In this article, titled “Was I Wrong to Feel Put Off by Interviewing on Bring Your Kids to Work Day?” a reader describes their experience of having an interview on Bring Your Kids to Work Day and wonders if their negative reaction was warranted. The reader felt distracted and anxious due to the lively atmosphere and constant disruptions caused by children in the office. They also express their discomfort with the interview format, which felt more like an interrogation rather than a two-way conversation. The article delves into the possibility that this was just an unfortunate coexistence of events and offers insight into how unforeseen circumstances can affect interviews. While the reader’s reaction is acknowledged as valid, it is also suggested that not everyone would have had the same response. The article concludes by emphasizing that the distraction-filled environment may not be a reflection of the company’s everyday work culture.
Reasons for Feeling Put Off
Unexpected coincidence with Bring Your Kids to Work Day
Going for an interview on the same day as Bring Your Kids to Work Day was an unexpected occurrence for the reader. The presence of lots of people and boisterous children wearing company t-shirts in the building lobby created an atmosphere that was quite different from the usual seriousness associated with interviews. The reader felt that this unexpected coincidence made it difficult for them to get into the right mindset for the interview, leading to a sense of discomfort and distraction.
Disruptions and distractions in the office
The presence of kids and the celebratory atmosphere on Bring Your Kids to Work Day created disruptions and distractions in the office where the interview took place. From having to hunt down the receptionist to inform them of their arrival to the general party-like environment, these distractions added to the reader’s anxiety and made it challenging for them to focus on the interview itself. The overall atmosphere of the office did not provide the calm and professional environment typically associated with interviews.
Anxiety and difficulty in getting into the right mindset
Given the unexpected coincidence with Bring Your Kids to Work Day, the reader experienced heightened anxiety and difficulty in getting into the right mindset for the interview. Nervousness is already a common feeling before an interview, but the additional distractions and unusual atmosphere amplified these feelings for the reader. The presence of children and the celebratory nature of the day made it challenging for them to concentrate and present their best self during the interview.
Unusual interview style and format
Apart from the disruptions caused by Bring Your Kids to Work Day, the reader also had concerns about the interview itself. The style and format of the interview were unfamiliar to the reader, with one person asking questions while the other solely typed the answers on their laptop. The reader felt that this rapid-fire questioning and one-way conversation style made them feel like they were being grilled down to minute details. This unconventional interviewing approach added to their discomfort and contributed to their negative impression of the interview experience.
Inability to judge the company based on interviewers’ responses
The reader’s ability to assess the company based on their interviewers’ responses was limited due to the distractions and disruptions in the office. With the focus on handling the interview amidst the celebrations of Bring Your Kids to Work Day, the reader did not have the opportunity to engage in a two-way conversation or glean further insights about the company and its culture. As a result, they had to rely solely on their observations of the general atmosphere in the office, which left them feeling uncertain and less confident about their fit within the company.
Possible Explanations and Perspectives
Unfortunate confluence of events
The coinciding of the interview with Bring Your Kids to Work Day can be seen as an unfortunate confluence of events. It is possible that the person scheduling the interview was not aware of this event or did not anticipate the extent of the disruptions it would cause. While it may have been an oversight on the part of the company, it was likely not intentional.
Lack of awareness or miscommunication about the event
Another perspective is that there may have been a lack of awareness or miscommunication within the company about Bring Your Kids to Work Day. The responsibility for informing the interviewees about any potential disruptions lies with the company, and in this case, it seems that they failed to convey this information beforehand. It is important for companies to communicate clearly with candidates about any special events or circumstances that may affect the interview experience.
Unforeseen disruptions outside the company’s control
Sometimes, disruptions can occur that are beyond the company’s control. Just like the example of a protest outside the interviewer’s window or a fire alarm going off, unforeseen events can take place that impact the interview environment. In such cases, both the interviewers and interviewees need to adapt and make the best of the situation.
Variation in individual reactions
It is important to recognize that individual reactions to unexpected situations can vary. While the reader felt put off and disrupted by the coincidence with Bring Your Kids to Work Day, it’s possible that others may have reacted differently or may not have been as bothered by the circumstances. Different people have different tolerance levels for distractions, and what may be a significant disruption for one person may not be as significant for another.
Suggestion to consider a second interview on a quieter day
Given that the reader’s negative feelings about the company were influenced by both the unusual interview style and the distractions of Bring Your Kids to Work Day, it can be suggested that they consider a second interview on a quieter day. This would allow them the opportunity to assess the company and its culture in a more typical environment. A second interview might provide a clearer understanding of whether the initial impression was solely due to the scheduling conflict or if there were other factors contributing to the reader’s discomfort.
Personal Opinion and Reflection
Assessment of being a curmudgeon
The reader questions whether their reaction to the interview and the coincidence with Bring Your Kids to Work Day makes them a curmudgeon. It is important to recognize that being put off by an unexpected and disruptive situation during an interview is a valid response. The reader’s feelings of discomfort and distraction are understandable, and it’s not unreasonable to expect a distraction-free environment for an important professional interaction such as a job interview.
Recognizing both valid and misplaced reactions
While the reader’s feelings of distraction and anxiety were valid, it is also worth considering whether the “how could they have thought this would be okay?” aspect of their reaction is misplaced. It is possible that the company did not anticipate the extent of the disruptions caused by Bring Your Kids to Work Day or failed to communicate this information effectively. It’s important to acknowledge that not everyone would have reacted in the same way, but that doesn’t invalidate the reader’s experience.
Evaluation of company fit beyond the scheduling conflict
Despite the negative experience with the interview and the scheduling conflict, it’s important to evaluate the company fit beyond these factors. If the reader had not been turned off by this company for other reasons, it would have been encouraged for them to go back for a second interview. This would have provided a better opportunity to assess the company and culture without the distractions. However, it seems that the reader had other reservations about the company, which ultimately led to their decision not to move forward.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the coincidence of scheduling an interview on Bring Your Kids to Work Day created unexpected disruptions and distractions for the reader. While the company may not have anticipated the extent of these disruptions, it is important for organizations to consider the impact of such events on the interview experience and communicate relevant information to candidates.
The reader’s feelings of being put off and the difficulty they faced in getting into the right mindset for the interview were valid responses to the circumstances. While their reaction may not be universally shared, it is important to recognize the individual variations in tolerances for distractions.
Considering a second interview on a quieter day may have provided the reader with a better understanding of the company beyond the scheduling conflict. However, it seems that the scheduling conflict was not the sole factor influencing their decision. Ultimately, it is essential for individuals to evaluate their fit within a company beyond specific incidents and consider other aspects of organizational culture, values, and job requirements.
