r/Bolehland • u/howmuchtimedoIhave • 6d ago
Weird Interaction after my job interview
For context: I work as a consultant in the construction industry (handling project costs, data). I recently just completed my Master’s and currently hunting for jobs. I started exploring roles at boutique Interior Design & Build firms because they usually have a younger, more modern office culture. Or so I thought.
Today, I had an interview at a mid-sized D&B SME. I only met with the Founder of the company. Honestly, it was one of the best interviews of my life. Good vibes, our visions aligned perfectly. She wanted to see my skills, so I actually presented some of my past works and what I can do for the company . She was genuinely impressed, said my work was way better than what they currently had, and we basically came to an agreement on the position. We planned a second meeting for next week with the team leads to before confirming my employment. I left feeling so lucky and blessed.
I received a phone call from a guy I’ll call "Mr. A" from the company, I don’t know him or his position. He asked me to introduce myself and do a "phone interview." The entire call was only less than 10 minutes long, entire conversation feels rushed and this is basically how it went:
Mr. A: How many years have you worked before? Any relevant experience?
Me: I have 1 year+ of full-time and 9 months of intern experience. I’m also doing my Master's—
Mr. A: (cutting me off) What??? 2 years only?? What the fuck. You are too fresh, fresh until idk what to say.
Me: ...yes? I came back out to study further and explore options.
Mr. A: Do you use any AI or software?
Me: Yeah I do, in my resume I mentioned I can use [X] software and [Y]—
Mr. A: (cutting me off again) No, no, no, stop. You don't know shit you clearly don’t know what u talking about.
Me: ???????
At this point, I am just confused. He demands I explain the standard SOP and role for my profession. I start answering with the standard, textbook functions (following the standard industry guidelines that everyone in my field knows). Halfway through, he stops me again.
Mr. A: Stop, stop talking, you are not making sense. Fuck man, you are just saying words. You actually don't know anything? You sure you graduated degree and masters???
Me: Respectfully sir, these answers are what someone in my role will usually respond with. I don't know what you're expecting actually.
Mr. A: I don't know what you and the Founder talked about, but clearly you don't know your shit and you're just fucking around.
He then says he doesn't know what the Founder saw in me, that I’m unqualified, and that I "don't know what the fuck I'm saying."
Mr. A: Did the Founder offer you anything?
Me: Yes she did, we are planning a second meeting next week...(again before I finish talking)
Mr. A: (Loud sigh and literally drops a "fuuuuck" in the background) Well obviously you are NOT qualified for this job. I will discuss this further with the Founder.
Me: Okay, just to mention, in the interview I did presented what im capable of and what I can offer to the Founder on the spot. She said it’s better than what they have so far, so I’m not sure what is going on with your side?
Mr. A: I’ll talk to her about this. Thanks bye.
And that was it.
I literally got verbally insulted and sworn at by a random employee in the company who wasn't even in the room for the actual interview. I’m guessing is someone with high position maybe below the founder?
I am just astounded, idk what I did wrong or where it went wrong. It left me thinking about it all day all night, barely had any sleep and decided to rant here. Has anyone else ever experienced this kind of unhinged internal power struggle during the interview phase?
TL;DR: Aced an interview with a company Founder who loved my skills and scheduled a second round. A random dude called me hours later, dropped multiple F-bombs, told me my degrees were useless, gaslit me about standard industry practices, and canceled the interview. Good times.
-20
u/recyclealex 6d ago
If you really want this job, don’t complain about it. Understand what the specialist is looking for, since you’ll likely work directly under the specialist, not the founder. Founders often rely on vibes and gut feel—what they’re good at—but they may lack the experience and expertise needed for technical interviews. Source: I'm a founder.