Have you ever withdrawn from a hiring process due to an interviewer?

61 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 6:40PM UTC

   Remember, you are interviewing the company while they are interviewing you. If you are getting bad vibes during the interview process, take that as a clear sign that the organization will have those same challenges multiplied.

2. AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 6:44PM UTC

   Remove your emotions and feelings that they don't want you and let things unfold.
   Don't pursue the position but you can allow them to follow their own process. Interviews are tricky. You never really know what's going on behind the scenes.

3. AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 7:47PM UTC

   Go with your gut but don't let emotions overshadow your decision. Red flags are important to realize but the job market is so difficult right now that it's an employer market.

   Will you be working with the interviewer or is she just part of the process? If you were fine with the hiring manager and she'll be your boss, I wouldn't worry. Some of the people you meet in the process, you don't necessarily work with but the hiring manager needs additional feedback.

   That being said, if the other companies feel like better fits, actively pursue those options. Let this one come back to you if they want to and leave on the back burner as an option that could help increase your salary during negotiations.

4. AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 8:56PM UTC

   Considering how they treated you in the interview if they offered you the job, would you want to work there? Or would you be miserable and want to move on again within a year? Is the pay over the top enough to take this type of treatment? I have withdrawn from some very high-level and paying jobs because, after further research, even though the recruiter was responsive and seemed interested in pushing me through, I wasn't thrilled about the type of company it was or what I would be doing. In an interview, the company should try to impress you as much as you are trying to impress them. Imagine that the interview you had was your preview of a staff meeting. It sounds to me a lot like the inmates were running the asylum.

5. Balanced372207March 17,2024 at 2:15PM UTC

   Sometimes the inmates do a better job of running the asylum than their caretakers .

6. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 3:54PM UTC

   If that is the case, she shouldn't want to work there! IMO.

7. AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 9:30PM UTC

   This happened to me last year: I was zoom interviewing with someone that would be a peer at the company, and she rescheduled twice 10 min before the interview (the first time was because she didn’t reserve a room to interview me).

   She was then 15 min late to the second interview we scheduled, then proceeded to make it a call instead and took it in the stairwell. She then talked at me for 10min and then hung up on me without giving me a chance to speak.

   I’m still waiting to hear whether I’m moving forward in the process, haha.

   All that to say, I wouldn’t worry too much - send your thank you note and keep rolling on.

8. AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 9:37PM UTC

   If you are not interested and for good reason it appears. Just withdrawal do not waste your time. I have done that twice now. It is liberating and your gut is giving you the signal so just be done. Move on. I admire you sounds like you do not just a want a job you want a fulfilling position. Best of luck to you

9. AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 3:26AM UTC

   Was recently on a panel interview where the applicant really did a great job. Near the end, the hiring manager went a little off the rails. Nothing he said was illegal, but not appropriate or professional. The rest of us were cringing hard, but the candidate handled it well in the moment. Was invited to a second interview, but declined - in a very professional way politically savvy way (so not burning a bridge at all). They made a smart move, IMO. Don't know what the hiring manager was thinking.

10. AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 6:36AM UTC

    With a peer-level person who behaved like that, I would withdraw. You only need one job and your gut is probably telling you this is not it. Listen. Life is too short to spend time in what seems to be a hostile environment.

    If the interview was like this, just imagine what the day-to-day would be like.

    Just tell the company representatives thank you for taking the time to interview you, but you have decided to pursue other opportunities at the present time.

11. Kristen MillsMarch 15,2024 at 12:34PM UTC

    I would withdraw. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Being late to an interview is already a red flag because what else are they late to? But also, it sounds like the toxicity of it was a red flag to you. Go with your gut instincts!

12. Stephanie Branch LekowskiMarch 15,2024 at 12:39PM UTC

    If the other places treated you decently, yes, forget about the one that's "hazing" you- because based on your description, they're either doing that or really, really don't know how to interview and this is just a sign of how they'll be to work for and with. Trust your head and your gut.

13. AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 1:16PM UTC

    That's just how some people conduct interviews, so I wouldn't necessarily jump to the conclusion that the person was trying to find a reason to knock you out of the running, or even that they're horrible to work with.
    I would just not worry about it, and if the company moves you forward to the next round, if you get to talk to the hiring manager I'd just ask some pointed questions about the team culture. That lets the manager know that the people they are picking to do the interviews aren't really reflecting the job environment in the best light. Interviews go both ways - they are getting to know you, but you are also getting to know them. And if you're interested in moving forward, you can always ask for a team meet-and-greet to get a better sense of the team work dynamic. Try not to let this rattle you.

