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Interviewer Gives Job Candidate A Wobbly Chair To See What They Do, Internet Is Not Having It
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Interviewer Gives Job Candidate A Wobbly Chair To See What They Do, Internet Is Not Having It

Interview With Expert Interviewer Gives Job Candidate A Wobbly Chair To See What They Do, Internet Is Not Having It“No One Wants To Work Anymore”: Debate About A “Wobbly Chair Test” Goes ViralBoss Comes Up With A “Wobbly Chair” Test For Prospective Employees To See How Bold They Are“Really No Winning”: Weird New Job Interview Test Sparks Online DebateJob Seekers Share Their Thoughts On The Unusual “Wobbly Chair” Interview TestEmployers Are Now Testing Job Candidates With Wobbly Chairs, And People Have Thoughts“Anxiety Is A Real Thing”: TikToker Starts A Debate About A Questionable Test At Job InterviewsJob Interview Test Involving A Wobbly Chair Gets Called Out OnlineMan Explains Why “Wobbly Chair Test” For Job Interviews Is Flawed And Only Causes More Anxiety
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Hiring “methods” these days often involve multiple rounds of tests, interviews and other “checks” before one sees an offer. As exhausting as this might sound, it’s nowhere near as annoying as some of the arbitrary tests overzealous managers might try to inflict on unsuspecting applicants.

A TikTok account shared a story of a person who went to a job interview, only to go through a bizarre “test” involving a purposefully damaged chair. We got in touch with ex-counterterrorism professional turned career coach Ashley Stahl to learn more about red flags to look out for when going in for a new job.
More info: TikTok | Ashley Stahl

Job interviews are already stressful

Image credits: cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo)

But one account shared a story of a new, secret “test” one manager tried

“A boss uses what he calls a ‘wobbly chair test’ in every interview and avoids hiring job candidates that fail. Job interviews are already stressful enough without bosses throwing in extra things that are unrelated to the job in order to test you. A reader of the Mirror shared the story that he heard from his brother, who is in ROTC in college. Applicants for the ROTC Nuclear Power school would sit in a chair in front of the desk of the interviewer. There was also a separate chair off to the side that was available for the applicant if they asked for it.”

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Image credits: yourtango

“The chair the applicants would sit in had one leg cut shorter than the other so that it would wobble during the interview. The test was to see that if the applicant would be bold enough to stop the interview and ask for the other chair, and candidates who just toughed out the interview with the wobbly chair wouldn’t pass. Are little tests like this seriously fair to job applicants? If it was reversed, he could have just as easily said something like, ‘Oh, we’re looking for candidates who are willing to tough it out through uncomfortable situations’ and only pass the applicants who don’t ask for a new chair. So there’s really no winning.”

Image credits: Tima Miroshnichenko / pexels (not the actual photo)

“Interview anxiety is a real thing, and many people suffer from it. There’s a lot of pressure riding on every interview, especially in this tough job market. Verywell Mind suggested removing stresses around an interview to help alleviate interview anxiety. Isn’t a stupid wobbly chair test, just another stressor added to an already high-stakes interview?”

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Image credits: yourtango

“It almost feels like this boss is just purposefully playing with the emotions of the job candidates. Skills, experience, and an overall culture fit are what qualifies somebody for a job, not their ability to ask for a different chair. What do you think is this wobbly chair test a fair assessment of somebody’s ability to be bold and speak up?”

You can watch the full video here

@yourtango Is the ‘wobbly chair test’ a good way to evaluate job candidates? Or is it just another example of a toxic boss coming up with unnecessary hoops for applicants to jump through? #jobinterview #worktok #corporate #jobapplication #boss ♬ original sound – YourTango

There can already be warning signs in job listings

Bored Panda got in touch with counterterrorism professional turned career coach Ashley Stahl to talk about red flags in job postings, things to keep a lookout for in interviews and some of her personal experiences. First and foremost, we wanted to know her thoughts on things to be wary of in job postings.

“More descriptive job postings are generally better than vague or ambiguous ones. That doesn’t mean it has to be long; it just needs to be precise. Here are some red flags: Job responsibilities are unclear or contradictory. If the job posting cannot describe actual duties, this can be a sign that the position is a “catch-all” for many things. Also, watch for postings that tend to contradict themselves. For example, hiring an entry-level position that requires extensive training or experience in a particular area.”

