26 People Share Their Worst Job Interview Experiences

Job hunt is tough. Just ask them...

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• January 18, 2022

Well, you've landed that job interview. It's time to dress up, put on a smiling face and meet potential employers.

You've been after this dream job for so long. Well, at least you think it is a dream job.

The responsibilities are vaguely described, the salary info is nonexistent, but the company sounds great. They are all like family there; they hang out, have fabulous parties, you know this type of job ads…

Anyone with job hunt experience will tell you that you shouldn't even consider applying, but beggars can't be choosers, and if you are in a jam, you will take any job offered. But it turns out that there is a line, and people won't cross it no matter how bad they need a job.

It is something called human dignity, and sadly, many employers don't take that into account at all. Twitter user Kristin (@fencheeks) shared a bizarre experience she had with one recruiter a few days earlier, and people responded by sharing their own.

And the responses that came in are simply unbelievable. We've selected some of the most bizarre, and we hope they will help you recognize red flags in job ads and interviews.

1. What's my name?

2. Don't keep the salary secret, don't waste everyone's time.

3. Well, it is better not to work for free.

4. You are too pretty to work...

5. How can you not accept this job?

6. You should be happy...

7. You work Saturdays for free...

8. Wasn't hungry enough...

9. Sexist questions are a definite turn-off.

Becca Carnahan, career coach, says that "the skills and competencies interviewers screen for will differ significantly based on the role and the company. However, you will almost always be asked a variation of 'tell me about yourself."

Some things are illegal for interviewers to ask, she highlighted. "Questions around marital status, children, ethnicity, religion, race, and age should not be asked in an interview. Keep in mind the laws in your state as well. For example, in some states, employers cannot ask about your salary history."

10. Less money? No thanks...

11. Already filled...

12. Do political views make me less competent?

13. Please, tell me more about stuff I already know

14. An hour for an hour

15. Do you really, really, really want this job?

16. Learn the correct response...

17. Change of plan...

18. How do you feel about work affairs?

19. If you don't want that, leave now...

20. Legal is relative...for some people

21. What makes you think you are good enough? Well, if you can work here, I guess the standards are pretty low...

22. Stack 'em up faster!

23. Are you sure? Are you really, really sure?

24. Please, ignore that idiot. We need you!

25. The job is now completely different. Hope that's not a problem.

26. Isn't honesty a virtue?

A job hunt is tough, no doubt about it. And landing a perfect job is nearly impossible for beginners.

It’s like we all have to pay our does and go through a series of lousy jobs to earn a cosmic right to work for a decent employer and decent pay. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Just look out for these red flags, and if any of them show up, just run the other way. As fast as you can.

Damjan