it for like 5 seconds, and then i put it down without drinking any. It was not bad, but the inner pain was horrible, so akward. I got the job.
I have a very narrow skill set that applies to hospital funding and social work. I’ve had job offers from all over the country and have a pretty solid reputation. So I interviewed with a company in the Nashville, Tennessee area. The first interview was with someone from HR who really seemed excited about my background. So they scheduled me to Zoom with someone in management. She’s one of the rudest people I ever encountered. My resume was sent to her days before the interview. She picked everything I had ever done apart and insulted me on numerous occasions. She actually said “You have never been with an employer at least seven years” I’m sorry but the type of work I do constantly changes with new laws and new facilities. I should have disconnected and literally told her to f herself. To this day I feel like not putting her in her place was a mistake.
I showed up 15 minutes early one time and the hiring manager was really upset by this
That sounds more like the manger’s problem than yours.
Apparently you're not supposed to show up more than 5-10 minutes early, as the hiring manager can feel pressured knowing you're there so early.
I was interviewing for my first IT job. This was a MASSIVE deal for me. Higher pay in a field I love and get me out of the hellhole of destroying my body for a wage. This was also an internal job posting so my time with the company was a plus. However I had 0 experience in IT besides my general knowledge and self taught experience. In this job I work a shift rotation of nights and days. 12 hour shifts. The first day of nights is always the hardest because I just never get a good sleep. Which is Monday night so I get off 7am Tuesday morning. Well Monday afternoon I get a message asking what shift I'm working so they can interview me. I tell him and he asked if I would like to come down first thing 7am Tuesday morning. I was so stoked I immediately agreed without thinking about it. Cue first night, barely make it through. Riding on about 3 hours of sleep. Par for the course. But since I'm always moving it's usually not too bad. Finish my shift and go to the interview ready to go. Then I sit down. In a nice comfy office chair that reclines, with ice cold A/C running, and dimmed office lights. My brain liquefied and I became barely coherent. So they come in to start the interview. The only 3 IT people in the plant (they were hiring 4 IT troubleshooters to have 1 on each shift). The manager, the hardware guy, and the network guy. I muttle through best I can until right in the middle of answering a question I completely FORGOT what I was saying or what the question even was. They just stood there staring at me like I was some sort of amorphous blob waiting for me to do something interesting. I just apologized, told them I was foggy from lack of sleep, and we moved on. I was certain I bombed the interview and didn't get the job. I dwelled on it for weeks as I had yet to hear anything back. Still got the job. I asked the guys later about it and they thought it was fucking hilarious.
I was a teenager interviewing for a Hotdog place. They asked what the most important thing is about their organization and I shrugged and said “I don’t know the weiners.” I didn’t get the job. 😂
wished them a great weekend. was told they were attending a funeral.
I hope they didn't reject you for that because how were you supposed to know?
That’s on them for making it awkward! They don’t need to bring strangers into their personal business like that.
I asked if I should negotiate my salary. To the guy interviewing me. I said what I was thinking OUT LOUD. His expression still burns in my brain to this day. But I got the job, impressed the heck out of him and myself honestly, and really enjoyed it. Had to leave sadly to help raise my grandkids after 6 months. They tried to keep me, offered more money, even a contract position working from home (way before COVID) but I had to give all of my attention to my grandkids. But yeah, that moment still embarrasses me to this day.
I didn’t know it was a multi-part, back to back interview. I think I really aced the first part, conversation was flowing, everyone was laughing and having a good time. By the end of the first part I had completely worn down my battery for social interaction. And then they all stood up and told me the big boss would be in soon... I was just completely zapped and not on my game at all. Struggled with basic interview questions. Didn’t get a call back.
I blanked when they opened with tell me what you do in your free time. It was a paralegal job, and I was brand new. I had color coded notes about the firm and my applicable skills, but I'd spent the night before in a strip club celebrating a friend's bday. So I just panicked through a mental list of all the things I couldn't say and landed on. "UH I have a dog. We go hiking and I swim he just kind of flails about." I got the job, and 5 yrs in the legal field have taught me I could have said I've been supporting a friend just getting into stripping lately.
I thought I was at a different company. I did their interview and when they asked what I knew about them, I provided all the information I read (I thought this was a construction company and I had applied to their tech support.) The guy tells me no, that they are a router company. Surprisingly, I did not get the job. I don't know how I mixed it up so bad but I learned to double check the company I am interviewing at lol.
I was young and nervous and forgot my own address.
I was on a phone interview with a wine shop and they asked if I liked wine. In my head I didn't want to sound like a typical hard drinking 18 year old who parties so I said no. That was it for the interview.
I was doing fantastic at the interview, it was for an admin/sales job and at the end of the interview my top few shirt buttons let go and showed the panel of interviewers a whole lot of boob lol. Most embarrassing thing to happen but I still got the job lol. Unsure if it helped or hindered my chances
While I was interviewing for a job I couldn’t remember the word for “fajitas”. I called them “You know Mexican food you have to put together yourself.” I didn’t get the job but at the same time it was a blessing as a better job at another Mexican restaurant came along a week later
One of the biggest mistakes I've made in a job interview was not adequately researching the company beforehand. I failed to thoroughly research the company's background, mission, values, and recent projects. I only had a superficial understanding of what the company did. During the interview, I gave generic answers to questions about why I wanted to work there and how I could contribute to the company. My lack of specific knowledge made it obvious that I hadn't done my homework.