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She also had some other suggestions for things to look out for. “Contains ambiguous language regarding pay. Most states have transparency laws regarding salary. Trigger words include earning potential, unlimited potential, or other words that indicate there’s no cap on how much you can earn. Some positions rely on commissions. Ask the hiring team how many employees currently receive commissions and what metrics are used to determine commissions and commission schedules. Any potential employer should be able to give you a concrete number or concrete range of how much money you will earn.”

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay for mandatory on-the-job training. However, there are some exceptions, such as voluntary attendance, training events outside of regular working hours, training not tied specifically to the job, or the employee does not perform any productive work during the event. Nonetheless, if the job requires extended periods of unpaid training, the employer might be looking for free labor.”

Image credits: Vlada Karpovich / pexels (not the actual photo)

Interviews are a great place to try and understand what an organization is like

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We also wanted to know what things to consider asking during a job interview. “Here are three great questions to ask: What does success look like in this position? This question gets to the heart of how success is measured by the company. It also gives you a chance to sell yourself for the position based on the hiring manager’s definition of a successful candidate.”

“How has this position become available? The response to this question can clue you into how well you will be received by your coworkers. It can also tell you whether you’re likely to be overworked or bored. Finally, the response can also let you know whether the company promotes from within.”

“What do you like most about working for this company? Let the interviewer reflect on why the company is a great place to work. Listen carefully to the response to learn more about company culture, camaraderie, opportunities, and workload. If the answer is succinct, that’s a telling sign the company may not have the best culture.”

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Image credits: cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo)

These suggestions come from real stories

We were also curious to hear if she had any personal experiences “One of my clients was hired to work in a medical spa performing lymphatic drainage using specialized equipment. When she was hired, she was told she would get training on how to use the equipment. The training was initially scheduled for six shifts totaling just under 20 hours. The training spanned two weeks. Toward the end of the second week, she asked when the pay period ended and whether direct deposit was available. She was told that the training was unpaid. She then asked how long the training period was, to which she was told, “When I think you’re fully trained.” She walked out,” she shared.

“The best way to ward off unscrupulous employers is to do your homework before applying for the position. Look for company reviews. Read through their website, LinkedIn page, and social platforms. Reach out to your network to find someone who is working for the company or has worked for the company. And remember, if the job sounds too good to be true, it’s probably bogus.” You can find more of her work on YouTube, or in her book and podcast.

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Image credits: cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo)

Viewers shared their thoughts

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Justin Sandberg

Justin Sandberg

Writer, BoredPanda staff

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I am a writer at Bored Panda. Despite being born in the US, I ended up spending most of my life in Europe, from Latvia, Austria, and Georgia to finally settling in Lithuania. At Bored Panda, you’ll find me covering topics ranging from the cat meme of the day to red flags in the workplace and really anything else. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, beating other people at board games, cooking, good books, and bad films.

Read less »
Justin Sandberg

Justin Sandberg

Writer, BoredPanda staff

I am a writer at Bored Panda. Despite being born in the US, I ended up spending most of my life in Europe, from Latvia, Austria, and Georgia to finally settling in Lithuania. At Bored Panda, you’ll find me covering topics ranging from the cat meme of the day to red flags in the workplace and really anything else. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, beating other people at board games, cooking, good books, and bad films.

Gabija Saveiskyte

Gabija Saveiskyte

Author, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

Hi there! I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. My job is to ensure that all the articles are aesthetically pleasing. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from all the relationship drama to lots and lots of memes and, my personal favorites, funny cute cats. When I am not perfecting the images, you can find me reading with a cup of matcha latte and a cat in my lap, taking photos (of my cat), getting lost in the forest, or simply cuddling with my cat... Did I mention that I love cats?

Read less »

Gabija Saveiskyte

Gabija Saveiskyte

Author, BoredPanda staff

Hi there! I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. My job is to ensure that all the articles are aesthetically pleasing. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from all the relationship drama to lots and lots of memes and, my personal favorites, funny cute cats. When I am not perfecting the images, you can find me reading with a cup of matcha latte and a cat in my lap, taking photos (of my cat), getting lost in the forest, or simply cuddling with my cat... Did I mention that I love cats?

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Scott Rackley
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This "test" tells the interviewee much more about you than the other way around. It tells me you aren't a good manager and you like to play mickey mouse games. Thanks for the information, I'll warn the others waiting in the other room. I expect some will leave with me.