14. Lindsay EdwardsMarch 15,2024 at 2:13PM UTC

    After going through what appears to be a similar situation to you, I would recommend formally withdrawing. I wish I did that.

15. AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 2:42PM UTC

    I suggest to formally withdraw and focus on the other two leads, plus sending out new applications. That could very well be a sign of negativity in the workplace in which you rather be safe than sorry. Best wishes in your job search! ?

16. AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 3:20PM UTC

    I had something similar, I was interviewed by a principal of a private school.

    He was of Jamaican descent, wore a low open shirt with a large gold cross with his chest hairs puffing out. He talked very low and kept looking me over making me feel uncomfortable. The money was great. The position was incredible. The location was perfect from my home. Then I googled him as soon as I got home. He was being sued by the two largest school boards in my city. If I used him on my resume, I would have been censored from any further jobs in my city. Whew! Missed that bullet! If you feel uncomfortable - exit stage left!

17. JYJMarch 15,2024 at 3:25PM UTC

    During the interviewing process, companies are typically on their best behavior. If you were treated this way at this stage, I believe it's going to be much much worse working there. Save yourself and withdraw now. Keep it short and sweet. I would add something in my note like "withdrawing due to concerns about the treatment I experienced during the process. I wish you and the team continued success".

18. AnonymousMarch 15,2024 at 5:53PM UTC

    AS long as you won't have regrets, end the process. Let the hiring manager know and perhaps also cc the CEO or head of HR to let them know how you felt during the interview process. Be specific and also let them know that you are removing yourself from the process because of this treatment. Let them also know that you chose to give them this feedback because you want to join a company that is focused on positivity and improvement and that you assume they care about that too. Let them know that you are sharing this with them directly not glassdoor so that they can fix it. Wish them the best. Good for you for knowing when to step away. How you are treated during the "dating" process of interviewing is how you will be treated after "marriage"- hiring. You dodged a bullet.

19. Alicia EvangelistaMarch 15,2024 at 5:57PM UTC

    I've only withdrawn from one interview process, but it was a doozy. One interviewer was callous and rude and another interviewer asked some highly inappropriate questions about my family and sexuality, adding in a few sexist remarks in the process. While that was more than enough, I had also flown internationally overnight to take this interview during a holiday, the car that was supposed to get me from the airport never showed and I was rushed through the actual interviews so that the next candidate could come in because they scheduled us back-to-back. Needless to say, when I got home, I sent a thank you note for the interviewers' time and said that upon learning more, I was going to respectfully withdraw my application. I got a thank you from the recruiter and moved on with my life.

20. Nikki KoonMarch 16,2024 at 4:02AM UTC

    I had one really bad interview process several years ago while I was job hunting. I met with two people separately, and they had wildly different ideas about the job I was being hired for. One would be my direct manager and the other would be his manager.

    From the discussion, it was clear both would be directing me and the job would really be two minimally related sets of duties. Add in that the direct manager wanted someone to blindly agree with him while his boss wanted an ideas person, and it was very clearly a job that I did not want.

    I did not formally withdraw, but when I got a call about a follow up interview I let them know I was no longer interested. It was an awkward conversation, but I knew I wouldn’t be happy with the role(s).

21. Beverly MolnarMarch 16,2024 at 12:15PM UTC

    Did you tell them why?

22. Nikki KoonMarch 17,2024 at 6:15PM UTC

    Yes I did. The person calling me was not either person I interviewed with but I was pretty detailed about my experience. Hopefully it helped whoever ended up with that job to have clearer expectations.

23. Beverly MolnarMarch 16,2024 at 12:13PM UTC

    You are not overreacting. I would withdraw and tell them exactly why. You’d be doing them a favor by letting them know their employees are turning people off during the interview process.

24. GirlBossanova934974March 16,2024 at 1:01PM UTC

    In my view, one question is hardly a reason to withdraw your candidacy from an interview process.
    In this case, it appears that the hiring manager was trying to train someone on the interviewing process and frankly did a lousy job of training. From my experience, this is a sign of things to come in a company. They are taking people who are not quite up to doing the job and throwing them into the arena. Usually, this is done because the company likes to DO THINGS ON THE CHEAP! Countless expensive mistakes and foul-ups usually follow! As such, as you have several other BETTER opportunities on the table, I would withdraw your name from the interviewing process by sending in a brief email. No fanfare required.

