Rude Interviewer

40 Comments

1. Heather CutlerMarch 30,2022 at 8:02PM UTC

   While totally NOT cool how this person handled themselves, give careful consideration to how much weight you want to put on this singular exchange before you pull the rip cord on the entire interview process. Sounds like guy was a total ass, which is regretful. But I might consider asking how much time you'll spend actually interfacing with this person if you accept the position.

   Since you're already employed and it sounds like you don't really need this job, have you considered telling the other interviewers (diplomatically, of course!) how concerned you were about this person and his reflection on corporate culture? I would personally be interested by their response. Remain curious is my point. Others inside the org may thinks he's an ass, too. There will always be jerks in the workplace, I'd be trying to figure out if he's the outlier or more the norm.

   Best of luck in next steps.

2. IntentionGirl630054March 30,2022 at 9:17PM UTC

   First, I would definitely contact your main interviewer from within the department. My first question would be how long has this employee been with the company. Secondly, I would be very upfront about your reaction to his unprofessional behavior- might even ask if it was a punking interview on purpose? Answers to these questions will inform your decision to abort or not, and will give proper notice to the department that they might be getting or giving the wrong impression to interviewees using this 'outsider' interviewer.

   Never forget that this outside person might have drawn the proverbial short straw as the 'outside' interview and be totally incompetent at interviewing -- hence your experience.

   Typically, companies are still trying to find competent, loyal employees that will get the work done. At the same time, as has been mentioned many times on this website -- interviewing is also your chance to find a good alignment/competent colleagues.

   Be up front with the main interviewer about this experience before crossing them off your dance card -- especially if you're at the 'last round'...

3. Joanne RosenMarch 30,2022 at 9:33PM UTC

   Follow your gut. Or, reach out to one of the previous interviewers and ask if this was some kind of test. If so, it was so unsettling that you are considering other offers instead.

   If this is the norm at the company . . . RUN AWAY!

   Cheers

   Joanne

   Analytic Advantage Career Consulting

   www.analyticadvantagecc.com

4. Sabrina CortesMarch 31,2022 at 2:06AM UTC

   This is a big red flag, but like someone else mentioned, do you know how much you'll interact with this person? How were your other interviews with this company so far?

   I'd go ahead and go to the other interviews to see what the other companies have to offer. This way you can gather as much information as you can to make an informed decision for your future. :)

5. Chloe ShauckMarch 31,2022 at 4:56AM UTC

   I believe that is red flag & you should trust your gut.

   Here is a short experience I had that I hopes shed some light on your experience:

   I had been on a third interview with a company that I was really excited to work for and I felt that I was a good fit. First two interviews went well & fairly uneventful; the third interview was with their CEO and was a cultural interview. I wasn't too worried as I feel I'm pretty easy to get along with and had prepped a bunch of good questions to ask them. What then happened, proceeded to be the WORST interview of my life. It felt like I was at a counseling session - asked about my relationship with my parents, why I "really' wanted that job and others that made me feel like he was searching for something terrible that happened in my life and that I grew from it.

   The interview ended with the CEO telling me that I didn't want this job and me in tears. The HR manager had been nice and shared some comments with me on the walk back to my car, but did nothing to warn me.

   A friend later on told me she didn't think I would be a good fit just because the CEO and others that worked there had particular views of certain things.

   I'm so glad i didn't take that job. I've since seen that position and others posted again and again on LinkedIn.

6. amjjenkiMarch 31,2022 at 12:18PM UTC

   I had a similar experience, and my direct supervisor was in that interview. She did nothing to stop the rude questions even though she could tell I was uncomfortable. I decided to end the interview process with that company.

   I'm so happy I did. That happened three years ago, and they have hired two new people for that role in 3 years. It's definitely a cultural problem.

7. AnonymousMarch 31,2022 at 12:41PM UTC

   follow your gut

8. Becky HarborthMarch 31,2022 at 2:09PM UTC

   Agree with this.

9. Melissa NobileMarch 31,2022 at 1:09PM UTC

   My daughter’s interviews for her first position were challenging at the least.
   She had to interview with 3 engineers, answer questions, do calculus problems on the board, and more - all in one day. One of the interviewers was pretty awful, took an extra half hour of time, and then told the department that she wasn’t going to work out. Fortunately the other 2 interviewers loved her. She then had to meet a 4th person and do the same thing. Since the third guy had taken extra time, she got no lunch. My daughter is tougher than she looks. She went into the final interview and killed it. Then she met with the big boss who shook her hand and told her she was hired.
   The guy who didn’t want her has become her biggest fan and has turned out to be an excellent coworker.
   I just tell this story because you never know.

10. AnonymousMarch 31,2022 at 1:21PM UTC

    This is probably the “good cop and bad cop” scenario. It was a common interview technique in the early 2000s. What they deduce from your reaction is open to interpretation. Perhaps they want to see if you are easily shaken to the point where to speak palsy about a demanding situation. If you work in client services, they may be screening for your discretion and calm amid uncertainty.

