This can lead to a series of tests and trials before candidates are seriously considered for the role.
Reddit user SoretoeMcGoo recounted an unusual experience they encountered during the advanced stages of a job interview.
The situation appeared standard and routine at the outset, according to the user’s account.
The Redditor shared, “I applied for a job with a major UK energy supplier.
“After passing the phone interview, I was invited to a hotel for the next phase, which was an aptitude test. There were about 30 of us in a large conference room; around 20 were sent home, and the remaining 10 were asked to stay for a face-to-face interview in a hotel room.
“Everything was going well, although I found it odd that the interview was being filmed. At the end of the interview, the interviewer said, ‘one last thing, could you sing me a song?’”
The question arises: would you comply and start singing, or would you politely refuse?
The Reddit user described their response and reflected on whether they regretted their decision years later.
They elaborated: “I said what? And he said yeah, just anything that comes to mind, just sing something.
“I flatly refused, but the interviewer persisted, suggesting that I could sing ‘Happy Birthday.’ I stood my ground and said no, I’m not doing that.
“Once the interview concluded, the interviewer turned off the camera and told me, ‘you did well, and I feel bad for you, but you won’t get the job.’ He explained that his boss had insisted that no one who refused to sing at the end could be hired, regardless of their performance.
“I was only about 19 then and found it incredibly strange. Initially, I was annoyed at myself for not just singing ‘Happy Birthday,’ but now, in hindsight, I’m glad I didn’t. It was clearly a test to see how easily I could be controlled.”
It’s an unusual and concerning scenario, but one might wonder: would you have acted differently?