A man failed his job interview before it even started. Credit: Westend61 / Getty
A man got turned away from a job interview.
He failed a basic test at reception.
Most people find job interviews nerve-racking, where every detail matters—qualifications, confidence, even the handshake.
But one candidate lost his chance within five minutes.
An employee on Reddit’s ‘Life Pro Tips’ shared the story.
The candidate was dismissive to the receptionist.
He barely made eye contact and ignored her attempts to talk.
What he didn’t know: the “receptionist” was actually the hiring manager in disguise.
She called him back and explained that every team member deserves respect.
The verdict came fast:
Because of his behavior, the hiring manager ended the interview early.
“Thank you for your time, but the interview is over.
Be nice to everyone in the building.”
The story sparked a lively online discussion about treating everyone with respect, no matter their title.
One commenter with hiring experience said first impressions matter beyond the conference room.
“Even if the receptionist isn’t the hiring manager, they still share opinions during hiring talks,” they wrote.
They added, “In many fields, people beyond the interview panel influence decisions. Be sharp—every employee could be a teammate, and all are judging you.”
Another user shared a close call:
On the way to an interview, they rode an elevator with the CEO.
Their friendly, high-energy vibe helped them land the job.
“Be nice to everyone,” they said.
A third recalled their manager saying a key reason for hiring was how friendly they were to the receptionist.
“The receptionist told the manager I was so kind,” they said.
The clear takeaway: interviews start the moment you enter the building.
