Interviews can pile on the pressure and make it difficult for you to present yourself as the best possible candidate – and they don’t always go to plan.
Leading job search engine, Adzuna, has sourced some of the most shocking interview horror stories, from around the UK, to show job seekers they’re not alone when their interview turns cringe-worthy.
To support in those times when the interview does go awry, the job market experts have also provided top tips to negotiate even the most challenging of interviews.
And many have been very forthcoming in sharing their cringe-worthy tales – including singing Kylie Minogue and having an interview on a hotel bed.
The nation have revealed their worst interview stories – including one who was asked to sing Kylie Minogue. Pictured, stock image
Andrew, director of sustainable construction company BuildPassUK, from Winchester
‘I remember having to sing Kylie Minogue’s I Should Be So Lucky at one,’ said Andrew. ‘I left my dignity and the job offer at the door!
I was fresh out of university interviewing for a sales and marketing role and eager to please, otherwise I would have walked out.’
Helen, from the North West
‘I once went to a retail interview in a hotel. When it was my turn, the interviewer beckoned me into the interview room apologising profusely because the conference suite had been double booked.
‘We did the whole thing in a twin room and I had to sit on a bed!’
Laura, a PR director from Leeds
‘I turned up for my interview and was directed to a meeting room upstairs by a member of the team who said they were waiting for me in the room.
‘I walked in full of confidence, only to realise I’d walked into the middle of someone else’s interview!
‘I quickly retreated and waited awkwardly outside while the other candidate finished and then walked past me on the way out.’
Lizzi, a social media manager from Leeds
‘I went to an interview that was an absolute car crash.’
‘After I left I found some keys on the stairs so I went back up to hand them in and heard them slagging me off, so I hid the keys and left.’
Holly, HR professional, from Brighton
‘I used to work for an owner of a business who turned up to an interview late, took one look at the (reasonably senior) candidate and then yawned loudly and argued the whole way through the interview.
‘When I asked him why he behaved so badly during the interview he said he didn’t like the guy’s eyebrows!
‘I have never been so embarrassed doing an interview before, so eventually I took the lead, got a lot of eye contact and encouraged the candidate to address me instead.’
Lee, owner of EasyMerchant
‘We were hiring for one role at my company and I was already running late due to a significant amount of roadworks.
‘I took a detour to try and bypass the traffic and at one T-junction, a couple of miles away from my office, I admittedly jumped out a little hastily which aggravated an oncoming driver who was going faster than he should have been.
‘The driver in question proceeded to beep, flash and tailgate me to show his annoyance for the rest of my journey into work, until it became clear we had both just pulled onto the site car park.
‘It got more awkward when I got out of the car and he just sat in his.
‘I went inside and a couple of minutes later was told our first interviewee had arrived. Yup – it was him. It was an awkward interview, particularly when I asked him how he managed pressure or stress. And no – he didn’t get the job!’
Andrew Hunter, Co-Founder of Adzuna commented: ‘Interviews can be intimidating, but it’s important to remember that no one in that room wants you to fail.
‘Remaining calm and professional while showing your personality are the key things to bring to the meeting – but always do as much preparation as you can!
‘At Adzuna, we’re passionate about helping people find the right role for them, but we also know how difficult it can be if an interview takes a turn for the awkward or doesn’t go as well as you had hoped.
‘We wanted to share these stories to to reassure jobseekers they’re not alone, it happens to the best of us – but not to be disheartened when it does!’