WindySwede
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And also, ask for a new chair?? (If I read correct?) Just say, "excuse me I will just switch chairs". Or just say you need the bathroom and leave if they seemed s****y... 🙀

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Captain Grump
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Before I answer that question, would you mind if I switch out chairs? This one's wobbly. Also, I find the room temperature a bit cool - where's the thermostat? I need to adjust it. Just a sec, there's some glare from the window in my eyes and I want to close the blinds. My feet are sore today! Don't mind me while I slip off my shoes. I really have trouble answering questions when I'm hungry - got any snacks handy? Would you mind straightening your tie? It's a bit crooked and it's distracting me. Anyway, let's get to that question and make this job happen for me!"

Vira
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the chair was wobbly, I'd wonder about the budget for the company, and if they could actually afford to hire me. I don't think that would work out too well for the interviewer.

UKGrandad
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My first thought, too. If the company either can't afford to replace a broken chair, or thinks so little of employees' welfare that it expects them to put up with sub-standard equipment, it isn't somewhere I'd want to work.

Load More Replies...
Deborah B
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stop the interview. Ask "Is this the wobbly chair test?" If they say not, say "Great! In that case, can I please have a different chair." If they say Yes, say "Thank you for your time, however, I prefer work environments where management don't use petty power plays in place of leadership." Someone who deliberately makes you uncomfortable in the interview as a "test" is going to continue power plays and "testing your commitment/drive/work ethic." in future. Likely to be annoying to work with. "You want a promotion Janet? You need to prove you're committed to this job! Taking annual leave/sick leave/your breaks/2mins in the ladies room is not a sign of someone with a good work ethic."

Julie S
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to an interview and sat on an office chair which instantly sank down and I just said "ooh I feel like I'm sitting on the floor" and the interviewer jumped up and got me a different chair. That's how it should be.

DramaDoc
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, but I'm the kind of person who would "fix" the chair (or table) by putting something under the short leg (sugar packet, folded cards/paper, etc)...

CK
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a good test if you're looking for an alternative to putting them up in your home and having them sleep on a pile of 100 mattresses with a pea underneath.

Quinn
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, good grief! I would say, "Sorry, but I'll be able to focus better on this interview if I'm not trying to maintain my balance and composure in this silly-wobbly chair." And then, without asking, I would *take* the other chair.

Tj Goldstein
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had this exact situation when interviewing at a job agency. I had clearly stated in my application that I had bad back due to permanent injury. They still pulled a version of the wobbly chair test.. it was a broken chair on its lowest setting so my back in a stress position. As the interview started, I tried a couple of times to adjust it while the interviewer stared at me.. I even asked for help with it but she just said.. ' oh, it will be fine'. Right then, I didn't want the job at all and I was pissed that they were willing to damage my back. So, I sat back down and proceeded with the interview. However, I then started to fake more back pain than I actually was having.. so much so, the interviewer stopped the interview and began to panic that I was in real distress. I ended up being helped out of the chair as I complained that the chair was too low for me to get up properly. She shat bricks as I 'hobbled' out the door. I then complained to management about the interview.

Solandri
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This "test" works both ways. Rock the wobbly chair in an obvious manner throughout the interview. After a while, stand up and announce that you're withdrawing your application. Tell them it's because obviously the company does not care enough to repair/replace obviously broken equipment. And the interviewers (probably managers) obviously don't care enough about its (potential) employees to offer to replace a clearly broken chair.

UncleJohn3000
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Wow! If this company can't afford safe furniture, I'm not sure I want to work here."

Ephemera Image
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was going to apply for a job on Indeed, and when I clicked to upload my resume, I got a request to fill out a 'pop psychology' test to see if I'm a 'good fit' for their culture. Nah, I'm not about to answer some pop-psych questions that have nothing to do with how well I am suited for my job. And if they're too lazy or too braindead to actually interview an applicant, or unable to rely on their own judgment of people's abilities,I don't want to work there. These kinds of games are for narcissists who are just too too clever.

Rowboat
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate the Indeed quizzes. I've spent the past few years working in admin and did pretty well at school but every time I apply for a basic admin/receptionist role on Indeed I'm required to fill out their stupid literacy and communication quiz. I'm not even talking skilled admin, these are positions where they're usually looking to hire high schoolers. It's a red flag at this point because basic admin skills can be taught to anyone but if a company isn't willing to hire you without a silly little quiz to show you already have those skills then I doubt they're going to train you well.

