Once I had an interview for a daycare position, and it turned out to be a surprise group interview- and the boss seemed weirdly smug about the fact we didn’t know in advance, like she thought she was one step ahead or something.

Anyway, it started as a standard group interview, then it got a little weird. She would ask one of us a question, such as “talk about a time you made a mistake at work and how you rectified it,” then ask the others to critique their choices. It could have been a positive learning experience, but the way she seemed disappointed when we were supporting what the others did/not being rude.

After a few questions, someone knocks on the door (on-site interview in their office). Surprise, another candidate! Profusely apologizing, sloppily dressed, speaking really loudly (and I’m a really loud person, but this was another level). The interviewer is barely fazed, asks for her name, asks the next question, “what positive and unique qualities do you bring to the classroom?” We all list the standard things. It’s new girl’s turn. “Well I’m obviously better suited to this job than these other girls. None of the qualities they listed were unique. What makes me special is I have the biggest heart and I love children and would do anything for them. No one loves kids more than I do.”

The interviewer breezes past this. The rest of the interview is awkward and occasionally confrontational (only the new girl). At the end, the new girl stands up, walks out, and comes back in (having taken off a hoodie). Surprise! She’s the co-director of the center and she wanted to see how we handled unexpected and difficult situations!

The directors were laughing and we were just staring at each other like what the FUCK. I left immediately. What the FUCK. Definitely dodged more than one bullet there.