There is a company here in town that I always wanted to work for. I used to consider them my dream employer since they are in an industry that I adore. I interviewed with them in 2003 and it went well. The gal I interviewed with said she’d be in touch in a couple of days. When I didn’t hear, I attempted to follow up (something I don’t normally do, but I was desperate). But wouldn’t ya know? The gal I interviewed with and the HR contact both left the company. What are the odds? And I guess that means the job opening vanished? Who knows. I never get answers when interviewing.
In 2008, I got another interview with this company. This one was only a phone interview. And of course, I was once again desperate. The position was for a supply chain analyst. In addition to an MBA, I have a degree in supply chain management. I’ve been a supply chain analyst. I’ve been a supply chain manager. And at the time, I had 10 years of experience in the field of supply chain management. I wasn’t exactly applying to man the space shuttle. This was right in my sweet spot.
The gentleman I spoke with was oddly nasty with me. It was really strange. He kept saying things like “I don’t even know why I’m talking to you. You’re not at all qualified for this job.” Had I not been desperate for a new position, I would never have tolerated that from a potential employer. I’d have politely said “It sounds like you and I aren’t quite a good match. You take care and good luck in your search.” HOWEVER, I was desperate. So I sat there and took it. He was a colossal dick, and I responded kindly. I have never felt so dirty.
For the next couple of days I thought maybe it was a recruiting tactic. Maybe they are trying to see how potential employees respond to being shit upon. But as someone who at the time was teaching business at a local community college, I realized there is no such tactic. Recruiters don’t do that. And if that’s how that company recruits, why would anyone want to work there?
I did get a call back a few days later from the cranky asshole to tell me I didn’t get the job. He said “I figured you took the time to send a resume, so I might as well call you back even though you’re not qualified.” This guy sure burned some calories letting me know he wasn’t going to hire me. I wish I remembered his name. I do remember the company though. They have a giant retail presence and haven’t seen a dime of my money since that day.
Do you have a strange/funny/depressing interview story?