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Janice
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When hiring people for the sales department, I knew someone who would take the (unmarried) men out to a bar (it was back in the 80s before being PC was a thing). So he'd take the men to a bar to see how successful they were in picking up women. The thought was women are usually pretty discriminating and if the candidate could get a phone number, the guy was a good salesman who wasn't afraid to approach strangers and "sell themselves.". There's a lot of things wrong with this, but ... in theory , its still gross, but not completely inaccurate. I know I'm getting down voted for this, but I didn't do it. I'm just the one giving an example of gross.

-
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like you, I see so many things wrong with this approach besides the gross aspect. What if women are handing out wrong numbers to get rid of the man? What if the man has a girlfriend or is gay and isn't interested in cruising? What if he just wants to get a drink and just talk business? The other issue: approaching people may not be the only criteria. A former boss of mine put sales reps into two categories: hunters and farmers. The hunters like to hunt for new clients. The farmers like cultivating relationships to increase sales. At another workplace, a hunter and a farmer teamed up: one to open doors with his considerable charm, the quieter one to work out details and close the sales.

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michele mbennett101044@yahoo.c
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a load of c**p, I'd ask politely for another chair and if it was not offered then I would leave. But would advise this moron that I would not consider working for a company that indulges in BS games.

WakandaPanda
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I was the candidate, I'd be thinking "Wow, these guys are so cheap, they can't replace a faulty chair !"

Jane
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would just put something (folded up tissue, etc) under the leg to make it even.

Myoviridae
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought I was the only person who saw this and thought I would fold up some paper, put it under the shorter leg of the chair, and tell the interviewer "Hey, your chair is broken. You need to fix this before someone gets hurt." Based on the requirements, I would not get hired.

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Rahul Pawa
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a silly test because it's completely subjective. I wonder if this is a ruse to cover up discrimination. Like if he doesn't want to hire someone for a reason that would be seen as discrimination, he can say they failed this "test".

Alexa Saltz
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate interviews. If the wobbly chair seems obviously a ploy, I probably would not be taken ng the job if offered. As we know, interviews are already stressful, testing someone's reaction seems more like personal amusement and is almost cruel. I would see that red flag and be gone.

Toothless Feline
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mind games have no place in the hiring process. It’s really that simple. Interviewers who use these stupid little “tests” are trying to avoid expending mental energy on intelligently evaluating candidates. You will lose more potentially great employees, and hire more unqualified ones, by reducing your decision to some arbitrary challenge you’ve set up.

Michael Largey
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stay in the wobbly chair, but tell them "You know, this room keeps tilting."

mft760
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would rock side to side to play Take the Job And Shove It

Parmeisan
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I strongly suspect that I wouldn't even notice the chair was wobbly. And if I did, it wouldn't bother me much. And I *am* fairly bold when it comes to questioning authority, so I guess we both lose. Which is generally what happens when you play stupid games.

Momifer
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What happens when the interviewee shoves a folded piece of paper under the short leg? Or even better, whips out the handy dandy Swiss army knife and fixes it?

Coralinea
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would go through my handbag, find some paper, fold that and put it under the leg. But then again I'm old enough to be this bold, yet not bold enough to ask for another chair.

Fox with a Dragon Tattoo
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interviewers playing games in a professional setting and think they're some how smart.. what trashy fools. Just filth that shouldn't be in power because they clearly cant do their jobs and rely on this subjective idiocy.

Mike m
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would demand to use THEIR chair and when offered water i would demand their water in case they poisoned mine. I watch too much TV too.

Daniel Marsh
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's incredibly stupid. actually, but no more so than the capricious standards listed in threads on BP by HR managers laughing at people who failed their tests. HR seems to want nobody other than sociopaths.

Christian Golden
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to kick candidates in the shins, to see if they'd speak up. Can't have tattle-tales working for me!

PFD
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All the objections are well and good, but if this test has been trialled and found to yield measurable improvements, then - what's that? It's just some guy's made-up garbage? Ah, fair enough. I wonder if he's considered dowsing, or horoscopes?

