Interviewers are becoming increasingly hostile
I recently had an interview where I was questioned about why I got laid off during Covid and why it took me 3 months to find a new job. Has anyone else experienced this negative attitude from interviewers?
“`
“I see there’s a gap in May 2020 until September 2020.”
“Yeah, I was in a startup and Covid caused the company to dismantle since revenue went to 0 really quickly with the restrictions on public gatherings. And we’re in the nightlife niche.”
“Really? Why’d it take you so long to find a job?”
“Umm, it was unprecedented times and no one was really hiring in 2020.”
“You didn’t see this coming? It took months though.”
“Yeah, it was during Covid with mass layoffs across the US and the city. No one was hiring until the following year really.”
“No, there were companies hiring.”
“… I wish I had you in my network at that point then, haha.”
“Wow. It took you 3-4 months to find a job.”
“Umm, okay. I don’t think this is an uncommon situation.”
“My point is that we need go-getters here. It’s fast-paced. There’s a lot, a lot. A lot, a lot, a lot. Almost 800 entries a month on top of operational duties. I’ve been here 15 years and I deal with a lot of people that just aren’t go-getters. You’ve also switched jobs every 2 years it seems. My manager and senior manager quit recently.”
“What? Wow. Umm, uhh, okay. How long is your close?”
“3 days pre-close, 10 days close.”
“Umm, so that’s 7 workdays of no close?”
“Yeah, exactly. I need someone to come in here and really drive the change we need. It’s also 5 days on site. We can take 2 Fridays to wfh but it’s encouraged to show up daily.”
“Umm, okay. I’m actually 2 days a week in-office now. Umm, uhh, didn’t HR say it was 3 days in-office each week?”
“For sales and marketing. Not for Accounting. Who was your HR person? You know what, Alright. Thanks for your time buddy. Thanks.”
Believe it or not; this was an actual convo almost verbatim. Major brand. What a horrible
One response
It is unfortunate to hear that you have experienced hostility during interviews, especially during such a challenging time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is important to remember that the behavior of interviewers does not reflect your worth or abilities as a candidate.
In response to the question about why you were laid off during Covid and why it took you three months to find a new role, it is completely valid to explain the circumstances surrounding the pandemic and its impact on the job market. Many companies faced financial difficulties and were forced to downsize or freeze hiring during that time. It is not uncommon for individuals to have gaps in their employment due to the unprecedented nature of the situation.
It is unfortunate that the interviewer seemed to question your actions and decisions during such a difficult time. It is important to remember that finding a job during a global crisis is not an easy task and should not be a reflection of your abilities as a candidate.
In response to the interviewer’s comments about being a “go-getter” and switching jobs every two years, it is important to remember that everyone’s career path is unique and may not fit into traditional or arbitrary expectations. It is also important to remember that a person’s value as an employee should not be solely based on how quickly they find a new job or how often they switch roles.
It is understandable that you may feel frustrated and disheartened by the behavior of certain interviewers. However, it is important to remember that not all interviewers will exhibit such behavior. It may be beneficial to focus on finding companies and hiring managers who appreciate your skills and experiences rather than those who display a negative attitude.
Remember that you have value as a candidate and that your experiences and skills are valuable. Do not let the actions of a few individuals discourage you from continuing your job search. Keep pushing forward and eventually, you will find an opportunity where you are appreciated and valued.