UK 
United States
When asked to share the most unusual things job candidates have done during the interview process, employers and hiring managers recalled the following:
- Usually honesty is the best policy, but there are always cases when you should hold something back. This candidate did not have the skills to do the job and stated, "Fake it until you make it" as his personal philosophy.
- Even if the interview isn’t shaping up the way the candidate wants, you expect them to remain polite. Not this one! They asked the interviewer if she was qualified to be doing her job – instantly ruining any chance of a callback.
- One candidate asked for a cocktail. Hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!
- Some people need a hit of caffeine to get going in the morning – but normally they’re capable of getting their own. However, this candidate asked to taste the interviewer's coffee.
- A candidate called a government job "something government-y." Maybe they were a secret agent?
- It’s temping in this weather to come into work wearing something warm and snug – but you probably know not to take it too far. This candidate came to interview wearing slippers.
- When you think of great employees from films, Darth Vader probably doesn’t rank too high. That didn’t stop this candidate from wearing a costume of the Star Wars villain to an interview.
- Having an idol is a good thing. Spending a lot of time quoting Dwight D. Eisenhower, which had nothing to do with the position you are interviewing for, is a bad idea though, as this candidate learned.
- Need a nap? One candidate leaned far forward with his head down during the first five minutes of the interview.
- Sharing snacks might also be a step too far. This candidate offered interviewer pumpkins and said they transfer good energy.
- It’s possible to reveal a little too much about your personal life when under pressure. This candidate pulled out a bag of drugs with his keys.
- Candidate broke out in song in the middle of the interview. Unless they were searching for a job in the West End, it’s unlikely this tactic helped!
Do you have a nightmare interview story? Get it off your chest in the comments below...
