Don’t Call Us Tales from the Recruiting Front

It isn’t surprising that recruitment has become HR’s No. 1 challenge. But it’s surprising what can happen during job interviews. Here are some of the most unusual experiences you shared.

Given the current labor market, it isn’t surprising that recruitment has become HR’s No. 1 challenge. But it’s surprising what can happen during job interviews. Here are some of the most unusual experiences you shared:

1. The CEO conducted interviews at candidates’ homes so that he could meet the family. He would ask the candidates’ spouses why we should hire that person.
2. A management candidate arrived for his interview so drunk he couldn’t stand straight.
3. A job candidate said that he didn’t use Windows 95® because Microsoft asked him not to.
4. During an interview, an applicant (who was also a musician) sang a song—and really belted it out.
5. I was called out of my office during an interview. While standing just outside my door, my colleague and I heard the candidate opening the drawers of my desk and file cabinets.
6. A candidate explained that she was no longer living at the address on her résumé because her home had been taken over by aliens.
7. A candidate for a factory job stripped off her pullover sweater during an interview. She wasn’t wearing anything underneath it.
8. A candidate came in for an interview wearing an ear on a chain around his neck.
9. An applicant told all her friends she was hired for a receptionist opening, and then just showed up and sat at the reception desk. We had not made her an offer.
10. A woman came into the office to apply for a job with a 4-inch knife blade sticking out of her purse.
11. A candidate asked about the salary for a position because he wanted to be sure he would earn enough to have beer money for the weekend.
12. A candidate brought lunch to an interview because it was scheduled during his lunch time.