Job candidates warned about reception test after man failed interview within seconds

Job-hunters have been warned about a recruitment technique which could fail you an interview within the first few seconds.

Job hunting can feel like a total slog - between filling out the longest application form on Earth, and endless interviews - sometimes it can feel like you're fighting a losing battle.

Well, one bloke managed to completely screw an interview up within seconds of walking through the building doors, and recruiters have urged others not to make the same mistake.

It can be hard trying to second guess what hiring managers are looking for, but a generally friendly attitude is often seen as a given.

Well not for this lad, whose attitude didn’t go down too well with hiring staff.

The story was shared on Reddit’s ‘Life Pro Tips’ forum, and said: “Today, a candidate blew his interview in the first 5 minutes after he entered the building.

“He was dismissive of the receptionist. She greeted him and he barely made eye contact.

Job-seekers have been warned about the secret test. (Getty Stock Photo)

“She tried to engage him in conversation. Again, no eye contact, no interest in speaking with her.”

What the candidate failed to realise, is that the receptionist wasn’t a receptionist after all.

It was actually the hiring manager.

"She called him back to the conference room and explained how every single person on our team is valuable and worthy of respect," the post continued.

Talk about catching red flags early!

The post went on to say: "Due to his interaction with the 'receptionist', the hiring manager did not feel he was a good fit. She said ‘Thank you for your time but the interview is over'. Be nice to everyone in the building.”

"Be nice to everyone in the building.” (Getty stock photo)

It’s difficult to understand why the bloke would have gone into the office with a dismissive attitude in the first place. And it seems as though this wasn’t a new tactic to people in the comments.

One person said: “I'll add as someone who's been on every step of the hiring ladder, even if the receptionist wasn't the hiring manager, that receptionist will still get her two cents in at the water cooler while decisions are being made.

"In a few fields I've worked in, it wasn't just the people in the conference room that were consulted before making an offer.

"Be on point at all times, every employee is a potential team mate and they're all assessing you.”

The moral of the story - be nice to everyone! You never know who you're speaking to…