Scott Rackley
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This "test" tells the interviewee much more about you than the other way around. It tells me you aren't a good manager and you like to play mickey mouse games. Thanks for the information, I'll warn the others waiting in the other room. I expect some will leave with me.

WindySwede
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And also, ask for a new chair?? (If I read correct?) Just say, "excuse me I will just switch chairs". Or just say you need the bathroom and leave if they seemed s****y... 🙀

Load More Replies...
Captain Grump
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Before I answer that question, would you mind if I switch out chairs? This one's wobbly. Also, I find the room temperature a bit cool - where's the thermostat? I need to adjust it. Just a sec, there's some glare from the window in my eyes and I want to close the blinds. My feet are sore today! Don't mind me while I slip off my shoes. I really have trouble answering questions when I'm hungry - got any snacks handy? Would you mind straightening your tie? It's a bit crooked and it's distracting me. Anyway, let's get to that question and make this job happen for me!"

Vira
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the chair was wobbly, I'd wonder about the budget for the company, and if they could actually afford to hire me. I don't think that would work out too well for the interviewer.

UKGrandad
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My first thought, too. If the company either can't afford to replace a broken chair, or thinks so little of employees' welfare that it expects them to put up with sub-standard equipment, it isn't somewhere I'd want to work.

Load More Replies...
Deborah B
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stop the interview. Ask "Is this the wobbly chair test?" If they say not, say "Great! In that case, can I please have a different chair." If they say Yes, say "Thank you for your time, however, I prefer work environments where management don't use petty power plays in place of leadership." Someone who deliberately makes you uncomfortable in the interview as a "test" is going to continue power plays and "testing your commitment/drive/work ethic." in future. Likely to be annoying to work with. "You want a promotion Janet? You need to prove you're committed to this job! Taking annual leave/sick leave/your breaks/2mins in the ladies room is not a sign of someone with a good work ethic."

Julie S
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to an interview and sat on an office chair which instantly sank down and I just said "ooh I feel like I'm sitting on the floor" and the interviewer jumped up and got me a different chair. That's how it should be.

DramaDoc
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, but I'm the kind of person who would "fix" the chair (or table) by putting something under the short leg (sugar packet, folded cards/paper, etc)...

CK
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a good test if you're looking for an alternative to putting them up in your home and having them sleep on a pile of 100 mattresses with a pea underneath.

Quinn
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, good grief! I would say, "Sorry, but I'll be able to focus better on this interview if I'm not trying to maintain my balance and composure in this silly-wobbly chair." And then, without asking, I would *take* the other chair.

Tj Goldstein
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had this exact situation when interviewing at a job agency. I had clearly stated in my application that I had bad back due to permanent injury. They still pulled a version of the wobbly chair test.. it was a broken chair on its lowest setting so my back in a stress position. As the interview started, I tried a couple of times to adjust it while the interviewer stared at me.. I even asked for help with it but she just said.. ' oh, it will be fine'. Right then, I didn't want the job at all and I was pissed that they were willing to damage my back. So, I sat back down and proceeded with the interview. However, I then started to fake more back pain than I actually was having.. so much so, the interviewer stopped the interview and began to panic that I was in real distress. I ended up being helped out of the chair as I complained that the chair was too low for me to get up properly. She shat bricks as I 'hobbled' out the door. I then complained to management about the interview.

Solandri
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This "test" works both ways. Rock the wobbly chair in an obvious manner throughout the interview. After a while, stand up and announce that you're withdrawing your application. Tell them it's because obviously the company does not care enough to repair/replace obviously broken equipment. And the interviewers (probably managers) obviously don't care enough about its (potential) employees to offer to replace a clearly broken chair.

UncleJohn3000
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Wow! If this company can't afford safe furniture, I'm not sure I want to work here."

Ephemera Image
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was going to apply for a job on Indeed, and when I clicked to upload my resume, I got a request to fill out a 'pop psychology' test to see if I'm a 'good fit' for their culture. Nah, I'm not about to answer some pop-psych questions that have nothing to do with how well I am suited for my job. And if they're too lazy or too braindead to actually interview an applicant, or unable to rely on their own judgment of people's abilities,I don't want to work there. These kinds of games are for narcissists who are just too too clever.

