31 People Explained Why They Got Up In The Middle Of The Job Interview And Left It

Some job interviews go off the rails before the candidate even sits down. In this Reddit roundup, 31 people shared the exact moment they realized the interview was a bad fit and got up to leave.

The reasons range from rude interviewers and misleading job ads to pay surprises, discrimination, and plain old disrespect. A few of these stories are frustrating, some are funny, and several are hard to believe until you read them. Read on.

1. The interviewer could not stop looking at her phone

"The lady I was interviewing with would ask me a question then stop and look at her phone. after about the third time, i thanked her for her time and said something to the extent of "i value people who value my time, i'm sorry for whatever emergency you may have that you have to check your phone, but i don't think this is gonna work" and walked out."reddit

2. The interviewer asked about salary with the question “How Much Do You Need To Survive?”

"Interviewing for a position with a newer residential construction company yesterday. For context, I have nearly 15 years in the building trades, and the position wasn’t clearly defined.During the interview I was asked about my skill set, and I answered honestly and confidently that all aspects of building a residence was in my wheelhouse. Comes the talk about salary.Interviewer asks me the worst possible starting question. “How much do you need to survive?” My response was along the lines of, “ And you wonder why the last three people you hired flaked on you?”You want quality, reliable, capable people? You pay for that.You want flakes? You pay them subsistence wages, and as soon as 10 cents an hour better rolls along, they’ll bail.Good luck” And I walked out.They have called me three times since then. I let it go to voicemail.Know your worth and if you’re good at something, don’t do it for less than market value."reddit

3. They lied in the job description

"Position was advertised as fully remote.I rock up to interview, and they say that the role is actually hybrid (3 days a week in office) and they only advertised it as remote to get a bigger pool of applicants.I showed no shade, and said that I would be writing reviews on Glassdoor, Google and Indeed explaining that this organization does not operate with honesty and integrity, and that my experience should be a warning to others who might be attracted to so-called 'remote' positions.I then walked out.Because how f**king dare they waste my time."reddit

Job interviews can trigger significant anxiety, often rooted in the fear of judgment and rejection. This anxiety can manifest physically, leading candidates to make impulsive decisions, such as walking out when they feel the environment is hostile or unwelcoming.

Additionally, the pressure to perform can lead to cognitive overload, causing individuals to act against their better judgment. Understanding these dynamics can help job seekers develop strategies for managing anxiety in high-pressure situations.

Job interviews often evoke intense anxiety, driven by the fear of judgment and rejection. Many candidates experience this overwhelming pressure, which can trigger a fight-or-flight response. This instinctual reaction may lead some to abruptly leave interviews when they sense discomfort or misalignment with the job expectations.

The stories shared by individuals who walked out during interviews reveal a common thread: the fear of being misled about the role they are applying for. As candidates recognize discrepancies between the job description and the reality presented during the interview, their anxiety can escalate, prompting them to prioritize their well-being by exiting the situation rather than enduring potential disappointment.

That mismatch is where a lot of these stories start to unravel.

Researchers in organizational psychology have long emphasized the importance of alignment between job descriptions and actual job roles.

When candidates find discrepancies, it can lead to feelings of betrayal and mistrust, potentially triggering a flight response.

Studies show that such mismatches not only affect immediate job satisfaction but also impact long-term employee engagement and retention.

4. People were made to wait for their interviews on the road under the hot sun

"Yes, I did. Somewhere in 2012.The company was JP Morgan, Bangalore. I had an interview scheduled for 10:30 AM and when I went there on time along with others, we were made to wait on the road on a sunny day.The security didn't even allow anyone to step inside the campus in-spite of having valid appointments. I won’t wrong them as they were just following the orders.In spite of calling the HR person who re-scheduled the interview several times, he came at 11:45 AM. Every time I called, he asked for five more minutes.Once I was inside the campus I told him what a bunch of morons those guys were for making around 40 people wait on the dusty and polluted Bangalore roads under the hot sun.I told him to his face: I would never work for companies like these that treat people like s**t and left."reddit

