Memorable Interviews
Vice Presidents and personnel directors
of the one hundred largest corporations were asked to describe their
most unusual experience interviewing prospective employees:
- A job applicant challenged the interviewer
to an arm wrestle.
- Interviewee wore a Walkman, explaining that
she could listen to the interviewer and the music at the same
time.
- Candidate fell and broke arm during interview.
- Candidate announced she hadn't had lunch
and proceeded to eat a hamburger and french fies in the interviewers
office.
- Candidate explained that her long-term goals
was to replace the interviewer.
- Candidate said he never finished high school
because he was kidnapped and kept in a closet in Mexico.
- Balding Candidate excused himself and returned
to the office a few minutes later wearing a headpiece.
- Applicant said if he was hired he would demonstrate
his loyalty by having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm.
- Applicant interrupted interview to phone
her therapist for advice on how to answer specific interview questions.
- Candidate brought large dog to interview.
- Applicant refused to sit down and insisted
on being interviewed standing up.
- Candidate dozed off during interview.
The employers were also asked to list the
"most unusual" questions that have been asked by job candidates:
- "What is it
that you people do at this company?"
- "What is the
company motto?"
- "Why aren't
you in a more interesting business?"
- "What are the
zodiac signs of all the board members?"
- "Why do you
want references?"
- "Do I have
to dress for the next interview?"
- "I know this
is off the subject, but will you marry me?"
- "Will the company
move my rock collection from California to maryland?"
- "Will the company
pay to relocate my horse?"
- "Does your
health insurance cover pets?"
- "Would it be
a problem if I'm angry most of the time?"
- "Does your
company have a policy regarding concealed weapons?"
- "Do you think
the company would be willing to lower my pay?"
- "Why am I here?"
Also included are a number of unusual statements
made by candidates during the interview process:
- I have no difficulty in starting or holding
my bowel movement.
- At times I have the strong urge to do something
harmful or shocking.
- I feel uneasy indoors.
- Sometimes I feel like smashing things.
- Women should not be allowed to drink in cocktail
bars.
- I think that Lincoln was greater than Washington.
- I get excited very easily.
- Once a week, I usually feel hot all over.
- I am fascinated by fire.
- I like tall women.
- People are always watching me.
- If I get too much change in a store, I always
give it back.
- I must admit that I am a pretty fair talker.
- I never get hungry.
- I know who is responsible for most of my
troubles
- If the pay was right, I'd travel with the
carnival.
- I would have been more successful if nobody
would have snitched on me.
- My legs are really hairy.