11. AnonymousMarch 31,2022 at 1:22PM UTC

    Speak badly *

12. AnonymousMarch 31,2022 at 1:37PM UTC

    If you do decide to end the process, you should definitely let them know why.

13. AnonymousMarch 31,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

    As many have already said, go with your gut but I would provide feedback and give them an opportunity to explain why this type of interviewer was allowed to be part of the process, how much you work with him, etc. I wonder if he interviewed others and if the company every got feedback. If so AND they kept him as part of the process, definitely remove yourself. I might even ask if he is part of the normal interviewing hiring process BEFORE providing feedback because that will give you a lot of insight.

    I had an interview with a company where I initially met with the Recruiter and then the Hiring Mgr. and both went well. The HM then wanted me to talk to someone who would be a coworker and boy did it go downhill from there. It was AWFUL. Fortunately we were on the phone so I was able to handle myself differently than had we been in person. As soon as we got off the phone, I called the Recruiter and told her that I was removing myself from the process. I told a Recruiter friend about it and she strongly suggested that I contact the HM to let them know even though I had pulled myself out of the process. My friend said that although I was a passive candidate there may be someone they interview who needs this position and this is what they would be subjected to. After a few days, I did and the HM was so shocked and apologetic. Stated that they wondered why I removed myself because they thought I was a good fit. Don't know what happened after I informed the HM, but I did hear that the HM moved to another dept. but the coworker stayed. So happy I removed myself.

    Best of luck.

14. Bretley DannerMarch 31,2022 at 1:48PM UTC

    Yes, you should definitely keep interviewing- what could it hurt? He might be an Ass-Hat, but that doesn’t mean everyone is. Not good for the face of that business however…

15. Beverly RuyleMarch 31,2022 at 2:39PM UTC

    Even if you will not have much interaction with this guy, he is part of the "in crowd" and the culture. This is problematic.

16. Jo SimsMarch 31,2022 at 2:43PM UTC

    Why do some people have to be like that?!

    Remember this is as much you interviewing them as then you ma dear.

    What does your gut say? Trust your instincts - you’re in control ?

17. Crystal HowellMarch 31,2022 at 2:52PM UTC

    I would continue the interview as they have blocked time for you. Find out who that person was, what department he is overseeing very casually. See how the gut feels from the others and continue with the other interviews. At least you gave them the benefit of the doubt and won't have to wonder. There is always one bad apple where ever you go.

18. EMILY KIKUE FRANKMarch 31,2022 at 2:54PM UTC

    Ugh, this stinks! Sorry you had to deal with this. Since Rude Dude is outside the department you'd work in, I think it's probably worth continuing in the process, presuming you've liked the other folks so far. You can always say no later on-- and you can ask people in the department you'd be in how much they interact with him. It may actually be quite minimal, so ask around.

19. AnonymousMarch 31,2022 at 3:40PM UTC

    You might gain insight and personal emotional strength finishing the process.

    It might give you even more confidence from dealing with a power hound.

    Just thinking about how much you WILL GAIN from exposure to such an egomaniac.

20. Ramona d'ViolaMarch 31,2022 at 4:04PM UTC

    TRUST YOUR GUT. ALWAYS.

    This guy is a jerk. The company knows he's a jerk, but doesn't care that he's a jerk. For whatever reason. It won't get better... You've got options.

    Also - when someone shows you who they are, believe them.

21. Pamela TorresMarch 31,2022 at 4:26PM UTC

    As the others have stated continue the process, you have come to far to stop. However, as we are always advise to research a position, the company, and those that the responsibilities of the position require you to work with. Assuming you have interviewed with the hiring manager asked them a few more questions regarding who you would be working with outside the department and what their thoughts are on the bulling tactics. Be discreet and generalize.

    Good luck.

22. Tigger1!March 31,2022 at 4:53PM UTC

    Continue the process. I too was interviewed by one person in the company that was super rude and asked almost inappropriate questions. I was going to stop the process too, but a friend encouraged me to go since the final interview was already set up. I went, got hired, took the job, and the rude interviewer ended up being fired a few months later. It was a great job. I'm glad that I continued.

23. AnonymousMarch 31,2022 at 8:06PM UTC

    Let me tell you a little story. I had a round of interviews much like this for my current job and I had a similar experience. One of the interviewers was brash and asked gotcha questions and I had a momentary thought along the same lines. This person has become my biggest champion and advocate and it’s my DIRECT MANAGER that is the toxic one. He was simply seeing if I could handle the crazy environment here. You just never know.

24. Vanda LeeMarch 31,2022 at 10:50PM UTC

    I have had panel interviews and been on an interviewing team. It seems frequently there is an oddball out that seems to think being the "bad cop" so to speak will test the candidate. Whether that is the plan or just personal enjoyment, it usually is always from someone outside that department...weird, I know but I've seen it and experienced it multiple times. Stick it out and see what happens. You can always decline the job. I think one person doesn't represent the entire organization or department.

