Rachel Zupek, of CareerBuilder.com, compiled these actual responses from job
interviews. Maybe you were nervous, you thought the employer would
appreciate your honesty, or maybe you just have no boundaries. Whatever the
reason, you can be certain that you shouldn’t tell an interviewer that it’s
probably best if they don’t do a background check on you. (And yes, the
hiring manager remembered you said that.)
We asked hiring managers to share the craziest things they’ve heard from
applicants in an interview.
Why did you leave your last job? “I have a problem with authority.”
What are your hobbies and interests? ‘Well, as you can see, I’m a young,
virile man and I’m single — if you ladies know what I’m saying.’ Then he
looked at one of the fair-haired board members and said, ‘I particularly
like blondes.’
Why should we hire you? “I would be a great asset to the events team because
I party all the time.”
Do you have any questions? Here are a bunch –
“Cross dressing isn’t a problem is it?”
“Can we wrap this up fairly quickly? I have someplace I have to go.”
“If I get a job offer, how long do I have before I have to take the drug
test?”
“When you do background checks on candidates, do things like public
drunkenness arrests come up?”
Why are you leaving your current job? “I was fired from my last job because
they were forcing me to attend anger management classes.”
Why are you looking for a job? “Cigarettes and beer are getting more
expensive, so I need another job.”
Why do you want to work for us? “Just for the benefits.”
What are your assets? (as in strengths) “Well, I do own a bike.”
When have you demonstrated leadership skills? “Well my best example would be
in the world of online video gaming. I pretty much run the show; it takes a
lot to do that.”
Use three adjectives to describe yourself. “I hate questions like this.”
Tell of a time you made a mistake and how you dealt with it. “I stole some
equipment from my old job, and I had to pay for its replacement.”
Have you submitted your two weeks’ notice to your current employer? “What is
two weeks’ notice? I’ve never quit a job before, I’ve always been fired.”
Can we help you with anything else? “May I have a cup of coffee? I think I
may still be a little drunk from last night.”
(Remember, today, just after noon, it will be 12:34:56 7.8.9)
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
“Jesus knows me, this I love”