The Snobbiest Job Interviews: A Look at Overbearing Employers

Job interviews can be stressful and nerve-wracking, but some can go beyond just being uncomfortable. Overbearing employers have a tendency to make the interview experience feel more like a test to see if you fit their preconceived image rather than evaluating your skills and qualifications. Let's dive into three of the most overbearing interviews and how they impacted the job seekers.

The PMP Project Manager

One interviewee shared a story about facing snobby interviewers who questioned their PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. The candidate, who holds an MSPM (Master of Science in Project Management) degree and is qualified to teach the subject, found the interviewers' insistence on this certification to be overwhelming. When the candidate explained their qualifications and experience, the interviewers' questions became more demanding, scrutinizing every detail.

“Several interviews questioning if I had a PMP. When I replied that I did not, these interviewers’ questions became demanding as to why I did not.”

Instead of valuing the candidate’s experience and qualifications, the interviewers seemed to see the PMP as an automatic qualification. The candidate felt frustrated and ultimately decided that such an interview was not worth the job offer.

The MBA Interviewineer

Another interviewee recounted an experience where overbearing interviewers believed they knew everything about an MBA. This interviewee did not have an MBA, which led to a particularly unflattering questioning style from the interview panel. To avoid answering questions that they were sure the candidate would be unprepared for, the interview panel shifted the focus to more personal topics, such as the candidate’s summer vacation.

“I don’t have an MBA and therefore when I interviewed MBA candidates that took a “know it all” approach I avoided asking any questions that I knew they would be prepared for.”

The idea was to assess the candidate’s curiosity and ability to think on their feet by asking open-ended questions. However, this approach sometimes resulted in an entire interview devoting to the candidates’ personal experiences, which did not always help in understanding their professional capabilities.

The Chef’s Brush-off

The most egregious example of overbearing interviewers came from a job seeker’s experience with the chef at Aramark at the War Memorial Coliseum. The candidate described the interview as being conducted by a particularly smug individual who incessantly boasted about the profits made by the organization, claiming they were the only company with the exclusive rights to sell concessions at the arena.

“That would have to have been my interview with the chef of Aramark at the War Memorial Colliseum. I have never known a more smug person. He thought so highly of himself and the job he felt the need to brag about their profits. They are the only company selling concessions in that arena. Of course they make millions per year!”

While the chef’s boastfulness may have been a reflection of his personal pride in his work, the candidate found it off-putting and alienating. Such an interview can create a lasting negative impression and make the candidate question whether the job is truly a good fit.

Conclusion

Overbearing employers can make the job hunting process a difficult and discouraging one. Candidates should be prepared to face these types of interviews and should consider pushing back on the interviewer’s overconfidence and focus on qualifications over personal characteristics. Remember, a job is not just about titles and certifications; it's about working in a supportive and respectful environment.

Related Keywords

job interviews, snobby interviewers, overbearing employers