25. AnonymousMarch 16,2024 at 7:36PM UTC

    Eh I'd normally agree with you except the OP said the hiring manager was present for the interview and didn't speak up, correct, or otherwise diffuse aggressive and dismissive communication by their mentee. I think this implies that this is in fact, company culture, approved by managers.

26. GirlBossanova934974March 17,2024 at 4:35PM UTC

    The Hiring Manager failed to provide the proper interviewing skills training and then compounded their error by paying ZERO attention to what was being said and what was going on. TOO BUSY TO GIVE A DARN! Been there. done that. Some GENIUS type decides to bring in a carful of very inexperienced employees and then the GENIUS TYPE makes all these demands that these folks be brought up to speed ASAP. My response? You hired them. YOU GO TRAIN THEM!

27. Tamara GMarch 16,2024 at 1:21PM UTC

    I would continue on for the practice and experience.

28. AnonymousMarch 16,2024 at 2:09PM UTC

    OP should avoid calling the interviewer a narcissist in any correspondence to the hiring manager. I don’t think there’s enough info here to make that diagnosis, and if OP makes that statement chances are that the hiring manager will just decide OP is unprofessional and wasn’t a good fit for the team rather than listening to the feedback.

29. AnonymousMarch 16,2024 at 2:22PM UTC

    If the hiring manager allowed a lower level person they manage to pull this kind of interview, they are silently approving of this kind of work culture. The "oh really?" tactic is something I've experienced in larger finance /consulting firm's interviews, and I personally find it has no place in the modern day --one that focuses on building collaborative environments vs old school competitiveness and angst-ridden, chess playing communication styles.

    I personally would send a follow up email thanking them for their time, but that you withdraw your application due to cultural differences and workplace values that came to light when said person interviewed you.

    It's ok to give teams feedback like this. It's how they learn, especially for people that may be new to interviewing. Unless you're absolutely desperate to take several more hours out of your day for future interviews to potentially work at a company you got bad vibes from, I'd say to focus your attention elsewhere.

30. AnonymousMarch 16,2024 at 2:24PM UTC

    Time is money and one of our most valuable resources. Don't waste it on places and people that stress you out when you could spend it looking for a better fit, culturally and task-wise.

31. Stephanie Branch LekowskiMarch 18,2024 at 12:34PM UTC

    Absolutely!

32. AnonymousMarch 18,2024 at 12:34PM UTC

    They're most likely not going to learn, if they think this interviewing style will work. Or they're tone deaf with a "This is how we do things here. If you don't like it don't take the job; plenty of people would love to work here. " Move on with thanks but no thanks.

33. AnonymousMarch 16,2024 at 2:27PM UTC

    There's no reason to withdraw if you haven't moved forward in the process yet.
    Just focus on the other opportunities you are pursuing. If they do reach out to move forward, you can decide at that time if you want to continue. But I don't think you owe them any favors. That's on them and they probably already know. The important thing is for you to keep your bridges clear for future opportunities.

34. AnonymousMarch 16,2024 at 5:50PM UTC

    I'm several rungs down the ladder and would spend a lot of political capital complaining about something that wasn't illegal. So no, I'm not following up on that one. There were two other people on the panel who are higher in the hierarchy and they can choose to pursue if they wish. I did touch base with one of them, and she agreed with me, so it might get escalated. I won't know if it is or isn't.

35. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 12:14PM UTC

    It's a red flag.

    Interviewers and candidates are supposed to be putting their best foot forward during the interview process. If this is their best, you won't want to see their worst.

36. Kate PowellMarch 17,2024 at 12:17PM UTC

    First off - congrats on listening to your intuition.

    It's rarely wrong.

    About withdrawing, if it doesn't take away from your time or effort in performing well in the interviews you DO care/feel good about, then I would stay the course.

    Here's why:
    1.) Practice. Even bad interviews teach us something about ourselves, our careers and others. Just make sure you put some serious boundaries around the experience, and separate it from your identity/self-belief.
    2.) Leverage. Let's say you make it to the end and they give you an offer - you officially have a bargaining chip versus a bluff. It also lets you practice your negotiation skills in a low-risk environment if you already have an offer on the table.
    3.) Safety Net - There's no guarantee that those other two roles will turn into offers. Until there is ink on paper, I wouldn't pull any irons out of the fire. It's good to have a backup, even if it's not ideal.