5. The interviewer tested the candidate's SQL knowledge even though he had ten years of experience

"When I had around 10 years of experience, in one interview, the interviewer asked me to write syntax of simple SQL statements. I thought he just want to see if I have experience in SQL and I wrote the SQL.Again, next question is writing syntax of another SQL. I asked, what are you trying to test, whether I know syntax?Interviewer: “Yes of course.”Myself: “If you do not have any questions other than syntax, I believe, we may not be able to proceed with the interview”.Interviewer’s face turned red and said “I decide what to test. Your job is to answer whatever I ask”.I walked away."reddit

6. The interviewer explained to him that they don't hire women because they are inferior to men

"I had moved to Fort Wayne, In. from the west coast with my fiance and living there for about six months.I was 21 years old and applied for an office job. There was a strange vibe as I sat in the reception area but I shook it off as being nervous.Finally, I was called back and sat down. The man who interviewed me kept asking me strange questions that didn’t pertain to the job.Suddenly he looked me straight in the eyes and told me that they did not hire “women” for the position and that men were far superior to girls. I got up walked out into the reception area and loudly announced to all the women sitting there waiting to be interviewed that they would never ever be hired due to the fact that the company is sexist.The women looked up shocked. Maybe they thought I was a sore loser until I told them to get up and look around especially in the work area and see if they could find one woman.Not one."reddit

Candidates often find themselves in a state of dissonance when the job description does not align with the reality of the role, prompting some to leave interviews prematurely.

It gets even harder to stay polite once the red flags start piling up.

It's crucial to recognize that leaving an interview abruptly can be a reflection of deeper psychological factors, such as anxiety or a strong need for authenticity.

When candidates feel that the environment is misrepresentative, their stress levels can spike, often leading to impulsive decisions.

Behavioral research indicates that high-stress situations can impair our ability to think clearly, making it difficult to stay in a situation that feels incongruous.

7. Job description lied about earnings

"Looking to escape my meh paying, order pulling job at popular auto parts company. Indeed ad says $25 per order, the interviewer says customer pays $25 an order, we pay you $15.My response? “Why didn’t you say this in the ad on indeed?Also why would I leave a job for LESS money?” Walked out."reddit

8. They lied in the job description about what the position actually was

"The people had advertised the job as an in-office management position with a reliable wage but were actually interviewing for a door-to-door salesman position with most of the pay being commission."reddit

9. The interviewer was eating and making ridiculous comments

"More than once unfortunately. First time, the man interviewing me was scarfing down his lunch and making rather ridiculous comments, such as saying I "left a job after only 9 months" when I made it clear that I had worked for a sole proprietor and my boss was killed in a plane crash.I took my resume back, said I wasn't interested and left. Second time, I had been called back for a 3rd interview.Each time, I had been asked super-specific questions. During the 3rd interview I realized they were just pumping me for information to solve their procedural problems and were not going to hire me.I was polite about it, but I told them if they needed further assistance I was going to have to be compensated and left."reddit

Authenticity is crucial in the workplace, as individuals who feel they can be themselves are likely to report higher job satisfaction and engagement. This alignment fosters emotional well-being and reduces the likelihood of impulsive decisions during interviews.

Encouraging candidates to research company culture and seek environments that resonate with their values can serve as a proactive approach to reduce anxiety and enhance job fit.

Self-efficacy, or one's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations, plays a crucial role in how individuals approach job interviews.

When candidates perceive interviews as threatening due to previous negative experiences or perceived inadequacies, their self-efficacy may plummet, leading to impulsive decisions like leaving an interview. Building self-efficacy can be crucial in helping individuals navigate these high-pressure situations successfully.

10. The interviewer told him that his mother's passing wasn't a valid excuse for being late for the interview

"My mother had just died the week before and I wasn't all there. I arrived about 15 mins late.The person that was supposed to interview came out and started going on and on about the company passion and how they like to keep to time or something. I apologised and told him my mother died the week before and I wasn't completely ok.His response? More about how they want committed people who don't make excuses when they're late.I left him there mid sentence and just walked out."reddit

11. The candidate waited an hour for an interview, but no one came, so he left

"I didn’t even get as far as the interview. I’d arrived about 10 minutes ahead; not too early, but with a polite and responsible margin.Then, I sat there for more than an hour past the scheduled time. Nobody came out to apologize for the inconvenience, explain the delay, or say how much longer.I decided, right then, that I wanted nothing to do with people who would treat a job candidate so carelessly. If they’d act disrespectfully toward me, why would I think that conditions are any better for paid staff?I told the receptionist that I was leaving, and I asked her to tell the interviewer how long I’d waited. I don’t know if the latter happened.I do know that I was proud to hold my head up and walk away."reddit

