Thursday, March 6, 2008

Job Interview Blunders

This list of jokes has been around as I have seen it before. Yet, it is worth a quick read for a good laugh. Supposedly, this list was complied by Vice Presidents and personnel directors of the one hundred largest corporations when they were asked to describe their most unusual experience interviewing prospective employees. While some of them seem absolutely unbelievable, I have actually heard a few crazier from my own hiring managers that I have worked with over the years!

  • A job applicant challenged the interviewer to an arm wrestle.
  • Interviewee wore a Walkman, explaining that she could listen to the interviewer and the music at the same time.
  • Candidate fell and broke arm during interview.
  • Candidate announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and french fries in the interviewers office.
  • Candidate explained that her long-term goals was to replace the interviewer.
  • Candidate said he never finished high school because he was kidnapped and kept in a closet in Mexico.
  • Balding Candidate excused himself and returned to the office a few minutes later wearing a headpiece.
  • Applicant said if he was hired he would demonstrate his loyalty by having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm.
  • Applicant interrupted interview to phone her therapist for advice on how to answer specific interview questions.
  • Candidate brought large dog to interview.
  • Applicant refused to sit down and insisted on being interviewed standing up.
  • Candidate dozed off during interview.

    The employers were also asked to list the "most unusual" questions that have been asked by job candidates.

  • "What is it that you people do at this company?"
  • "What is the company motto?"
  • "Why aren't you in a more interesting business?"
  • "What are the zodiac signs of all the board members?"
  • "Why do you want references?"
  • "Do I have to dress for the next interview?"
  • "I know this is off the subject, but will you marry me?"
  • "Will the company move my rock collection from California to Maryland?"
  • "Will the company pay to relocate my horse?"
  • "Does your health insurance cover pets?"
  • "Does your company have a policy regarding concealed weapons?"