    Hope this helps, and good luck!

37. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 12:39PM UTC

    Absolutely, a few times. I figured I wasn't that desperate. First time, was the hiring manager rushing me off when I asked a question which she asked me if I had any. I didn't like how she spoke to me and I figured it would probably be the same if I were hired. Second, time was this man who said he lived in his sister's basement and that was why the role had to be in office. Last one was an interviewer in Australia, she was very fixated on one part of my experience and was switching the role to some other opening she had on her team. She was in Australia and I didn't want that many late night calls with her. She made me feel inferior which I wasn't.

38. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 12:45PM UTC

    Do nothing and wait to see what happens. Consider your options carefully.

39. Denise C BullardMarch 17,2024 at 12:59PM UTC

    I would let it play out!! I had a similar situation where the coworker I would be working with bad mouthed the job, the company, the boss, etc. I considered withdrawing but stayed the course. I work for an amazing company and have wonderful coworkers, ( and the naysayer was let go after 3 months in). Many people who interview are not trained to interview and that is unfortunate because they do a disservice to themselves and getting the best candidate for the job.

40. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 1:12PM UTC

    Agree, let it play out but it sounds like you are (and I would as well) listening to your gut.. and the work environment MIGHT be just as toxic.

41. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 1:16PM UTC

    To answer your question: yes. Remember, they're not only interviewing you, but you are interviewing them. If this is the impression that you got, then it sounds like it was a poor fit, or at least this is a bad interviewer/interviewing process.

    If you feel it could be worth it to stick with the process (maybe it was just one bad apple), then stick with it and see where it goes. You can always say no later on.

    I am sorry you had that experience.

42. ErinMarch 17,2024 at 1:47PM UTC

    Run Forrest, Run!

43. Carolina Perez SanzMarch 17,2024 at 1:49PM UTC

    I would withdraw formally and tell the hiring manager why (that the interview experience with the peer-level person made you realize you wouldn’t enjoy working there).

    withdrawing “emotionally” will send a signal to your own brain that it wasn’t your decision, and you are at someone else’s mercy.

44. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 3:20PM UTC

    Yes, absolutely!

    If you do not feel right or get that anxious feeling in your gut when you hear what the interviewer has to say to you, especially after asking questions, then take that as your intuition telling you that something is wrong.

    A lot of the times, companies interview people because they have to, even though they may have someone internally in mind for the position. Bigger organizations have to do this for compliance reason.

    If the interview seemed glazed-over, then more than likely this is the case of an internal promotion being determined.

45. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 3:39PM UTC

    I have withdrawn from a hiring process when I had a bad experience during the interview. I had the interview with peers who asked me technical questions. One of them was the CMO (Chief Medical Officer). She was very rude when I was talking about my work experiences. I wrote an email to the hiring manager who I met earlier that morning and told her that I would withdraw because of this experience. She answered me politely. I found out later that the CMO wasn't working there anymore.

46. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 4:13PM UTC

    I have. Go with your gut that something is off - and bow out.

47. AnonymousMarch 17,2024 at 5:21PM UTC

    I’ve dropped out before and told the recruiter I don’t feel like there was a culture fit due to how my interview with the CEO went. He was more worried about how to performance manage his lowest paid employees than focus on where his tech team could play a role in efficiency and I wasn’t sure I wanted to take that on.

    I’ve also not listened my gut as well and taken a role even tho there were red flags on the mission and values of the place and I spent 14 months miserable and a short stop to explain on my resume.

48. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEMarch 17,2024 at 9:41PM UTC

    Listen to your inner voice and withdraw your application from the first company -- where you had the toxic interview.

    Allowing the peer-level employee to conduct the interview is a major red flag and her arrogance is another red flag. She would not be pleasant to work with.

    Remember, the way the company treats you as an applicant is the way they will treat you as an employee.

    You deserve to be treated better!

49. vivienneMarch 18,2024 at 12:36PM UTC

    I would withdraw. Remember an interview is a two way process - the interviewer and interviewee. If your gut tells you that something is wrong follow your gut. You are not obligated to continue the interview process if you do not want to.

