by Chauncey Kenton

Created on: October 09, 2008

I was verbally abused at a job interview, and even though I was desperate for a job, and my self confidence was low - I stood up to the abuser and told him he was an idiot! That had the amazing effect of boosting my self esteem, and enabled me to be more assertive in the next job interview, where I landed a great job!

In 2002, I lost my job in aviation due to the ripple effect in the airline industry after 9/11. Jobs were scarce in that field, so I decided to branch out and try other areas. I have a degree in accounting, so I figured how hard could it be to find a job as an accountant? Jobs for both blue-collar and white-collar workers were tight, and even though I sent out hundreds of resumes, and searched the job sites daily - I was getting little response.

After several months of searching, and a few interviews that went nowhere, I received a call from a medical laboratory concerning a resume that I had submitted several weeks prior. I went online and researched this particular laboratory, and found out that it was part of a chain of very successful research laboratories. The website for the parent company listed a section called "Careers", and I was able to research the company's pay ranges and benefits before the interview. This company had great benefits, and the pay looked better than my last job, so you can imagine how excited I was to land an interview with this company!

I arrived at the laboratory and I was escorted into the Human Resource Director's office. She told me that the current controller was leaving, due to her husband's job transfer, and the candidate selected would be taking her place. She informed me that the controller reported to the president of the laboratory, whose name was Doctor So and So. She explained that the doctor was an officer in the parent company. This all sounded reasonable and predictable. Then she asked "How do you get along with eccentric people?" A warning bell went off in my head, but I managed to say that I enjoyed working with a variety of people, and I had never had any difficulties working with any colleagues in the past, which was a truthful response.

She took me to the conference room, where the actual interview would take place between me, the doctor, and the current controller. I anxiously awaited the interview, but 30 minutes passed before the HR Director stopped at the doorway, and said, "We are having some difficulties, and the president is running late. Can you continue to wait?" I responded that it would

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>