30 People Share Their "Worst Job Interview" Stories That Will Make You Thankful You Weren't "That" Guy
Some interview just go the worst way possible no matter how well-prepared you are for it.
Feeling nervous and anxious before a job interview is perfectly normal. After all, there's all that pressure of leaving a good impression on the company that you want to work with and the people who might help you determine the direction of your career.
Unfortunately, not everyone is really good at managing those feelings. Some people end up becoming total nervous wrecks dripping with sweat, forgetting details about themselves, and even stuttering.
As if that's not enough, some managers or recruiters don't seem to have the interest in being empathetic and end up brutalizing their potential employees for no good reason. Some of them would even reason out that that's the way they would pick out the shining candidates from the weeds.
With all that, we can all agree that there are plenty of opportunities for job interviews to go wrong. It just differs from how bad things really go.
On Reddit, someone asked users to share their gruesome job interview experiences and many excitedly shared their stories. So if you have an upcoming job interview, better close your eyes or brave it out.
Who knows? It might prepare you for the worst out there so if you're willing, keep reading on.
1. These interviewers should have also had the courtesy to say it earlier so nobody had to waste their time
seeing_red4152. Isn't this illegal as well?
Syst0us3. We're guessing he was quickly shown out the door after this
dadadawn
Interview anxiety is a common psychological phenomenon that many individuals experience, especially when the stakes feel high. According to studies published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, this anxiety can stem from various sources, including fear of negative evaluation and the pressure to perform well in front of potential employers. Such feelings can lead to physiological symptoms, such as increased heart rate and sweating, which only exacerbate the situation.
Research by Dr. Richard S. Lazarus on coping strategies indicates that individuals can manage their anxiety by engaging in cognitive appraisal, which involves reframing the interview as an opportunity for mutual exploration rather than a high-pressure evaluative scenario. By consciously shifting their mindset, candidates may alleviate some of their anxiety and present themselves more confidently.
4. They decided based on appearances and that's completely unfair
KGhaleon
KGhaleon
5. You have to be awake on the job after all
Remembers_that_time
Social anxiety often plays a significant role in the dynamics of job interviews. A clinical psychologist explains that individuals with social anxiety disorder may experience intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, including interviews. This anxiety can lead to avoidance behaviors, which ultimately undermine their job search efforts.
Research conducted by the American Psychological Association suggests that exposure therapy, where individuals gradually face their fears in a controlled environment, can be effective in reducing social anxiety symptoms. Practicing interviews with friends or family members in low-pressure settings can help desensitize candidates to the interview process and improve their comfort levels.
6. She clearly didn't read the job posting very carefully or even have common sense
CanineRezQ
7. He probably should have shown more dedication to the company
JamesDelRey
8. Who knew that it just takes a fart to throw the interviewer out of balance
RedShadowIV
Many job applicants overlook the importance of nonverbal communication during interviews. According to Dr. Albert Mehrabian's research, nonverbal cues account for a significant portion of how messages are interpreted, often more than the words spoken. In high-stress situations like interviews, candidates may inadvertently convey anxiety through body language, such as fidgeting or avoiding eye contact.
To counteract this, Dr. Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist at Harvard, emphasizes the power of 'power posing'—an approach where individuals adopt confident postures before entering an interview space. Her research suggests that even a two-minute power pose can increase feelings of confidence and decrease cortisol levels, which might help candidates present themselves more favorably.
9. Was that by any chance Harvey Weinstein or one of his pals?
Overall_Writer_6648
10. Getting that number of rejections from one company can really dent one's confidence
[deleted]
11. A chicken dying on you doesn't really inspire much confidence for potential employees
poniesgalore
Understanding the role of cognitive distortions can help candidates navigate their thoughts leading up to and during an interview. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles indicate that irrational thoughts—like "I'm going to fail" or "They won't like me"—can worsen feelings of anxiety. Studies show that these negative thinking patterns can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where anxiety leads to poor performance, confirming the initial fears.
To combat this, individuals can benefit from cognitive restructuring techniques, which involve identifying and challenging these distorted thoughts. By replacing negative beliefs with more balanced and rational statements, candidates can improve their mental outlook and performance in interviews.
12. The dedication of this 60-year-old is something to applaud
Yangoose
13. This interviewer seems to be looking for someone he can be cohorts with
RamsesThePigeon
RamsesThePigeon
Imposter syndrome is another psychological factor that can deeply affect interview performance. Research by Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes indicates that many high-achieving individuals struggle with feelings of inadequacy, doubting their accomplishments despite evident success. This internal conflict can lead to severe anxiety during crucial moments, such as job interviews.
To mitigate the effects of imposter syndrome, candidates might engage in self-affirmation practices, which involve reflecting on their strengths and past successes. Studies show that self-affirmation can bolster confidence and reduce feelings of self-doubt, ultimately leading to a more authentic self-presentation during interviews.
