I had an interview on Monday where the HR Manager was combative throughout the interview. I normally pride myself on being able to make connections but there was frost in the air from the beginning.

11 Comments

1. AnonymousDecember 20,2024 at 5:30PM UTC

   Have you considered looking at the Glassdoor reviews of the company? I understand you really want this job, but maybe also ask yourself, if you are being interviewed in this manner, what the company would be like to work with? If it’s a high pressure job, were her interjections on purpose to test your ability to handle pressure? If you get rejected (and I sincerely hope you don’t), but worse case scenario, maybe give them a call and find out what their reasons were? You can always use the feedback to better frame your answers?

2. AnonymousDecember 20,2024 at 5:48PM UTC

   An agency sent me out on a job that required specific experience. The recruiter said I was sharp enough that I could learn it.

   Well the HR rep was downright nasty about it, yelling at me for coming in.

   I met with the hiring manager and his attitude was like the recruiter’s, that I could probably learn.

   I didn’t get the job though. My theory is that the HR lady nixed me because she wouldn’t want me around after the way she treated me!

3. AnonymousDecember 20,2024 at 6:26PM UTC

   No employer that allows a person like this to have contact with applicants is one you want to be working for, and it likely means their whole HR dept is toxic in the extreme. If you were to take the role, you'd be subject to similarly abusive HR behavior for the entirety of your time there. Of course, it's generally possible not to interact with HR much once employed, but when you do need them, it will likely be around things like requesting short or long term disability, parental leave because you have a new child via birth, surrogacy, or adoption, or disability accommodations, and an abusive HR dept can not only sabotage your timely access to benefits or approvals but even create situations so hostile your morale and performance end up tanking, after which they will fire you for cause. Since it's hard to prove you're in a hostile workplace without costly lawyers and court appearances that will dig up the most private and embarrassing details of your personal life, this will add another layer to the trauma. Do not walk away from this role. RUN.

4. AnonymousDecember 20,2024 at 7:56PM UTC

   My suggestion is to go to LinkedIn and look for employees that have worked there in the past, and currently work at this company. Then look at their profiles, how long have they worked there? If you start to see a pattern, which I have done, don't give this a second thought. You're looking for those who didn't make it a year. Or left within a short time.

   We as employees are ambassadors of our companies and organizations. If you are met with combative people from the interview stage, the inside isn't going to be good. This HR Manager sounds unhappy and quite frankly, ask yourself, do I want to work for a company like this? No. You. Don't. Send a follow up thank you note via email, and let this person know, unfortunately, I wasn't able to give as much detail of my work experience, however, I do appreciate your time. Then COPY in the CHRO. Do it. Trust me, do it. Then run away and find another and better culture to consider working.

5. Kara BoydDecember 21,2024 at 2:24AM UTC

   What is CHRO?

6. AnonymousDecember 21,2024 at 3:01AM UTC

   It is the top level of HR.

7. AnonymousDecember 21,2024 at 1:45PM UTC

   Why would you want to work for someone who made you feel this way? Huge red flag

8. AnonymousDecember 22,2024 at 5:45PM UTC

   OP: Thank you and you've given me a lot to consider. Since it was HR, I wouldn't need to work with that team on a daily basis. From appearances, the actual team sounds lovely.

   I followed up with a thank you note, reinforced my skills and interest. With whatever happens, I was able to remain professional and it was a chance to practice my interview skills.

   I am noticing short term stints at the company so that could be a red flag. Also maybe it was a deliberate 'see how you handle difficult situations' attempt. All in all, I appreciated everyone's feedback and opportunity to examine the situation differently.

9. AnonymousDecember 23,2024 at 1:15PM UTC

   Now, just wondering, but did you prepare for the interview? Being able to speak to your gaps in employment is very important. From the snapshot I don't hear much of being prepared, to be clear, it's my opinion. Often we look at others and what they did wrong, however, how could you have created the narrative of your experiences and gaps. IMO, learn to tell your career story. Bring value to those gaps. good luck.

10. AnonymousDecember 24,2024 at 8:50PM UTC

    So what was the end result? Did you hear back?

11. Bobby MarreroJune 13,2026 at 9:54AM UTC
    Después de una entrevista siempre viene bien distraerse un poco y cambiar de tema para no quedarse pensando demasiado. Justamente por conversaciones similares descubrí spinboss-es.com y me pareció interesante como una opción más para pasar el rato y desconectar un momento. No creo que exista una única recomendación para todos, pero siempre está bien conocer recursos nuevos. Ojalá todo haya salido bien y que lleguen buenas noticias pronto