There are few situations in life that make you question your career choices quite like witnessing an interview go spectacularly, horrifically wrong.
It’s the kind of cringe-worthy train wreck that’s impossible to look away from, yet makes you want to scream internally for the person whose life choices have led them to this point.
Recruiters, the unsung heroes of the office world, brave this awkwardness in a quest to find the perfect candidate amid a sea of hilariously bad decisions, questionable fashion choices, and the occasional existential crisis.
So, in homage to these intrepid souls, let’s take a journey through some of the most awkward interviews recruiters have ever conducted.
The Candidate Who Didn’t Realise It Was a Video Call
In the age of remote work, video calls have become the norm.
But for one particular candidate, this was clearly news to them.
The recruiter logged onto the call, only to be met with a view of the candidate’s ceiling fan and a muffled voice that seemed to be coming from a different room entirely.
After a few moments of confusion, the candidate’s face finally appeared on screen, looking flustered and holding a sandwich.
Without missing a beat, they took a bite and said, “Sorry, I didn’t know this was… like, visual.”
It was lunchtime, after all.
The Candidate Who Was Too Honest
Honesty is the best policy, they say. But sometimes, it’s best to keep certain truths to oneself.
During an interview, one candidate was asked the classic question:
“What would you say is your biggest weakness?”
Without skipping a beat, they replied:
“Well, I’m incredibly lazy.”
For a moment, the recruiter thought they were joking. But the candidate continued:
“Like, I’m really good at doing as little work as possible while still getting paid. It’s kind of my thing.”
The recruiter managed to keep a straight face, but needless to say, the candidate’s “thing” wasn’t exactly what the company was looking for.
The Candidate Who Brought a ‘Plus One’
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, so it’s understandable that candidates might want a bit of moral support.
But one candidate took this to a whole new level by bringing their mother along to the interview.
What’s more, Mum wasn’t just there to hold a hand in the waiting room; she actively participated in the interview, answering questions on her child’s behalf and even interjecting with her own opinions.
The recruiter sat there, caught between disbelief and admiration for the mother’s tenacity, while the candidate looked on with a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude.
It was truly a family affair.
The Candidate Who Thought It Was a Costume Party
Dress to impress, they say. But what they don’t usually mean is dress as a character from your favourite TV show.
One candidate strolled confidently into their interview clad head to toe as Captain Jack Sparrow, complete with a tricorn hat, a fake parrot perched on their shoulder, and an accent that was surprisingly accurate.
When asked about their choice of attire, the candidate shrugged and said:
“I wanted to show you my creative side.”
Creative? Undoubtedly.
Appropriate for an accounting position? Not so much.
The Candidate Who Took Multitasking to New Heights
In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking is often praised as a valuable skill.
But one candidate took this concept to an entirely different level during a phone interview.
After a few minutes of what sounded like heavy breathing and muffled voices, it became clear that the candidate was at the gym - and actively participating in a spin class.
Between breaths and the instructor’s commands, the candidate managed to answer questions, albeit with minimal coherence.
The recruiter didn’t know whether to be impressed by the candidate’s dedication or concerned for their cardiovascular health.
The Candidate Who Confused Job Titles
In the world of job hunting, it’s crucial to know exactly what you’re applying for.
But one candidate seemed to have missed the memo when they showed up to an interview for a software engineer position, armed with a portfolio of interior design projects.
When asked about the mix-up, the candidate simply said:
“Oh, I thought this was for an interior design role. But software engineering sounds fun too!”
While enthusiasm is certainly an asset, the recruiter gently suggested they might want to refine their job search criteria.
Need Help Navigating the Interview Circus?
If these stories resonate with you a little too much and you find yourself wishing for a recruiter with a little more sensibility and a lot more patience, we’re here to help.
At Coburg Banks, we understand the quirks and chaos of the recruitment process all too well.
We’re experts at sifting through the madness to find candidates who are not only qualified but also capable of conducting themselves like actual humans in an interview setting.
So, if you’re looking to recruit without the circus, get in touch.
We promise to find you candidates who know the difference between a job interview and a Halloween party.
