Job Interview

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 announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and french fries in the interviewer's office.

  • Candidate explained that her long-term goal 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 headpiece.

  • 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?