Rowboat
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate the Indeed quizzes. I've spent the past few years working in admin and did pretty well at school but every time I apply for a basic admin/receptionist role on Indeed I'm required to fill out their stupid literacy and communication quiz. I'm not even talking skilled admin, these are positions where they're usually looking to hire high schoolers. It's a red flag at this point because basic admin skills can be taught to anyone but if a company isn't willing to hire you without a silly little quiz to show you already have those skills then I doubt they're going to train you well.

Load More Replies...
Janice
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When hiring people for the sales department, I knew someone who would take the (unmarried) men out to a bar (it was back in the 80s before being PC was a thing). So he'd take the men to a bar to see how successful they were in picking up women. The thought was women are usually pretty discriminating and if the candidate could get a phone number, the guy was a good salesman who wasn't afraid to approach strangers and "sell themselves.". There's a lot of things wrong with this, but ... in theory , its still gross, but not completely inaccurate. I know I'm getting down voted for this, but I didn't do it. I'm just the one giving an example of gross.

-
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like you, I see so many things wrong with this approach besides the gross aspect. What if women are handing out wrong numbers to get rid of the man? What if the man has a girlfriend or is gay and isn't interested in cruising? What if he just wants to get a drink and just talk business? The other issue: approaching people may not be the only criteria. A former boss of mine put sales reps into two categories: hunters and farmers. The hunters like to hunt for new clients. The farmers like cultivating relationships to increase sales. At another workplace, a hunter and a farmer teamed up: one to open doors with his considerable charm, the quieter one to work out details and close the sales.

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michele mbennett101044@yahoo.c
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a load of c**p, I'd ask politely for another chair and if it was not offered then I would leave. But would advise this moron that I would not consider working for a company that indulges in BS games.

WakandaPanda
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I was the candidate, I'd be thinking "Wow, these guys are so cheap, they can't replace a faulty chair !"

Jane
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would just put something (folded up tissue, etc) under the leg to make it even.

Myoviridae
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought I was the only person who saw this and thought I would fold up some paper, put it under the shorter leg of the chair, and tell the interviewer "Hey, your chair is broken. You need to fix this before someone gets hurt." Based on the requirements, I would not get hired.

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Rahul Pawa
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a silly test because it's completely subjective. I wonder if this is a ruse to cover up discrimination. Like if he doesn't want to hire someone for a reason that would be seen as discrimination, he can say they failed this "test".

Alexa Saltz
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate interviews. If the wobbly chair seems obviously a ploy, I probably would not be taken ng the job if offered. As we know, interviews are already stressful, testing someone's reaction seems more like personal amusement and is almost cruel. I would see that red flag and be gone.

Toothless Feline
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mind games have no place in the hiring process. It’s really that simple. Interviewers who use these stupid little “tests” are trying to avoid expending mental energy on intelligently evaluating candidates. You will lose more potentially great employees, and hire more unqualified ones, by reducing your decision to some arbitrary challenge you’ve set up.

Michael Largey
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stay in the wobbly chair, but tell them "You know, this room keeps tilting."

mft760
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would rock side to side to play Take the Job And Shove It

Parmeisan
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I strongly suspect that I wouldn't even notice the chair was wobbly. And if I did, it wouldn't bother me much. And I *am* fairly bold when it comes to questioning authority, so I guess we both lose. Which is generally what happens when you play stupid games.

Momifer
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What happens when the interviewee shoves a folded piece of paper under the short leg? Or even better, whips out the handy dandy Swiss army knife and fixes it?

Coralinea
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would go through my handbag, find some paper, fold that and put it under the leg. But then again I'm old enough to be this bold, yet not bold enough to ask for another chair.

Fox with a Dragon Tattoo
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interviewers playing games in a professional setting and think they're some how smart.. what trashy fools. Just filth that shouldn't be in power because they clearly cant do their jobs and rely on this subjective idiocy.

Mike m
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would demand to use THEIR chair and when offered water i would demand their water in case they poisoned mine. I watch too much TV too.

Daniel Marsh
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's incredibly stupid. actually, but no more so than the capricious standards listed in threads on BP by HR managers laughing at people who failed their tests. HR seems to want nobody other than sociopaths.

Christian Golden
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to kick candidates in the shins, to see if they'd speak up. Can't have tattle-tales working for me!

PFD
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All the objections are well and good, but if this test has been trialled and found to yield measurable improvements, then - what's that? It's just some guy's made-up garbage? Ah, fair enough. I wonder if he's considered dowsing, or horoscopes?

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