There are many moments in life that make you question the very fabric of human intelligence.
The inexplicable desire to watch a TV series where people willingly eat bugs.
The ongoing debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza.
The fact that we’ve somehow decided that emailing someone you sit next to is a perfectly reasonable way to communicate.
And then there are those moments when a recruiter finds themselves explaining things to candidates that make them wonder if they’ve accidentally wandered into some sort of elaborate social experiment.
Because, let’s face it, the recruitment process can sometimes be a minefield of absurdity.
So, in honour of those professionals who have managed to keep a straight face while navigating the bizarre world of interviews and applications, here’s a roundup of the funniest things recruiters have had to explain to candidates.
1. The Importance of Punctuality
Now, most people understand that being on time for an interview is pretty important.
But then there are those candidates who think it’s more of a loose guideline than an actual expectation.
“Sorry I’m late. I didn’t account for traffic.”
Traffic? In London? Who would have thought?
One recruiter had to explain, with the patience of a saint, that arriving an hour late is generally frowned upon.
The candidate’s response?
“Well, at least I made it, right?”
Indeed.
2. The Concept of ‘Business Casual’
There’s a reason dress codes exist - to prevent people from turning up to work looking like they’ve just rolled out of bed, or worse, straight off the beach.
One recruiter had to gently explain that ‘business casual’ did not mean:
“Shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and flip-flops.”
The candidate’s defence?
“I wanted to show I’m laid-back!”
Mission accomplished.
3. Why Honesty is the Best Policy
There’s a fine line between embellishing your experience and outright fabricating your entire career.
One recruiter found themselves explaining that it’s not generally advisable to claim expertise in software that hadn’t even been invented at the time the candidate supposedly used it.
The candidate’s response?
“But I saw a YouTube video on it once!”
Close enough, right?
4. The Use of Appropriate Language
Believe it or not, dropping an f-bomb in a job interview is typically not considered a winning strategy.
Yet, some candidates seem to think that peppering their responses with colourful language will demonstrate their passion and authenticity.
One recruiter had to explain that, generally speaking, calling your previous boss a "pillock"is not advisable.
The candidate’s eloquent reply?
“Well, he was though!”
Fair enough.
5. The Art of the Follow-Up Email
Sending a follow-up email after an interview is a great way to show enthusiasm and appreciation.
However, one candidate took it a step further by sending a five-page essay detailing why they were the perfect fit for the role, complete with footnotes and a bibliography.
The recruiter had to gently explain that a simple "Thank you for the opportunity" would suffice.
The candidate’s response?
“I just really wanted to be thorough!”
A+ for effort.
6. Why Overconfidence Isn’t Always a Good Thing
Confidence is key in an interview, but there is such a thing as too much.
One candidate proudly declared:
“I guarantee you won’t find anyone better than me.”
Unfortunately, they forgot to bring their CV, wear a shirt, or remember the name of the company they were interviewing for.
The recruiter had to explain, gently, that there might be a few candidates out there with slight advantages.
7. The Role of Social Media in Job Hunting
In the age of social media, what you post can come back to haunt you.
One recruiter found themselves explaining why a candidate’s profile picture - featuring an impressive collection of empty tequila bottles - might not send the best message.
The candidate’s defence?
“It was just one wild night!”
Sadly, the internet never forgets.
8. The Importance of Listening Skills
Listening is crucial during an interview, especially when the recruiter is explaining the role.
Yet, one candidate spent the entire time staring into space, only to ask at the end:
“So, what job is this for, again?”
The recruiter had to explain, patiently, that paying attention is generally quite important.
To which the candidate replied:
“Oh, I thought you were just making small talk!”
Need Candidates Who Don’t Need Everything Explained?
Let’s be honest - recruitment is a journey into the unknown, filled with delightful surprises (and occasional horrors).
If you’re looking to hire people who have a firm grasp on the basics - and maybe even excel beyond them - we can help.
At Coburg Banks, we find candidates who not only understand what ‘business casual’ means but also how to arrive on time and be honest.
So if you need a recruitment process that’s efficient and effective, give us a shout. We’ve got the experience, the candidates, and the patience of a thousand saints.
