There are certain places in the world where you expect to be interviewed for a job.
Perhaps a plush office with a swanky view of the city skyline, or a quaint little meeting room with just the right amount of inspirational posters to make you believe in your own potential.
But then, there are the interview locations that make you question if you’ve accidentally wandered into a reality TV show.
You know the ones. The ones where you half-expect Ant and Dec to pop out from behind a bush and announce that they're secretly filming the pilot for "I'm a Job Seeker, Get Me Out of Here!"
The Beachside Brainstorm
There are few places more relaxing than the beach. The sound of the waves, the soft rustle of the palm trees, the gentle hum of a hundred tourists applying sun cream.
But when you’re trying to impress a potential employer whilst battling the glare of the sun, dodging overenthusiastic children with beach balls, and hoping that a seagull doesn’t confuse your CV for a snack, it’s a little less idyllic.
One candidate recalled being asked to meet at a picturesque seaside location:
"We like to think outside the box,"
the interviewer said, handing them an inflatable flamingo and asking them to demonstrate their “leadership skills” by organising a game of beach volleyball with strangers.
The Coffee Shop Conundrum
The coffee shop interview is a classic. It’s informal, it’s relaxed, and it presents the perfect opportunity to show off your skill in balancing a latte in one hand while impressively discussing your three-year plan.
But what happens when the “coffee shop” turns out to be a bustling train station café at rush hour?
One candidate found themselves in this exact situation, trying to explain their approach to project management while a tannoy blared announcements about delayed departures.
"It was fine,"
they said later, sipping their slightly damp coffee.
"Well, until the interviewer’s phone rang, and they answered it while gesturing for me to just ‘carry on.’"
The Amusement Park Adventure
Because nothing says “professional” quite like discussing your career goals while hurtling through a loop-the-loop on a rollercoaster.
Imagine, if you will, sitting across from your potential future manager, their hair blowing wildly in the wind, as they shout:
"So tell me more about your experience with crisis management!"
While you desperately try to hold onto your lunch and dignity.
One applicant swears they were tested on their team-working skills by being strapped into a bumper car and asked to navigate a particularly chaotic ride while providing insightful feedback on the company’s five-year growth strategy.
The Midnight Diner Dilemma
There’s something about a 24-hour diner at midnight that's almost poetic. The flickering neon lights, the comforting aroma of fried everything, the inexplicable sense of being in a noir film.
But when you’re trying to sell yourself as a competent professional while the waitress refills your mug with questionably strong coffee and a jukebox plays a tinny rendition of "My Way", it can feel a little surreal.
One candidate shared their experience of a late-night interview:
"I think it was a test to see how I handle unpredictable situations,"
they mused.
"Or maybe the interviewer just really wanted pancakes."
The Elevator Pitch (Literally)
Everyone talks about the importance of a strong elevator pitch. But few people expect to have to deliver it in an actual elevator.
One bewildered interviewee found themselves in this very scenario.
"The interviewer pressed the button to the top floor and said, ‘You have until we get there to convince me.’"
They managed to cover their skills, experience, and a brief anecdote about their first job before the doors dinged open - to reveal a conference room where the rest of the interview took place in blissfully stationary peace.
Need to Recruit Without the Shenanigans?
If your idea of interviewing efficiency doesn’t involve rollercoasters or rush hour cafés, perhaps it’s time to hire someone who knows how to keep things simple.
At Coburg Banks, we’re experts in finding candidates who can handle any situation - without needing a lifejacket or a map of the amusement park.
So if you need to recruit and leave the bizarre locations behind, get in touch.
We promise, no rollercoasters.
