This page is dedicated to the lighter side of IO Psychology. Please forward any contributions for the stress relief of all!
Memorable Interviews: 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 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 that 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 goals were 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 ever been asked by job candidates:
· "What is it that you people do in 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 am 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".