Job interviews can be stressful, especially when they involve flying across the country and meeting top executives. But one candidate's attempt to make a seemingly harmless request during their interview didn't go as planned. In fact, it ended up costing them the job.
The Backstory
A Reddit user recently shared their “Today I F***ed Up” (TIFU) moment on the popular subreddit. They described being flown out for a final in-person interview after impressing the company during a lengthy Zoom call. With the CEO and CFO involved in the process, it was clear the position was significant – and the company was making a major effort to evaluate their fit.
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After a rough flight in which their knees were cramped against the metal of an airplane seat, the candidate arrived at the hotel and rested for the night. The next morning, they began their full-day schedule, which included meeting various team members and going out for a team lunch – a moment that turned out to be critical.
The “Unusual” Request
When the CEO asked if there was anything they could do to accommodate the candidate, the individual noticed the lunch outing on the schedule and asked if it could take place in the office instead. Why? The flight had left their knees aching. Despite the request’s insignificance, the CEO’s response suggested more serious issues. The candidate claims that the CEO answered, “I guess,” and walked out of the room perplexedly.
Later in the day, the CEO returned and gently encouraged the candidate to stick with the original plan and take the team out to lunch, saying, “I really think you need to take the team out to lunch, it will be good for you to bond.” The candidate quickly agreed, but the damage had already been done.
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The Fallout
After completing the rest of the interviews, the CFO entered the room and delivered a surprising verdict: “We appreciate your time, but we're going to pass on you and look at other candidates.” The candidate was ushered into an Uber and sent home.
When the recruiter followed up the next morning, they explained that the company felt “offended” by the lunch request. The CEO and other team members interpreted the move as a lack of willingness to engage with the team – a red flag for someone being considered for a leadership role.
Why Did the Company Take it so Personally?
For many companies, especially those involving high-level leadership, team lunches are not just meals but part of the interview process. They allow executives and team members to observe how a candidate interacts in a social, less formal setting – a crucial test of interpersonal skills.
The company probably had reservations and a schedule in place. Changing everything last minute may have felt inconsiderate to the team.
The company had already invested significant time and money in flying the candidate out, arranging the schedule, and involving top executives. Asking for an accommodation – however small – on day one might have suggested the candidate would prioritize their own comfort over the needs of the group.
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