A bit of light fun - some of the worst interviews I have held.

As a recruiter I have held hundreds and hundreds of interviews over the years. For the most part they are enjoyable.  I love the chance to hear someone’s story, about their career progression and what drives them.  I enjoy coaxing those candidates who are a little shy to share as well as the banter with those who are extraverted. 

There are a few very memorable interviews I have undertaken which I wish to share only for the purpose of light entertainment.

1.  I had a phone interview (mid morning) for a senior technical role where the candidate turned up late and apologised immediately and explaining he had had a late night drinking and had a hangover.

2.  Another candidate had a fire alarm go off mid interview and had to evacuate the building (they were in a private meeting room).

 3. One candidate had a last minute change of work plans and had to call in for his interview from the airport. The interview was interrupted every few minutes by a boarding announcement!

 4. Another candidate slipped in the rain on her way to our face to face interview and came in hobbling with a bleeding knee. 

 5. Of course there have been several video interviews where there have been “interesting” things in the background , such as kids in the background picking their noses or screaming, people in various states of dress (or undress), weird lighting or pictures.  

6.  Several interviewees have gone off on a tangent talking about skills that were completely unrelated to the roles.

What did I take away from all of the above?  Things happen, events get in the way - many of which we have no control over.  I didn’t immediately discount any of the candidates for their situation.  In fact , many times I offered to postpone or reschedule.

On a personal note many years ago I interviewed for a graduate role at a large consultancy firm. In the last round of interviews with several candidates left, we all had one interview after the other with senior partners of the firm. After a whole morning of this we had lunch in the boardroom with a graduate placed between each partner around the table.  I was so afraid of making any mess eating that I just pushed the food around my plate until someone asked whether I didn’t like what was served!  

Moral of the story - not every interview will be perfect.  Just as real life is not perfect either!