12. The job description wasn't accurate in describing the duties of the position

"I was looking for a marketing job and my recruiter sent me to a well known beauty retailer in Australia for a corporate role. I received the job description ahead of time of course and I was excited.It would be a major role for me early in my career. I got to the head office and was almost immediately asked my religion and values.Okkkkkk. I asked what that had to do with the position and the manager said that he was religious and was looking for someone with the same ideology.I said I wouldn't answer but I didn't have an issue with his faith as it shouldn't come up at work. He then stated that the position was more a visual merch job (in FMCG retail this means stock person or someone who changes over the flags and tickets in store)I politely said it wasn't what I was looking for, and left. I reported them to the recruiter who removed them from the books."reddit

Techniques such as visualization and role-playing can help candidates feel more empowered and confident.

This is similar to the friend who demanded last-minute pet sitting, and the dog-sitter who said no.

Actionable strategies to enhance self-efficacy include preparation techniques, such as practicing common interview questions and visualizing success.

From a cognitive behavioral perspective, candidates might be evaluating the interview environment based on past experiences.

If previous interviews were perceived as negative or untrustworthy, it creates a cognitive bias that influences their current decision-making.

This aligns with the 'confirmation bias' theory, which suggests that people tend to seek out information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs.

13. The job responsibilities didn't match his degree

"I had just graduated from mortuary school, and had passed my board exams. I had an interview with a small funeral home that also had a cemetery.We weren't five minutes into the interview, and the owner said my first job was cleaning the garage, then I would start setting markers in the cemetery, and opening and closing graves. Being new I told him I would clean the garage, but I didn't go to school to dig graves.I thanked him for his time, got up, and left."reddit

14. The interviewer was extremely unprofessional

"Not me, but a classmate. When I graduated from Northwestern in 1982, they had an experienced lady running the placement and interviewing process.She held a little class telling us in detail what to do and how to fill out informational forms, like CV or resume. She seemed pretty severe and no nonsense.We heard of a man from a tech firm who was interviewing a young female engineering graduate. She walked into the room at the appointed time, sat, and said"Hello."He just sat there, looking at her, and said nothing. After five minutes of either plain rudeness, sexism, or what was supposed to be a stress interview, she got up and went to see the lady who managed placement, who came and collected the interviewer and told him to leave, and that he was banned from conducting any more interviews.She also wrote to his company to explain what happened."reddit

15. The candidate left before the interview even started because the interviewer was yelling at another candidate

"Once I left before an interview. I could hear the interviewer shouting at another candidate, something like “why should I hire you when I could hire someone cheaper in China” in an angry, indignant, lashing-out tone.It seemed to me that the situation was intended to intimidate candidates and get them to work cheap, including arranging a situation in which they could hear this going on before they even went in.Stood up, told the other candidate “I don't think I want to work here” and left."reddit

Organizational culture significantly influences applicants' perceptions during interviews. A study suggests that a culture of openness and honesty can reduce interview anxiety. Conversely, environments perceived as overly competitive or lacking transparency can exacerbate feelings of insecurity among candidates.

Fostering a welcoming atmosphere can not only improve the candidate experience but also attract top talent who align with the organization's values.

Setting personal boundaries around what constitutes a 'red flag' in job descriptions or interview settings can empower candidates to make informed decisions.

Additionally, practicing mindfulness techniques can help mitigate anxiety, allowing candidates to approach interviews with a clearer mind and better judgment.

