26 People Share Their Worst Job Interview Experiences

Job interviews can go sideways fast, especially when the company sounds polished on the outside but the process feels off from the start. For a lot of people, the real shock is not the questions, it is the behavior.

In this roundup, people share the worst interview experiences they have ever had, from bizarre questions to blatant disrespect and red flags that were impossible to ignore. One recruiter’s strange behavior sparked the conversation, and the replies quickly turned into a parade of nightmare stories.

Some of these interviews are so awkward, they are hard to believe. Read on.

1. What's my name?

sarahdaktyl

2. Don't keep the salary a secret; don't waste everyone's time.

FasterthanShaun

3. Well, it is better not to work for free.

glimbrick

4. You are too pretty to work...

Bridget92462250

5. How can you not accept this job?

krislcoll

6. You should be happy...

DrewTabori

7. You work Saturdays for free...

snacky

8. Wasn't hungry enough...

autumn17882664

9. Sexist questions are a definite turn-off.

Madeline_Pine

Becca Carnahan, a career coach, says that "the skills and competencies interviewers screen for will differ significantly based on the role and the company. However, you will almost always be asked a variation of 'Tell me about yourself.'"

Some things are illegal for interviewers to ask, she highlighted. "Questions about marital status, children, ethnicity, religion, race, and age should not be asked in an interview. Keep in mind the laws in your state as well. For example, in some states, employers cannot ask about your salary history."

That is where a lot of interviews start to go off the rails.

10. Less money? No thanks...

NasrNick

11. Already filled...

FaintlyMcAbre

12. Do political views make me less competent?

mellyrox

13. Please, tell me more about things I already know.

Kachel

14. An hour for an hour.

PyramidHeadLove

15. Do you really, really, really want this job?

sleeptweeting

16. Learn the correct response...

wendybradley

Another interview that crossed the line.

It’s the same kind of pressure as choosing a work event over a family reunion when everyone expects you to show up.

17. Change of plan...

Kathryn_Watts

18. How do you feel about work affairs?

elizabe29237235

19. If you don't want that, leave now...

MorganFailchild

20. Legal is relative...for some people.

commmiser

This one left people speechless.

21. What makes you think you are good enough? Well, if you can work here, I guess the standards are pretty low...

stevemccornack

22. Stack 'em up faster!

kaijuSitcom

23. Are you sure? Are you really, really sure?

KevBurkeEnjoys

24. Please, ignore that idiot. We need you!

Stephstrikesbac

25. The job is now completely different. Hope that's not a problem.

sanslenom

26. Isn't honesty a virtue?

raeraegck

A job hunt is tough, no doubt about it. And landing a perfect job is nearly impossible for beginners.

It’s as if we all have to pay our dues and go through a series of lousy jobs to earn a cosmic right to work for a decent employer and receive decent pay. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Just look out for these red flags, and if any of them show up, run the other way as fast as you can.

Some interview red flags are impossible to miss.

Before you accept “free” labor, read about a roommate who’s not paying rent while jobless.