A man was turned away from a job interview after failing a basic test at reception.
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For most people, a job interview is a nerve-racking experience where every detail counts- from your qualifications and confidence to the handshake at the door.
But for one candidate, the interview was over before it even began, thanks to one simple but costly mistake.
According to an employee who witnessed the scene unfold, the job hopeful managed to blow his chances within just five minutes of entering the building, all due to how he treated the receptionist.
“Today, a candidate blew his interview in the first 5 minutes after he entered the building,” the employee shared on Reddit's 'Life Pro Tips' forum. “He was dismissive to the receptionist. She greeted him, and he barely made eye contact. She tried to engage him in conversation. Again, no eye contact, no interest in speaking with her.”
Unfortunately for him, the woman he thought was just the receptionist was actually the hiring manager in disguise.
“What the candidate did not realise was that the 'receptionist' was actually the hiring manager,” they continued. “She called him back to the conference room and explained how every single person on our team is valuable and worthy of respect.”
The verdict was swift. “Due to his interaction with the 'receptionist', the hiring manager did not feel he was a good fit. Thank you for your time, but the interview is over. Be nice to everyone in the building.”
The story quickly sparked discussion online, with many chiming in about the importance of treating everyone, regardless of title, with courtesy and respect.
One commenter, with experience on hiring panels, pointed out that first impressions go beyond the conference room. “Even if the receptionist wasn't the hiring manager, that receptionist will still get her two cents in at the water cooler while decisions are being made,” they wrote.
“In a few fields I've worked in, it wasn't just the people in the conference room that were consulted before making an offer. Be on point at all times, every employee is a potential teammate and they're all assessing you," they added.
Another user recalled their own close call at a previous job interview: “A few jobs ago, I caught the elevator on my way to the interview. The chatty guy in with me... company CEO. I got the job, luckily, I am all high energy and friendly when nervous, so he liked me even before I saw him a few hours later. Be nice to everyone."
A third shared that after they got hired for a role, their manager told them that "a big thing" they did was "be nice to the receptionist I greeted," adding: "The receptionist told the manager that I was just so friendly to her."
The key takeaway is clear: interviews begin the moment you step into the building.