16. He applied for a full-time position, but during the interview, they told him there were only part-time available

"I applied for 40 hour position since my current job at the time was only 16 with maybe 8 hours of overtime. Same kind of job with maybe more task than the current.Higher pay so seemed like a not a problem just win them over. Turned up they asked so it is the 40 hour position you applied for?yes, I really would love full time. Ah well those have all gone I only have 12 hours left.That not what I applied for and whilst the less hours and increased pay would equal the current pay. I just felt lied to and did not trust these two managers.I just cut them off from their corporate talk, shook their hands and left."reddit

17. Interviewers smoked despite the candidate informing them he was allergic

"In 1990s, after taking VRS from my PSU job, I attended one interview. There was a panel of 3 members interviewing.As soon as the interview started, the three interviewers started smoking. I requested them that I am allergic to cigarette smoke and cannot stand it.They said it is my choice to leave if I am not comfortable. So, I walked out of the interview."reddit

18. The candidate made a joke about the interviewer's question

"He asked me what my "weaknesses are." I f**king hate that question.So I responded with, "Dark hair and blue eyes." He didn't think it was funny.I just walked myself out."reddit

It's essential for organizations to recognize the psychological impact of their interview processes. When candidates feel deceived by job descriptions, it can lead to increased turnover and dissatisfaction. Research by the Society for Human Resource Management indicates that transparency in job postings correlates with lower stress levels and higher retention rates.

By ensuring clarity and honesty in job descriptions, companies can create a healthier candidate experience and foster long-term employee satisfaction.

19. The interviewer began asking about the candidate's religious beliefs

"I walked out from the interview. I really wanted that job and everything was going good, until they started to ask questions about my religion,faith and etc.It was not connected with the job they just were asking such questions which can insult you. I just stopped their questions and made them clear that I don’t want to continue the interview."reddit

20. He didn't like the job

"The job was to sell knockoff perfume and cologne at flea markets and fairs. Not interested in ripping people off, even if I did have "the look" they wanted."reddit

21. The candidate waited 45 minutes for the interview, then decided to leave

"I arrived at the interview on time to be greeted by somebody who I knew but considered professionally unethical. They kept me waiting for about 45 minutes before seeing me, so obviously thought something else was more important.I decided I did not want to work for a firm which was so unprofessional. Quite simple!"reddit

For candidates struggling with interview anxiety, implementing coping strategies can significantly improve their experience. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises and positive self-talk can help manage immediate feelings of anxiety. A study in the American Journal of Psychology found that individuals who practice these techniques report lower anxiety levels before and during interviews.

Additionally, seeking support from peers or mentors can provide encouragement and reduce feelings of isolation that often accompany job searching.

22. During the interview, he realized he wasn't fitted for the position

"Twice. But it wasn’t really a “walk out”.In both instances, I paused the interview and admitted that I didn’t think I was the right person for the job. In either case, I was contrite and thanked them for their time.I can’t remember them being upset, though one was a panel interview and one of the managers was really stunned."reddit

23. The company did not like the candidate's salary requirements

"One of my first interviews out of school. They quizzed me on all types of technical matters, that’s fine.But then they told me the relatively low pay, coupled with their requirement that I be on call nearly 24/7. Since I was in my early 20s, I had a busy social life.For me to be on call requires a whole lot on their part. I told them that my salary requirements begin at $100,000.This was in the early 1980s. They were surprised and not happy with my demand.No problem, I’ll move along."reddit

24. The interviewer missed the appointment and called three days later to reschedule

"I arrived early and after waiting 20 minutes past time, a gentleman came in and asked if I'd been helped. I told him I was here to meet X.I was informed she was out of the office and they hadn't been as to reach her on her work or personal cell phones. I told them I couldn't wait anymore, and thanked them.The kicker? Three…THREE days later she called to reschedule!I didn't even answer. I couldn't believe the nerve of that woman!"reddit

Understanding the psychological factors at play during job interviews can empower candidates to navigate these challenging situations more effectively. By recognizing that anxiety is a natural response to perceived threats, individuals can approach interviews with greater self-awareness. This knowledge can lead to more informed decision-making, potentially preventing impulsive exits from interviews that might have otherwise been fruitful.

