Today was one of the first times I have given a job interview. About 10 minutes in with the first candidate I realized something was not right. The following 2 hours and 20 minutes were painstakingly awkward and it got me thinking - Has anyone else here ever given an interview to someone completely off their rocker or even made a fool out of themselves during an interview?
Story below
For those of you who don't know, I own a construction company and an equipment dealership that specializes in machinery sales. Recently I have been looking to hire laborers for my construction company
I have advertised a nice starting wage and other perks in an attempt to attract some decent applicants.
I had 3 guys call and want to set up an interview from a certain town about 40 minutes away. Since I had that many applicants and was going to be in that city at the time anyways, I set up all three guys for a casual, laid back interview at a local restaurant.
The first interview was at 2, then 2:30 and then 3. I figured a half an hour was more than enough time to do what had to be done.
The first guy showed up a few minutes late and was lacking the resume I asked him to bring. Not a major, issue yet, but still concerning.
So I started describing the general duties of the job, what I expect, etc... and then **** got dumb.
The guy got really fidgety and kept looking around, almost as if someone was out to get him. I began to explain the travel required and he just interrupts me and goes off on a bender - "I don't eat! I might have a crumb here or there, but you give me a big gallon of water and I will put my bandana on to work! I sweat! I sweat and I go to church, but that doesn't mean I'm a Christian. But it also doesn't mean I'm not a Christian. It means I work! I work hard and I'm a getter' goer."
So, after this ranting kept going on, and after he would interrupt basically every question I had with another classic rant, it was already 2:30 and time for the other applicant to sit down.
I politely said it was time for the other applicant and I would get back to him at a later date. Completely blowing that off, he belts out another comical rant in this restaurant.
Now, before I tell you what it was, I must note that this area is beside numerous reservations and that the booth across from me was seating two Native American girls who I overhead talking about their finals, school, etc... because it was more fun that listening to this character.
His completely off topic rant went like this - "And I don't even drink alcohol. Alcohol is a destructive tool. Hell, look what it did to the indians! And the white man, he drinks and drinks and then hurts the indians!"
At this point, it went from mildly humorous to full out stupid. I told the guy he needed to let the other applicant take his place and I would call him later...
So, he did what any of us at that point would have done - Got up and took a seat at a table behind us.
So I interview the 2nd guy, took 20 minutes or so and called it good. He got up, and homeboy came over and sat down.
Clearly not wanting to make a scene, and starting to suspect a possible, underlying mental health issue, I remained as polite and professional as I could.
After another round of ranting, the 3rd guy arrived and went just like when the 2nd guy showed up.
After the 3rd guy left, this guy sat back down and wanted to talk about Ben Hogan and metal.
I offered to buy this guy dinner because I just felt bad for him. He just had something about him that made me feel sorry for him.
He turned down the offer, but asked if I would go somewhere and buy him chew. I told him I would not, so then he asked if he could borrow money for me.
I was kind of pissed, but I gave the guy 10 dollars and said my goodbyes before leaving.
I don't imagine I will ever have an interview like that again.
And on a side note, this guy was an extremely professional, normal seeming guy on the phone. He is a good reason why I will never consider hiring someone over the phone as long as I'm in business.
EDIT: Luckily I have the draft to cheer me up tonight, but the more I think about it, the worse I feel. Something about that whole scene was depressing to me.
Story below
Spoiler
For those of you who don't know, I own a construction company and an equipment dealership that specializes in machinery sales. Recently I have been looking to hire laborers for my construction company
I have advertised a nice starting wage and other perks in an attempt to attract some decent applicants.
I had 3 guys call and want to set up an interview from a certain town about 40 minutes away. Since I had that many applicants and was going to be in that city at the time anyways, I set up all three guys for a casual, laid back interview at a local restaurant.
The first interview was at 2, then 2:30 and then 3. I figured a half an hour was more than enough time to do what had to be done.
The first guy showed up a few minutes late and was lacking the resume I asked him to bring. Not a major, issue yet, but still concerning.
So I started describing the general duties of the job, what I expect, etc... and then **** got dumb.
The guy got really fidgety and kept looking around, almost as if someone was out to get him. I began to explain the travel required and he just interrupts me and goes off on a bender - "I don't eat! I might have a crumb here or there, but you give me a big gallon of water and I will put my bandana on to work! I sweat! I sweat and I go to church, but that doesn't mean I'm a Christian. But it also doesn't mean I'm not a Christian. It means I work! I work hard and I'm a getter' goer."
So, after this ranting kept going on, and after he would interrupt basically every question I had with another classic rant, it was already 2:30 and time for the other applicant to sit down.
I politely said it was time for the other applicant and I would get back to him at a later date. Completely blowing that off, he belts out another comical rant in this restaurant.
Now, before I tell you what it was, I must note that this area is beside numerous reservations and that the booth across from me was seating two Native American girls who I overhead talking about their finals, school, etc... because it was more fun that listening to this character.
His completely off topic rant went like this - "And I don't even drink alcohol. Alcohol is a destructive tool. Hell, look what it did to the indians! And the white man, he drinks and drinks and then hurts the indians!"
At this point, it went from mildly humorous to full out stupid. I told the guy he needed to let the other applicant take his place and I would call him later...
So, he did what any of us at that point would have done - Got up and took a seat at a table behind us.
So I interview the 2nd guy, took 20 minutes or so and called it good. He got up, and homeboy came over and sat down.
Clearly not wanting to make a scene, and starting to suspect a possible, underlying mental health issue, I remained as polite and professional as I could.
After another round of ranting, the 3rd guy arrived and went just like when the 2nd guy showed up.
After the 3rd guy left, this guy sat back down and wanted to talk about Ben Hogan and metal.
I offered to buy this guy dinner because I just felt bad for him. He just had something about him that made me feel sorry for him.
He turned down the offer, but asked if I would go somewhere and buy him chew. I told him I would not, so then he asked if he could borrow money for me.
I was kind of pissed, but I gave the guy 10 dollars and said my goodbyes before leaving.
I don't imagine I will ever have an interview like that again.
And on a side note, this guy was an extremely professional, normal seeming guy on the phone. He is a good reason why I will never consider hiring someone over the phone as long as I'm in business.
EDIT: Luckily I have the draft to cheer me up tonight, but the more I think about it, the worse I feel. Something about that whole scene was depressing to me.
Good one Dick.
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