UK woman Olivia Bland has shared her email declining a job offer after she was put through a “brutal two hour interview” with a travel software company, and it’s since gone viral.
In her tweet, the 22-year-old described being humiliated by the company’s CEO; she was told why she “wasn’t good enough,” called an underachiever, and despite visibly showing she was uncomfortable, he continued to berate her.
“I would like to thank you for the offer, but I have decided to decline,” she wrote in her email.
“The interview process yesterday was very uncomfortable for me. I understand the impact that Craig was trying to have, but nobody should come out of a job interview feeling so upset that they cry at the bus stop.
“There is something very off to me about a man who tries his best to intimidate and assert power over a young woman, and who continues to push even when he can see that he’s making somebody uncomfortable to the point of tears.”
Sharing her history of previously being in an abusive relationship, Olivia likened the interview process to “being sat in a room with my abusive ex”.
“I’ve been in this position before: they tear your down, abuse you, take you to breaking point, and then they take you out to dinner or buy you a present to apologise and make it seem like they’re the nice guy,” she wrote.
“This job is supposed to be the present. I don’t want it.
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Top Comments
I attended an Interview with my teenage son once applying for an apprenticeship.
I sat quietly a few metres away. The interviewer was well aware I was listening.
He berated my son, telling him that he would be the lowest member of the team and his first job every morning would be to clean the toilets before everyone arrived. He'd have to prove himself worthy of the respect of the people he worked with. He was rude, condescending and belittling a complete bully. I couldn't help but think how my son would be treated when I wasn't there!
I advised him against working there and he found a much better place to work soon after.
How does this help our young people respect themselves and others.
Until I see a video recording of the interview, or at least a word-by-word transcript, I will think that this is only her assessment of things which might or might not be objectively true. What is "berate", what is "humiliate" to one person might not be to the next person.
If we hear or read exactly what was said between them (and, ideally, with what face expression and body language, because that counts too), then we can agree or not agree with her. Before that, however, I withhold judgment. And am bewildered at all those people who automatically take her side without being in a position to judge either way.