SIX JOB HUNTER HORROR STORIES

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor
Adapted from http://msn.careerbuilder.com/

Job hunting can be a scary endeavor. The following true stories will raise the hair on the neck of even the bravest job seekers. You can learn from their hard-earned lessons. (Names have been changed to protect the traumatized.)

Horror Story No. 1: The Invisible Man
"I'd been looking for a different job for several months and after much searching I was finally offered a new position," Julie N., an administrative assistant, says. "Of course I accepted, but days after I'd given notice to my current employer, my new employer called and told me they had re-evaluated their financial situation. They were rescinding their offer!

"Panicked, I tucked my tail between my legs and went looking for my current boss to tell her I wouldn't be quitting after all. I made every effort, but she was tied up in meetings all day. The following morning, during a staff meeting she made reference to my upcoming departure. I was stuck. I had no choice but to reveal my predicament and ask for my old job back -- in front of the entire office staff. She gave me two months to find a new job."

Lesson: Always confirm a new job offer before you resign from the old one.

Horror Story No. 2: A Nightmare on Elm Street
"I once called on an ad for a 'marketing rep.' The interview consisted of walking door to door (in coat and tie) with another employee as we tried to sell oil change coupons," Phil G., an account executive, remembers. "He would try to make a sale, and then ask me to try one as part of the interviewing process. In between, my interviewer would ask me questions about my career goals and dreams.

We stopped for lunch at a fast-food place and he had to borrow money from me so he could eat! The final stage of the interview included a closed-door pep rally with all of the current marketing reps. They sang songs, clapped, and chanted the company motto (of which I don't recall). I had to think fast. It was raining that day. I told my sponsor/interviewer I left my window open. I got up, ran out and never looked back."

Lesson: When scheduling an interview, inquire about the role and location.

Horror Story No. 3: Friday the 13th
"One of my first jobs as a supervisor was to interview candidates for an administrative assistant position," Leigh S. recalls. "We scheduled a full day of screenings. Following a very wet and rainy night, some areas of our office roof were leaking and maintenance had a couple of buckets in the hallway. Not a great first impression, but hey, it was a quaint old office building.

"Each applicant had to complete a battery of written tests. As one candidate dutifully sat at a desk outside my office, I heard a 'crack,' a 'swoosh' and then a huge splash. The ceiling tile just above the candidate had collapsed under the weight of the rain water and drenched her. Wet but unharmed, the experience clearly dampened her spirits and her prized interview suit. She immediately informed me that she was no longer interested in the job."

Lesson: Prepare for a rainy day and bring an umbrella.

Horror Story No. 4: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
"Looking to escape the policies, procedures and politics of a big corporation, I sent my résumé to a small, privately-owned manufacturing company that was looking for a top executive. I received an invitation from the owner of the company to come to an interview. His office had a fireplace, cushy couches and looked more like a den than an office. The interview went well and I was excited about the flexibility of the job, the tremendous earning potential and the opportunity to travel around the world to meet with clients," Patrick L., a chief financial officer says.

"That is, until the owner asked if my wife would be willing to travel with me. I explained that wasn't possible as she too was a professional and had her own full-time career. He then asked if I would be comfortable traveling with an escort as many of their international clients expected to be entertained and treated to lavish dinners with their partners! Having invested an equal number of years in both my marriage and my career, I decided I wasn't willing to put either at risk, even if this sounded like my dream job."

Lesson: Don't lose sight of what really matters.

Horror Story No. 5: House of Wax
"I drove 300 miles each way at my own expense to interview for a position at a particular company," Matthew H., a marketing manager, says. "When I sat down for the interview, the interviewer (an assistant manager) only asked me ONE question, "Can you tell me about yourself?" After I gave a brief 90 second introduction, she indicated that was all the questions she had and asked if I had any questions for her."

"Somewhat baffled, I proceeded to INTERVIEW HER -- on her background and skills, her position, her department, the company, company culture, etc. With such a complacent and unenergetic attitude to recruiting qualified employees, I left that interview and the company hardly impressed."

Lesson: Thoroughly research a company and prepare a list of questions before heading out to an interview.

Horror Story No. 6: Psycho
"I had been looking for an opportunity to relocate to the Midwest and advance into sales management, when I received a call from a company in Chicago about a position as a regional sales manager. They offered to fly me in for an interview with two of their senior sales directors. I had heard industry rumors that the company wasn't doing so well and that their technology wasn't exactly keeping pace with the competition. But I was impressed that they were going to foot the bill to fly me all the way from Massachusetts, and was flattered that they were interested in me," Tricia C., a national sales manager, recalls.

"When I arrived, I discovered that the address they provided was not a company office, but instead it was a low-budget motel by O'Hare airport. The room number they gave me was for a guest room, not a meeting room. I was greeted by two old crusty guys in bad suits who had spread a number of company brochures out on the bed. The rumors were obviously true!"

Lesson: Trust your instincts and first impressions.

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Submitted by Kirstine Sigloh
Albemarle High School
Charlottesville VA