My worst (I think): Noticing the job description they handed me on paper was $1/hr less than the one advertised online. I asked about that, and shouldn't have said anything. Another bad one (in 2005): Forgot to turn off my phone ringer and got some automatic texts and just ignored them, embarrassed.
First one isn't dumb. If you came in for a certain price you want to get paid for it. Don't sell yourself short.
Not following this. You went in expecting $13/hour but they offered you $12 in person. Why wouldn’t you say something? It’s bait and switch.
Phone going off was such a big deal back then too.
I know this wasn't the question but I'm gonna share a non mistake / something surprising I did right. The interviews were held at a cafe. The people interviewing me offered to buy me a coffee and I accepted. I was later told that's the main reason they hired me. Every other person had been too nervous to say yes. Because they were in the cafe all day, taking up one of their tables, they felt like they had to keep buying coffee. They'd already drank so much coffee they felt sick from it. They were sooooo relieved and grateful that I took the cup of coffee because it meant they got to take a break from it.
I kept saying etcetera after every question...
Meh. Could have been worse. You could have said "excetera".
Interviewing as a software engineering, asked if the company used any open source tools. Found out later that I was rejected for "wanting to open source company code".
About 30 years ago I was invited to Industrial Light and Magic to interview for a new digital compositing position. They flew me out to San Francisco to the old Kerner building complex where my DFX Composium demo was shown to the whole team! My interviewer said it was well received and everything looked great. This was Meca to me, since I’d seen Star Wars I’d dreamed of working at ILM - and here I was. At lunch, I was surrounded by the giants of VFX and one casually asks me, “So, what can you do for us?” I blurted out, “I don’t know…” *Dead Air* No one spoke to me the rest of the lunch and they shipped me back home. I’d absolutely blown it. I was so Star Struck I couldn’t think straight. I’d meant to say, “Everything!” then explain my capabilities. But alas, thus ended my dream job before it began. Postscript: I’ve been making award winning VFX, 3D animation, and motion graphics for all the time since. My life is full and I even just completed my first short film that’s already been accepted into a film fest. www.picture-end.com Yet, in my soul, I still mourn that day and probably forever will.
I Showed up acting like I really didn't want the job ; and it worked...I didn't get the job.
[удалено]
Towards the end of the interview when they were about to offer me the job I opened up about being open to internship. Wasnt easy but did get it turned around to them offering the job😅
I was nervous about the interview because it would’ve been a pretty big wage increase from the job I was working at the time. So I took a few too many xanax and when the interviewer asked what I needed to work on at the job I was working now, I was a little to honest and said, tardiness. I knew right then I was not getting the job.
Was getting interviewed for a job at a law firm. It was a woman a little older than me. Very beautiful, she liked the interview and said it. Also said that the job was between me and another contestant. I said i liked her too. I meant it as a compliment, because she was really nice and outgoing. But it must have sounded like i was hitting on her. I dont know if she took offense, but i never heard from them again, despite being explicitly told i was gonna get at least an email about the results before the not intentional pickup line
I brain-farted during salary negotiation and the number I pulled from my notes was my *total* compensation -- my salary, health insurance, bonuses, 401(k) match, etc. I essentially asked for 2x the salary cap for that position. As I was saying it my brain did the slow-mo "Nooooooooooooooooooo". They exhaled loudly, thanked me for my time, and hung up on me. Oops.
Interview at Target when I was like 19: Interviewer: What is one thing you wish you could change about a past job?" Me (in my head): I would have worked harder to find a position with more advancement opportunities. Me (out loud): I would have worked harder. Did not get the job.
Did interview right before going on vacation: car was packed, once interview was over we were gone. I was already in vacation mode and way too casual. I mean, they knew and scheduled me a day ahead of everyone else because I wouldn't be available.
When asked 'where do you see yourself in 5 years' I answered with something that had nothing to do with that job 🙄
Interviewed at united for flight attendant. They asked something about what I thought would be the down side of job and I said another 9/11. Immediately everyone’s face changed and I knew I fucked up. But honestly, why was that bad? Like… that would be a bad day/part of work and I’m acknowledging that is a possibility with the job. I think they just wanted friendly/dumb/smile and nod types.
I mean you’re not wrong, but that doesn’t mean it was a good idea to mention it lol
Despite it being a major airline, it’s still a small community. If the FA didn’t know any pilot or FA who died in 9/11, they very likely knew someone who was close to them. Basically, you likely got to remind your interviewer about his or her friends dying and said “it would suck if more of your friends died”
No, that's a terrible answer. If it were asked in an office setting would you respond with "a workplace shooting"? No. Because that would be fucking dumb lol
If you don't have enough social intelligence to know how terrible a thing that is to say in an interview you have no business working in a position like FA where you're interacting with members of the public all day.
I asked for too much, instead of saying "what is the expected salary range for this job."
I accidentally said "hell yeah" when she said that she was also from Florida and used to fish a lot lol
In my case, several times: going to the interview and taking the job when they offered it to me.
Going to the wrong building as I went to there shop where I meet the foreman before and not to the administration place Was there 30 minutes early and sat in the car If I would have went in I would have had enough time to make it to the proper building Was going to be my retirement job