Job Seekers Share Absurd Interview Questions That Shocked Them

In a recent conversation on the r/AskReddit forum, users shared some of the most absurd questions they have encountered during job interviews. The post, initiated by Reddit user Correct_Spray5890, invited others to recount their experiences, leading to an outpouring of bizarre and often inappropriate inquiries. From personal matters to ludicrous hypotheticals, the shared stories reveal a troubling trend in interview practices.

Unusual and Inappropriate Questions

One particularly shocking account comes from a former police applicant in the United Kingdom. In 1983, during an interview process, the candidate was asked, “Do you masturbate?” The rationale provided was that it tested responses to potentially offensive questions in the field. The interviewee responded honestly and even turned the question back on the interviewer, who reportedly replied, “Not anymore!”

In another instance, a candidate was posed the question, “Do you get along with other women? Because we seem to have a lot of catfights here,” during an interview at a District Attorney’s Office. This kind of questioning raises concerns about workplace culture and gender dynamics.

A more straightforward yet equally absurd query was, “If this job offered no money, would you still want to work here?” The answer, as one applicant noted, was a clear “no.”

Questions Reflecting Bias and Insensitivity

Some interviewers have reportedly crossed lines into personal territory. A female candidate was asked, “Is it okay with your husband for you to work?” while another faced an application question that asked female candidates to disclose the duration of their menstrual cycles. Such inquiries not only reflect a lack of professionalism but also hint at underlying biases that could influence hiring decisions.

Another interviewee recounted being asked about their living situation in a way that suggested financial scrutiny: “How did you get to this interview? Oh, you drove? Is it your car? Is it your dad’s car?” This line of questioning raises ethical concerns about what personal details are relevant to job performance.

Even seemingly benign questions can reveal a lack of understanding of appropriate interview practices. One candidate was asked, “If you could be any kitchen appliance, what would you be and why?” Such questions may seem light-hearted but can detract from the seriousness of the hiring process.

The range of unusual questions does not only highlight the oddities of interviewing but also underscores a broader issue within hiring practices. Candidates are often subjected to inquiries that can feel invasive or irrelevant, leading to discomfort and raising questions about the culture of the organizations conducting these interviews.

As job seekers continue to share their experiences, the hope remains that such absurdities will prompt a reevaluation of interview norms, fostering a more respectful and professional approach to hiring.