RamsesThePigeon
RamsesThePigeon
RamsesThePigeon
Preparation is vital for alleviating interview anxiety. Research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology highlights that candidates who invest time in preparing for interviews—by researching the company, practicing common questions, and even rehearsing their body language—are more likely to perform well. This level of preparation not only enhances their knowledge but also boosts their confidence.
Experts recommend using mock interviews with a career coach or trusted friend to simulate the interview environment. This practice can provide constructive feedback, allowing candidates to refine their responses and approach, helping them feel more at ease when the actual interview takes place.
RamsesThePigeon
14. It's amazing they still get customers with the kind of carelessness they have
Sporkicide
15. Shouldn't employers not underestimate potential employees until they've seen what they can actually do?
thatone-there
Self-regulation plays a critical role in managing stress during interviews. A study from Stanford University indicates that individuals with higher self-regulation skills are better at maintaining composure under pressure, which can significantly affect interview outcomes. Techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises can help candidates calm their nerves and focus on the present moment.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or focused breathing, have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive flexibility. Incorporating a few minutes of mindfulness before an interview can help candidates ground themselves, allowing them to engage more fully in the conversation.
16. This interviewer was probably a sadist who just loved watching people squirm under their power
JustBeenRevoked1
17. This guy was basically just waving a huge red flag
[deleted]
18. The job was just not meant to be for him right from the beginning
DustyBosie
First impressions can be lasting, especially in the context of job interviews. Research conducted by Dr. Nalini Ambady and colleagues demonstrates that individuals form impressions of others within seconds based on nonverbal cues, tone of voice, and facial expressions. This underscores the importance of presenting oneself confidently and positively from the outset of an interview.
To enhance first impressions, candidates are encouraged to focus on their appearance, posture, and politeness. Simple gestures like a firm handshake and a warm smile can set a positive tone. Practicing these initial interactions can make a significant impact on how candidates are perceived during the interview.
19. How could anyone go through this interview without sweating buckets?
edgarpickle
20. That must have been some vocal exercise for nothing
Quaternaire
21. What they did to this poor guy is just lame and unprofessional
[deleted]
Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in interview success. Research from the University of Pennsylvania shows that candidates with high emotional intelligence tend to navigate social interactions, including interviews, more effectively. They are better at reading the emotional cues of interviewers, responding appropriately, and building rapport.
Individuals seeking to improve their emotional intelligence can focus on developing empathy and active listening skills. Participating in social activities or engaging in role-playing scenarios can enhance these abilities, making candidates more adept at connecting with interviewers.
22. It's not hard to show even the least bit amount of respect really but this woman didn't even have the decency
[deleted]
22. This person has good sense to refuse working with someone like that
Flaxmoore
24. It's a big red flag when they keep looking for new people every time
tigerbloodz13
Finally, candidates should recognize that failure is often a stepping stone to success. Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset emphasizes the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities for learning rather than as threats. This perspective can be particularly beneficial in the context of job interviews, where the fear of failure can be paralyzing.
By framing each interview experience—whether successful or not—as a chance to learn and grow, candidates can reduce anxiety and build resilience. Reflecting on what went well and what could be improved after each interview can foster a growth mindset that ultimately leads to better performance in future opportunities.
25. Maybe she wasn't aware that she wasn't the one who made the rules in that situation
Ahshalon_Tenisk
26. This person might just not have noticed that they actually did something right
_thatlldo
27. The amount of stress the interview is foreshadowing already makes it not worth it for this person
Kersikai
28. It really pays to check twice or even thrice the details of your interview before going in
NotCleverNamesTaken
29. At least this guy was honest about it
DartzIRL
DartzIRL
30. Maybe he was trying to go for a Wolf of Wall Street kind of vibe
[deleted]
These examples just show that no matter how prepared you are for interviews, something can definitely go wrong at any turn so you have to be prepared to accept that too. Just take it as the world throwing a sign in your direction of where you're meant to be in life.
Which story terrified you the most? Do you have any "worst interview stories" of your own?
Psychological Analysis
The article highlights how anxiety can significantly impact individuals during job interviews, with many candidates experiencing overwhelming stress that can lead to poor performance. This anxiety often stems from a fear of negative evaluation, which can be fueled by cognitive distortions like catastrophizing outcomes or underestimating one’s abilities. By reframing these situations and practicing self-regulation techniques, candidates can manage their anxiety better and improve their chances of success.
Analysis generated by AI
Practical Steps for Healing
In conclusion, the psychological challenges associated with job interviews are multifaceted, encompassing anxiety, cognitive distortions, and the impacts of emotional intelligence. As noted in research on self-regulation and preparation, individuals can significantly improve their performance by employing practical strategies and reframing their perspectives. By recognizing that anxiety is a common experience and applying techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and mock interviews, candidates can navigate the interview process with greater confidence and poise. Ultimately, the key to overcoming the challenges of job interviews lies in understanding psychological principles and actively applying them to foster a more positive and successful job-seeking journey.
