What would you do if you had a new hire interview like this?

[Anonymous]

So, I am responsible for hiring at my company.

Yesterday I had an interview. This person had their "pronouns" listed on their resume. Red flag number 1. I n said resume there was no experience listed for the position they were applying for. It's an IT position, specifically a systems engineer. They had no college nor any list of certifications. (we require one or the other but really like both).

So I introduced my self, and asked them what they know about our company. The response indicated not being familiar with what we do. I asked why they wanted the job, the response said they needed a paycheck. Okay three red flags so far. And finally I asked why they think they are qualified for the job.. Up comes the phone and they start recording, and the attitude with them saying "I don't need to be qualified, qualifications are a white patriarchal hetro oppressive invention, and you as a white man don't need to ask me that"... So I offered a hand shake and told them that I'd call them (I won't) the moment said person left, I shredded their resume and application. And told hr to block them as a candidate.

Later when I was talking with the CEO, I advised we should just trash any resumes that were like this persons.. The CEO agreed. Oh and the person was female, her pronouns were xe xer.. Nope. Never again...

[Oliverlogan263]

Wow, that's a really tricky situation. On one hand, I can understand why you'd be hesitant to hire someone without the basic qualifications or experience you outlined as requirements. And bringing up recording the interview without notice would make anyone uncomfortable.

However, it seems like there may have been some underlying issues at play too. People don't usually act out like that without some reason. Maybe they were really anxious or felt like they had something to prove. The "pronouns" thing alone wouldn't necessarily be a red flag for me - different people express themselves in different ways, and as an employer you want to be considerate of everyone.

Rather than an outright rejection, it might have been better to have a respectful discussion to understand where they were coming from and see if there was potential to learn on the job. Hard skills can be taught, but attitude and willingness to work as part of a team are also important.

Of course, as the hiring manager it's your call. But I think in future it could help to approach these situations with an open and understanding mindset rather than immediate dismissal. Give people a fair chance to explain themselves before making judgments. You never know - they might surprise you with their potential if given the opportunity. But I can see why recording the interview made you decide not to pursue it further. A tough situation all around!

[Asker]

Based on her behaviors alone, she was definitely not a good fit for the role.. Especially because of her politics and lack of experience. She screams walking talking law suit..

[DreamCrescent]

you don’t have to interview every resume that passes through. you interview the ones that meet the qualifications for the jobs. she had none, obviously. you saw her resume. so why did you call her in for an interview? the rant about her pronouns is beyond irrelevant. the pronouns weren’t the red flag here. you wasted company time with an unqualified candidate. but hey you got a pat on the back from your ceo. who has pronouns himself, by the way

[Asker]

I wasn't the one that set the interview up lady, I'm the hiring manager, not the recruiter.

[Oliverlogan263]

Yup, you read the situation perfectly bro. Any candidate who brings that kind of politicking to a job interview is just trouble waiting to happen. A role like that demands focus on the technical skills, not whatever ideological crusade they're on.

Plus with no experience or qualifications, it's a lawsuit just asking to happen if you hired her and she didn't work out. She'd probably throw a whole discrimination fit. What a waste of everyone's time, man.

You saved your company a massive headache by cutting her off quick. Your CEO knows you've got the business sense to make the right call. Last thing you need is some problem employee poisoning the whole work environment.

Really, you did that chick a favor too - now she can keep applying until she finds an "activism" gig or whatever, instead of biting off more than she can chew. Some people just aren't cut out for the real working world, you know?

Glad we're on the same page about keeping that kinda nonsense out of the hiring process. Nothing but respect for doing your job right and looking out for the team. Good work as always bro!

[DrPepper12]

Dodged a big bullet by not hiring her. She's toxic.

[IslaTheWitch]

pronouns are not the problem... we have some people with changed pronouns, and they are top specialists... but missing a portfolio, certificates, or education for a TECHNICAL position is a total "no-go"... I don't even talk to people who don't list it in the CV...

[TheSpaceGnome]

Thats when you call security and have them escorted off the property for being a disgrunted psycho. 😂

[TheSpaceGnome]

disgruntled*