25. AnonymousApril 1,2022 at 6:09PM UTC

    Look at how that panel is treating Judge Brown during SCOTUS interviews. They are raking her over the coals in public.

26. AnonymousApril 1,2022 at 3:18AM UTC

    Maybe job fairs are not a good source for you.

27. AnonymousApril 1,2022 at 12:59PM UTC

    Trust your gut. The biggest mistakes I've made in my career were because I didn't listen to my inner voice.

28. YlanApril 1,2022 at 1:13PM UTC

    You know the idea that bad behavior shapes a company's culture? If there was ever a time to be on their best behavior, it's when talking to external people (such as candidates!). If an interviewer is rude, dismissive, and shows clear disdain for the process and the team you'll be on, I can't imagine they will be pleasant to work with and, chances are, there will be other people there behaving the same way.

    You've actually stumbled on the best case scenario where a red flag shows itself before you sign an offer. Email your point of contact to withdraw from the process and, if you feel comfortable, provide tactful feedback about what you observed.

29. Karen GongawareApril 1,2022 at 2:24PM UTC

    I would reach out to a supervisor or someone in charge there and state exactly why I am no longer interested in their company. I have met interviewers who had hidden agenda's and wanted the position for a friend or even themselves. They would deliberately be rude or obnoxious to drive you away. That's why I go up the food chain and file a formal complaint. Give exact details and wording, just the facts!

30. AnonymousApril 1,2022 at 6:06PM UTC

    My Mom used to tell me during her later working years before she retired that bad management ruins good employees.

    Now in my later working years, I can state that I've seen and experienced such.

    Keep that knowledge under your hat.

    I was also told by a neuro nurse practitioner that as people age, their personality traits get magnified -- whatever they may be.

31. Marina Z.April 2,2022 at 1:56AM UTC

    So fascinating and completely logical I’d say. Like your brain just filters out all the excess...

32. AnonymousApril 5,2022 at 6:43AM UTC

    This is why I work so hard to do things the right way. When I get older, I'll be the person I worked to be instead of the person I was hiding.

33. Rosa GoesApril 1,2022 at 9:47PM UTC

    I would let them know you are no longer interested in the position. There is no reason to continue when you see a red flag. Listen to your gut. Prepare for the other interviews you have lined up. Good luck to you!

34. Emily KeiperApril 1,2022 at 11:54PM UTC

    Nope. It’s a red flag. I admire your sense of self and observation skills.

    This means the company allows that kind of behavior into their culture. I’d pass and should they ask why be honest.

35. Patricia ManroeApril 2,2022 at 4:17AM UTC

    I agree with Emily, it's a red flag. I would drop the interview process.

36. Bretley DannerApril 2,2022 at 7:17PM UTC

    I have already commented that another interview wouldn’t hurt; and I see lots of other comments saying their bad interviews turned into great jobs, and even some bad interviewers became the best bosses ever. Sometimes as others said, they are checking your resilience. It’s hard to be positive about anything in the work place these days, why not try to be positive until you are sure. The gut is a good tool, but you may be feeling something else, like a hard interviewer. You have a job and security- try being positive and give it another chance. You are not wasting anyones time… Especially yours!! Be positive until you give it another try. If you feel the same way the next time, and you see nothing positive- you and your gut can safely move on…

37. Liz MilneApril 3,2022 at 11:24PM UTC

    Don't let one guy's bad day ruin what might be a productive business relationship, unless you have other issues with this company?

38. AnonymousApril 4,2022 at 3:11AM UTC

    Its a difficult question. When do you assert respect and when do you tell them off? Or do nothing or be nice? 99% of the time I remain calm and respectful but assume I won't get a call back and luckily that has been the majority of the time. Once I got a call offering the job and I said politely, thank you so much however I have choosen to stay in my current sector. He was sweet but understood that asking a candidates race and age was not acceptable (given that he was a lawyer) so he seemed to have the self awareness to know why I was turning it down. Another lawyer who asked for my age was not so gentile. And neither was i. After the interview I emailed him a link to title 7 of employment law lol. I did not get a call back. Whatever you do, do whats right for you and who cares who judges you.

39. AnonymousApril 4,2022 at 10:00PM UTC

    Why do they make it so difficult in the first place?

    Especially since employers are "supposedly" short on staff.

    Don't they realize these goofballs are representing the company?

    They're making it look bad for the very company they're supposed to be hiring for.

40. AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 8:21PM UTC

    I've had three interviews with three different companies in the last two weeks where the interviewer's behaviour was rude. One was irritated because my background was too bright and she couldn't see me, which was easy to correct! Another suggested ending the interview early so as not to allow me to ask questions because it was a bright sunny afternoon and we could all finish early. The last interviewer told me I didn't have many years of experience. I've got 9 years of experience in my field. And when I attend an in-person interview I learnt from one of his team that they were creating important artefacts using the wrong approach.

    I'd say listen to your gut. When I've ignored my intuition and taken the job, it's been a decision I later regretted.