Halloween Special: Terrifying Tales from the Interview Process 🎃
The only thing scarier than ghosts and goblins is the modern job interview. Whether it’s mysterious silence from HR, interrogations that feel straight out of a horror movie, or bizarre encounters with hiring managers, these real-life experiences will give you chills. Gather round as we tell some of the creepiest job-hunting stories from candidates who lived through the nightmares.
1. The Never-Ending Marathon of Misery
"I applied for the role in November and was asked to complete a 4-hour writing assessment in January. In February, I had a 5 AM interview, right before driving several hours to a funeral. The interview panel was stiff and robotic, each person asking their pre-assigned question like they were reciting from a script. It felt impersonal, but I still wanted the job. They told me I’d hear back soon… but the days stretched into weeks."
“In March, they reached out to my former supervisors for written references, and I thought things were looking good. But after that, silence—no answers from the hiring manager or HR, even after multiple follow-ups. Finally, in July, I received a cold, automated rejection email. It stung knowing they’d gone through the effort of gathering references only to ghost me. In hindsight, though, I’m glad I dodged that bullet.”
2. The Vanishing Coffee Date
"After two formal interviews, I felt confident of a good match. But late on a Friday night, the hiring manager texted me, asking to meet across town early Saturday morning. Desperate for the job, I agreed. Over coffee, we had an engaging conversation about everything from winter bathing to setting up the new location in Denmark. She even discussed other candidates for various roles with me, which made me feel like I was already part of the team. But as the decision deadline came and went, and I heard nothing. I tried texting her on the personal number she’d given me, but the messages went unanswered. I didn’t even get a rejection—just silence. To this day, I have no idea what happened."
3. The Missing Contract Crisis
"In Denmark’s public sector, accepting a job offer with a simple 'I accept' via digital post is legally binding, even before you receive a formal contract. So, I accepted a new position, signed a lease in a different city, and began moving my things. Then, the nightmare began: I found out the person who hired me had resigned, and nobody knew if my position was still valid.With my lease signed and no other options, I sent increasingly desperate emails to HR, praying the job hadn’t disappeared with the hiring manager. Days passed with no response. Just as I started to assume the worst, HR finally called to confirm I still had the job. It was like coming back from the dead."
4. A Salary Cut Straight from a Horror Show
"Before the interview, I had already shared my salary expectations via email. But halfway through the interview, the manager decided to offer 30,000 DKK less. When I politely declined, he started lecturing me about 'how the real-world works' and called me inflexible. The conversation became so awkward that, he even asked if I’d consider working part-time or on commission instead. On my way out, he also asked me where he should post job ads for interns. I left wondering if the real interview had been for me—or if I was helping them recruit."
5. The Zodiac Enthusiast
"One hiring manager looked me in the eye and asked, 'What’s your zodiac sign?' Confused but polite, I answered, and he responded with ‘I am not sure this will work out as our suns don’t align.’ He then thanked me for the interview and wished me luck in finding another position, maybe with a Leo as a boss. I left confused and amazed at the whole situation.
6. Dating in the office
"In another bizarre twist, I was once offered a job under the condition that I wouldn’t have children for at least five years. I thought it was a joke—but it wasn’t. Needless to say, I didn’t take the job. I have also been asked if I am single in an interview followed by an introduction to all the eligible (and not so eligible) guys at the office. Some people say professionalism is dead, but in my case, I think it was never born."
These stories remind us that sometimes the scariest part of a job search isn’t the rejection—it's all the strange and spooky encounters along the way. From ghosting to surreal questions, the modern job hunt is a labyrinth of obstacles. Let’s hope your next interview is free of tricks—and filled with treats. 🎃
Article by
Salme Tran