25. The interviewer was very clear she needed a worker to verify her metrics

"Once. I had already been offered a job, but I still had interviews scheduled.I decided to see if I would get a better offer, so I went. It became clear to me that the manager was a “turnaround artist.”I don't know if there's a better term, but it was pretty clear that she was there to try to rescue an ailing franchise (Think like an internal version of Kitchen Nightmares or Bar Rescue). She made it pretty clear that I was supposed to make her metrics look good.If this were McDonald's (it wasn't) it was the equivalent of not just ensuring that I asked every customer “Do you want fries with that?” but making my job dependent upon how many fries I sold."reddit

26. The interviewer ended it because the candidate wasn't prepared

"Didn't walk out per se but I did cut the interview short after 10mins as an interviewer. The candidate wasn't prepared and replied to my open ended queries with single worded answers.Tried to put the candidate at ease with casual every day questions but even those were met with a blank look and dead end answers. It was apparent that the resume to HR was grossly inflated."reddit

27. The candidate was given a psychometric test but did not want to do it

"Yep. I was once given a psychometric test by an interviewer and left alone to complete it.I took a quick look, realized it was complete nonsense, and left. It was a bit of a shame since the job seemed decent we’d already covered the interview part by chatting for over an hour beforehand."reddit

28. The candidate received a call about his brother's car accident

"I didnt leave through fault of the workplace or employer... my brother was in a car accident and got a call from my sister letting me know."reddit

29. In the third interview, they were still hiding the salary amount

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30. The candidate was offered alcohol during the interview

"Once. It was right out of college.I had a newly minted degree in Business Administration from Texas State University and was out interviewing for entry level business jobs. I can’t remember the company but I was in the interview with my resume talking to a woman and during the interview she offered me a drink.Wine or beer were the choices. Apparently in the company culture that was normal.I wasn’t the only person offered a drink. One was offered a drink if that individual was doing well during the interview.I declined and said I had to use the bathroom really bad-and asked where it was—She pointed and I left her office and building. I don’t remember what the company did anymore but it was for a sales position."reddit

31. The candidate believed he wouldn't need to interact with clients

"I never really had this bad of anxiety since this morning. I got an interview to take an assessment for a warehousing job in a certain store.I thought I would be working in a quiet part and it was night shifts. The assessment was to interact with customers etc...and I immediately froze.Thought everything was going to go great seemed straight forward then they brought all these tasks with the customers so I just had to pull one of the managers aside and told them I'm just not cut out for this. I feel absolutely worthless.I've been jobless for over a year. Nothing seems to be going my way and I really want to put myself out there and show what I can do, everyone was really rooting for me to get this and I feel like I've let them all down."reddit

Although receiving a call for a job interview, whether you are trying to find a job or want to change the current one, is the greatest happiness at the moment, don't forget that it doesn't need to fulfill your expectation. But in that case, the best thing you can do is leave and continue looking for the right job. Eventually, you'll find one.

The experiences shared by individuals who left job interviews mid-way shed light on the often-overlooked dynamics at play during these high-stakes interactions. The article highlights a recurring theme: many candidates felt a disconnect between their expectations and the reality of the interview environment.

This disconnect often leads to anxiety and dissatisfaction, which can be mitigated through thorough preparation and self-awareness. As candidates navigate the interview process, aligning their expectations with the realities of the workplace can significantly enhance their overall experience. The stories presented illustrate that when candidates sense a misalignment, whether due to the interviewer's behavior or the company's culture, they are more likely to walk away, prioritizing their own comfort and values over the opportunity at hand.

The experiences shared by individuals who walked out of job interviews highlight the intricate psychological dynamics that candidates face. The overwhelming pressure of performing well can lead to heightened anxiety, which often manifests in their decision to leave. Recognizing personal triggers is essential for job seekers. When individuals are aware of what makes them uncomfortable, they can develop strategies to cope effectively during these high-stakes situations. The narratives emphasize that with adequate preparation and a positive mindset, interviews can shift from being anxiety-inducing events to valuable opportunities for personal growth and genuine connection with potential employers.

The experiences shared by individuals who abruptly left job interviews reveal a critical insight into the psychological landscape of the hiring process. Candidates often grapple with intense anxiety and discomfort, which can be exacerbated by environments that lack authenticity and transparency. The narratives illustrate that many candidates prioritize their mental well-being over securing a position, showcasing the need for organizations to create a more supportive interview atmosphere. By fostering psychological safety, companies can not only enhance the candidate experience but also attract individuals who feel comfortable and valued. This shift could lead to healthier workplace dynamics, where both employees and employers thrive.

Some interviews end the second the red flags start waving.

For another “leave or stay” blowup, read about a wife furious after her husband chose a dream job over their support system.