50. LisaMarch 18,2024 at 12:46PM UTC

    Withdraw. If there is one who behaves this way, there are 15 more behaving the same way behind them.

51. AnonymousMarch 18,2024 at 12:48PM UTC

    I would withdraw formally. It seems that you have other prospects and until you actually get an offer, they are all "up in the air" and why subject yourself to another round of toxic behaviour?

52. AnonymousMarch 18,2024 at 12:54PM UTC

    What if you don't withdraw. The bad interview company might offer you the job. Then you have an extra offer letter to tactfully negotiate with at your dream job. Don't withdraw from the weird Interview company. I'm not saying go against your gut feeling but, keep that option in your back pocket. Especially with the current market in the IT world.

53. deuterosMarch 18,2024 at 1:04PM UTC

    I was laid off and had to train my cheap labor H1B replacement. This happened to me twice!.in four years back in the 2000's .

    Last interview went great , I was the only candidate with had experience with both their legacy as400 and their latest equipment. I knew the area, had worked with several of their clients before .. the position had be unfilled for almost a year and was threatening their entire production.

    I asked if they hired H1Bs and when she said yes I thanked her for her time and said , I can't work here , id be concerned about layoffs all the time and that's to stressful. Job security is my number one issue.

54. Balanced690409March 18,2024 at 1:42PM UTC

    I'd let it play out at this point. Focus on the other potential positions where you feel more comfortable.

55. AnonymousMarch 18,2024 at 2:36PM UTC

    yes. I withdrew from a lucrative opportunity- in which I was the front-runner candidate (already working for the corporation and had seniority/excellent references)-- because the person interviewing me (who would have been my direct report) was SO INCREDIBLY RIDICULOUS when he interviewed me for the role, quizzing me on "clinical scenarios" for over an hour (by the way, I answered all of them perfectly, but I have YEARS of experience). It was obvious that this man had no respect for me, as a medical professional. The next morning, I told HR that I wanted to withdraw being considered-- the HR rep, who was present during my prior day's interview, said "I don't blame you. Yesterday was ridiculous". NO REGRETS. but you gotta believe enough in yourself and your worth to not step into that muck. DO IT. Chin up!

56. Debra BishopMarch 18,2024 at 4:25PM UTC

    Don’t withdraw. Person was 10 minutes late & not engaged in interview is sign they were busy with something that preoccupied them.

    Further, why take something off table that you perceive went south when you do not have other offers? I would not advise withdrawing from consideration unless you are independently wealthy and don’t need a job.

57. Ellen Smith FaganMarch 18,2024 at 7:27PM UTC

    In "Between Parent and Child" the path is: "you are cool, the baseball through the window - not so.cool. What do you feel YOU should do to fix it?" Letting the child own his own mistake and do his part in fixing it is RIGHT RIGHT RIGHT.

    Find your most inspired voice and be brave and ASK the offending interviewer to HELP you understand an inteview that made you feel oppressed and NOT liked for the job. YOU are a PERSON and your job is only part of the things that give you life. And you must not accept a job or coworkers who damage your life quality. Be gracious but genuine. There will be other jobs even if this one crashes, but you have on the one holy immortal soul to keep going strong.

58. Michele ChambersMarch 18,2024 at 9:22PM UTC

    Always trust your gut.

59. TaraMarch 19,2024 at 12:24PM UTC

    I would not formally withdraw at this time. While the interviewer was unprofessional, it can be hard to chalk it up to work culture alone. I am not saying to give them a pass, but we never know what’s going on in someone’s personal life. That person sounds overwhelmed. What was your contact in HR like? Can you provide feedback to them without fully withdrawing?

60. Explorer927564March 19,2024 at 6:56PM UTC

    I have withdrawn when I knew that the interviewer was someone that I would be interacting with daily. Trusting your instincts is always good.

61. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 12:54PM UTC

    it sounds like this peer doesn't have his stuff together and wasn't prepared but trying to somehow sound like he was all that (lateness to the interview).

    I would not let this bother you. I think it's less about you and more about him but if you find that you won't be able to work this peer, then I would just forget about it. no need for a "formal removal"

    also, I think you are analyzing this too much, if you didn't feel it, just move on. stop speculating further, just going to drive you nuts.
    Interview process is also your chance to see if you like the environment so looks like you didn't. so there's your answer. I think you are thinking way overthinking about this.