What is your most memorable job interview experience?

Question

For better or worse, some job interviews stay with you for years? What are yours?

Anonymous · Answer

After almost 35 minutes over the interview time waiting in a conference room, I went back out to the receptionist and asked if, perhaps I'd made a mistake, had the wrong time, etc.  She said she would look into what happened. She came into the room 10 minutes later and flat out told me the person who was supposed to interview me had been at a bachelor party the night before and overslept, and was so sorry but could we reschedule.  I said no. Now you might say to yourself, 'Well come on things happen. And shame on that receptionist for not coming up with something more professional.' Believe me I ran that gamut too.  However, this was the 4th person I had been called into interview with, and... was going to be the person this position supported.  They called me twice more to reconsider.  I politely declined and said I was no longer interested in the position.  I got a job somewhere else and that other company folded 6 months later.  There was just something that told me that job wouldn't have been the right one.  And, who knew a hangover would be a blessing in disguise.

Anonymous · Answer

Mine is definitely not as crazy as some of these XD One time I went for an interview and spoke with the CEO of the company who flat out said 'This isn't a job for someone who wants to go above & beyond, you know, it's not a 'fun' job. We just need you to come in, do your work and then go home and that's about it.' I've never met someone running their own company that hated it that much lol

Anonymous · Answer

My first one out of college- it was a Japanese company and the HR man opened a door to a conference room with a long table with about 11 Japanese men seated.  I thought it was the wrong room, but he just pushed me in.  I saw an empty seat and when no one spoke and invited me to be seated, I sat down. Then an older man started by asking me if I planned to marry...to have children.  I was really upset now and didn't care if I sabotaged my chances.  I was an NYU  business student and was curious on how Japanese companies operated and knew there was no chance of me getting into a management position.  I answered that they would be lucky to have me for a  few years...and that their concern of marriage and children should not be a consideration.  I was hired and paid well.   Another job interview at a Hedge Fund, the founder went into a partnership with his college roommate (a Minister) who said I had 'good energy' with  a 'motherly aura'-?!  Could not tell me what my role would be... They chose someone very cute; young, blond with no experience.

Anonymous · Answer

Early in my career someone asked me what I like to do for fun in an interview and it totally threw me off/I didn't have an answer ... now I always have an answer to that question!

BossladyRose · Answer

I struggled to get to the job interview stage when searching for jobs after college. The most memorable interview I had was a phone interview where they asked 'are you willing to relocate to Utah' and I said, 'My husband is getting stationed at Hill AFB in Utah, so I'll be coming there regardless'. They hardly asked any technical questions (interview for engineering position) and asked a lot of questions about my husband and his job. Also, since we were recently married, the older men in the room were giving me advice. I guess it was sweet, but also a little frustrating.

J.S. Roman · Answer

My favorite interview was when my then manager asked me to put away my resume, and tell my 'story'. He was intrigued the whole entire conversation as I described my life and career. At the end, he asked me why I should be hired, and my reply was simply, 'Why not?' - He sat there frozen, and literally did not have a response. I was hired on the spot! Later on, I learned that no one had ever talked to him that way because they found him to be intimidating. I always maintain eye contact and remember that no matter the title, no one is above or beneath me; but equally deserve respect. It was the best job I ever had transitioning out of Real estate when the market crashed into Marketing.

Wendi Kilbride · Answer

Oh boy, my personal all time favorite question is when the hiring manager holds up a random object from their desk and asks you to 'sell' it to them. Sadly, I've gotten that one a couple times.

Katelynn Jimenez · Answer

I was exhausted from all the interviews trying to get a job out of college.  I had an interview for a good manager prep program at a reputable company, but I was just burnt out at that point.  I didn't properly prepare for the interview and made a fool out of myself.  I even quoted their company slogan incorrectly!

Kathleen Puls Andrade · Answer

I had a phone interview with a company that sends you clothes to try on, etc. They were intrigued by my Second City teaching experience. I also ran a screenplay contest for SC as well. I’m a freelancer but I also thought it would be cool to train customer service reps how to be better communicators. We had our interview and they asked if I had any questions. I didn’t. And that was a mistake because I really did want to know more about how it would work but I wasn’t sure if I should ask at that stage.

It had been a long time since I’d done an interview as I’ve been freelancing for a long time. That was a lesson for me. Ask questions! And I’m a really curious person too!

Orlagh Costello · Answer

My best story is from the interviewing side. I'm a female engineer and very often the HR person interviewing with me is female as well. One candidate was ushered into the room, introduced to both of us, got up and said, 'I think I'm in the wrong room, I'm being interviewed by the engineer' and walked out..... Just as well we found out at the interview :)

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