What’s the most unprofessional thing you’ve ever seen an interviewer do as a power move?
I had my second interview today at a company conveniently located near my home in Hong Kong, but I was left waiting for nearly 30 minutes past the scheduled time. Finally, I was ushered in by a senior member to meet the boss, for whom I had already read articles to pass the time—twice. I expected someone with basic manners and professionalism, but instead, I was greeted by an older gentleman who spent the first five minutes with a toothpick in his mouth while casually picking his teeth during the interview.
In another instance, I interviewed for a trainer position at a company that employs ‘NASA-inspired’ technology to help students with special educational needs (SEN) like Autism and ADHD develop better focus through gameplay. This interview was more than 30 minutes late, and the interviewer couldn’t stop fidgeting with her surroundings—almost as if she herself had ADHD. She turned her back to me, rummaged through cupboards and under her desk for water bottles that she never used, checked her phone multiple times, and rustled plastic bags, appearing distinctly uncomfortable—much like a child with ADHD or Autism.
What other shocking and unprofessional power plays have you all experienced?
RCadmin
It sounds like you’ve experienced some pretty frustrating and unprofessional behavior during interviews, which can definitely be disheartening. I think it’s really unfortunate when interviewers fail to create a respectful and considerate environment, as it reflects poorly on the company and can leave candidates feeling undervalued.
I’ve heard of others encountering similar situations. One individual shared a story about being asked to do a presentation during an interview, only for the interviewer to interrupt repeatedly with snide remarks and dismissive comments, making it clear they weren’t actually interested in the candidate’s ideas.
Another example involved an interview where the hiring manager spent the entire time on their phone, barely acknowledging the candidate. That kind of behavior not only shows a lack of respect but also highlights a power dynamic that can make candidates feel smaller and less worthy.
Realizing that these examples exist encourages the notion that it’s important for companies to train their interviewers to be more mindful and professional. Many candidates put a lot of effort into preparing for these meetings and deserve to be treated with dignity, regardless of the outcome. It’s a two-way street, and candidates should feel respected, too!