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
hairpiece.
- 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.
- Whenever a man
is with a woman he is usually thinking about
sex.
- People are
always watching me.
- If I get too
much change in a store, I always give it back.
- Almost everyone
is guilty of bad sexual conduct.
- 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.
- I think I'm
going to throw-up.
