(Not today but happened a few days ago and still genuinely haunts me so I needed to share.)
I (23F) recently lost my job and was job hunting. I got an interview for this desk job and I was incredibly excited because it was perfect. The benefits were amazing, it was super close to home, and it was a desk job which was a great change to my customer service job I had before.
I went to the interview nervous as all get out because it was a government job and I was wearing a blazer, pencil skirt, stockings, and ballet flats. I felt so out of place and nervous.
I introduced myself to the front desk guy and apologized for being so early (it was 15 minutes til my interview) which he gave me a weird look and was like “you’re not that early…”
So I’m already on edge.
Then, the interview starts with some folks. I feel pretty decent about the interview but honestly, I’m terrified.
I am rambling and clearly nervous, but I’m trying to stay calm and professional.
The energy in the room though, was pretty decent. They were laughing, vibing with me, I began to feel really good. I think I was really winning them over.
We are almost to the end of the interview when the head of the department asks me a question I didn’t see coming.
“If you could make a TV show about anything, what would it be?”
I think for a moment, saying “oh that’s a good question!”
Then, after a short pause I confidently respond.
“I would have a show where it’s Opossums reenacting stories from classical literature. You know, Romeo and Juliette, The Great Gatsby, etc. and they’d be in little costumes and stuff.”
The room just froze. No one said anything. No one laughed, no one even looked pleased or surprised. They all just stared at me like I had two heads.
After what felt like an eternity (realistically probably only a few seconds), the department head responded to me. She just sort of, hesitantly asked me, “Why is that?”
And I struggled to explain the answer.
“Uh… Well, Opossums are my favourite animal. And I love classical literature. So like, yeah.”
In my head, I felt like I was nailing the casual tone and the like, slightly awkward but kind demeanor people tend to say I have.
But man, this was BAD. Like, the vibes immediately felt awkward and I was just trying so hard to break the silence.
The interview ended after a couple of questions from myself, then they explained what would come next. And I was escorted out.
I genuinely was feeling so good about the interview until that question. THAT QUESTION of all things. I always get a laugh or a giggle when I answer those stupid personality questions. I was proud of my answer! Who wouldn’t want a Wishbone-esque tv show featuring opossums?! (with British accents of course.)
Anyways, Im pretty sure I Bombed that interview now and I’m terrified. Haven’t heard anything back yet but, I’m not optimistic.
TL;DR Job Interviewer asked me what TV show id make if I could make one, I said “Opossums reenacting classical literature”, and immediately killed the vibes 😩
UPDATE: Firstly, genuinely thank you for everyone in the comments. The amount of support I have recieved was very kind. I am glad everyone agrees this is a banger idea for a show. I also appreciate the people helping me see why this might have gotten some weirded out reactions. It’s made me feel a bit less bad and a bit more prepared.
For context, I wanted to add that this was my first job interview in a few years, so it was pretty nerve wracking. I also have never had to wear such a formal outfit for an interview, and felt very out of place as I’d never worked an office job before. This wasn’t any big government job. I’d be just checking papers and files for people in a cubical. So it wasn’t as grandiose as it sounds. But, I digress.
This morning, I got an email from the employer… they want to hire me! I got the job!
I have to go through the background check process and I have a vacation coming up soon, so I won’t be starting for a couple weeks. But I’m genuinely shocked they didn’t completely hate me! Guess it shows how bad at reading people I am lol. Good thing I’m not working a customer service job anymore 🥴🥴🥴
Also, I’m not AI but I appreciate yall being skeptical. AI will never replace pure human cringe, let it be known today!