In the world of recruitment, nothing quite prepares you for the delightful rollercoaster of human creativity when it comes to interview excuses. Just when you think you've heard it all, a candidate comes along and surprises you with a story so outlandish, you can't help but applaud the sheer audacity. After all, if they put as much effort into their job applications as they do their excuses, they'd be the next CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
The excuses for missing interviews range from the slightly believable to the downright absurd, and it's a wonder how some candidates even come up with their tales of woe and misfortune. But remember, dear reader, that behind each excuse lies a lesson (or perhaps just a reason to have a chuckle).
1. The “I’d Love to, But My Goldfish Needs Me” Excuse
One of the most endearing excuses we’ve encountered involves a candidate who, in a moment of sheer panic, claimed they couldn’t make it to the interview because their goldfish was feeling unwell. Now, while we all know that pets can be like family, the mental image of someone nursing a tiny fish back to health is both heartwarming and hilarious.
Of course, as much as we’d like to believe that this candidate had a real-life Nemo requiring constant care, it was more likely they just needed a better calendar app. But hey, at least they're creative in their storytelling.
2. The “Caught in Unforeseen Traffic” Excuse - on Foot
Traffic is a well-trodden path for those seeking an excuse, but one candidate took it to a new level by claiming they were caught in traffic during a walking commute. Apparently, the local pedestrian crossings were so densely packed that they were forced to wait in a queue of fellow walkers.
Points for originality, but we couldn’t help but imagine them stuck behind a group of slow-moving tourists, shuffling along like a herd of tortoises. Either that or the candidate was hoping to invent a new excuse genre entirely.
3. The “I’m on a Secret Mission” Excuse
Some candidates fancy themselves as James Bond, but without the suave tuxedos and fast cars. One such industrious candidate claimed they couldn’t attend the interview because they’d been called away on a top-secret mission that required absolute discretion.
While we’d love to believe that MI6 was tracking down potential recruits through job boards, the more plausible scenario is that this candidate had simply forgotten to check their calendar. Either way, their excuse left us shaken, not stirred.
4. The “Unexpected Meteor Shower” Excuse
Another cosmic gem came from a candidate who claimed they were unable to attend their interview due to an unexpected meteor shower. According to their email, the celestial event required their full attention and necessitated immediate stargazing preparations.
We admire their dedication to the cosmos, but perhaps next time they should remember that the real star alignment happens when you secure a job. Still, if there was ever a reason to miss an interview, a meteor shower is definitely up there among the most fantastical.
5. The “My Horoscope Warned Me” Excuse
Last but not least, we have the candidate who took advice from the stars, literally. Citing their horoscope, they claimed the day of their interview was marked by negative planetary alignments and advised against any major life decisions.
While astrology can be a fun hobby, using it to dictate your job search might not be the best career strategy. Nonetheless, we hope the candidate’s stars eventually aligned to guide them to another opportunity - ideally, one that supports their zodiac’s whims.
Need to Recruit Candidates Who Actually Show Up?
We’ve all had a good laugh, but when it comes to recruitment, you need candidates who are as committed to the interview process as they are to their career development. At Coburg Banks, we specialize in finding professionals who not only show up but are ready to contribute from day one.
If you’re tired of dealing with excuses and want reliable candidates who take their job search seriously, get in touch with us. Our expert recruiters can help you navigate the hilarious yet challenging world of job interviews, ensuring that you only meet the candidates who are serious about making an impact.
