Adults say the Funniest Things – especially in interviews.
Undoubtedly a high-pressure situation – both candidate and hiring manager are under strain to appear professional but friendly, confident but not arrogant, unique but not weird.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way…
So, this week, to give you some light-reading during the holiday season, I’ve put together a list of the funniest things people have said in interviews – from both sides of the table.
Absurd Candidate Answers:
Interviewer: Why do you want to work with us?
Candidate: My mom said I have to get a job, or she’ll stop giving me money.
Interviewer: Did you bring your references with you?
Candidate: I tried, they couldn’t get the time off work!
Interviewer: What makes you think you’re right for a job? (McDonald’s – burger flipper).
Candidate: Well, I’m great with animals.
Interviewer: What’s your greatest strength?
Candidate: I can do a really great impression of the wind, listen – whooooosh.
Interviewer: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Candidate: Probably some sort of exotic beach somewhere.
Interviewer: Why are you leaving your current job?
Candidate: I was fired from my last job because they were forcing me to attend anger management classes.
Interviewer: Why do you want to work for us?
Candidate: I saw the job on Twitter, and thought why not?
Candidate #2: Just for the benefits.
Interviewer: What are your weaknesses?
Candidate: I’m really not a big learner. You know … some people love learning and are always picking up new things, but that’s just not me. I’d much rather work at a place where the job is pretty stagnant and doesn’t change a lot.
Inappropriate Interviewer Answers:
Candidate: What’s the company culture like?
Interviewer: Incredibly stressful, competitive and to be honest, a little vicious.
Candidate: What happened to the last person who had my job?
Interviewer: You don’t want to know…
Candidate: What do you enjoy most about working here?
Interviewer: Clocking out at five o’clock.
Candidate: When can I expect to hear a decision?
Interviewer: Right now, you aren’t getting the job.
Candidate: Do you socialize with colleagues outside of work?
Interviewer: Oh, god no. Did you not see them?
Candidate: Where do you think I’ll be in 5 years?
Interviewer: Probably working somewhere else. People don’t last long here.
Candidate: Is there anything else you’d like to know about me?
Interviewer: I’m leaving in a week, so to be honest, I really don’t care.
Candidate: Can you tell me a little more about the role?
Interviewer: Honestly, you’ll spend most of your time running around after me.
Rick Christensen: Director, Career Transition Practice
Rick has been a career consultant for over 25 years, serving a very broad-based and diverse clientele. His specialties include effective group facilitation, one-on-one coaching and consultation at all levels including senior executives.
Rick’s passion is coaching individuals through career transitions, developing career management strategies and in identifying and sharpening competencies to open doors to new opportunities. His efforts have assisted thousands of individuals achieve their full potential.
Contact Rick at: Rick@CareerDevelopmentPartners.com
