Employer schedules interview at 7 AM and keeps candidates waiting for 8+ hours, to see how they respond: 'It was a test of desperation'

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JR Atkinson • Writer and Editor
Jul 31, 2025 10:00 AM EDT

There are a few rules you simply must follow when you're looking for a new job. Sure, it might come down to your resume, your connections, and the timing, but there are a few rules of politeness that will get you everywhere. Being on time is one of them. Especially in the early stages of a job, it's essential to be on time. Early, even. 

Almost everyone in the working world will tell you that being on time is an essential skill. In showbiz, they say, "If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late. If you're late, you're toast." A bit harsh, but it's the maxim of most employers across the globe. In fact, some would say that showing up on time and willing to work is 99% of the job. This also applies to life outside of work. Sure, you're allowed to be running late every now and then, but if you develop a reputation as a "late person" then you might miss out on opportunities. Your prompt friends will stop inviting you to time-sensitive activities like vacations or theatre. 

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  • 01
    The Idea Junkie @jerrydoubles An employer invited six people for an interview by 7:00AM, they were all dressed and sharp before the time. He told them to wait. By 3:00PM, 3 had left. By 6:00PM, he came and met only 2. They got the job. That was the interview. Test of PATIENCE
    via @jerrydoubles

  • But what if your employer was actually the one who was late? This scenario from Twitter prompted an interesting discussion about patience on the job. Scroll on for the deets. 

  • 02
    Cheezburger Image 10361065728
    via Ben White
  • 03

    Commenters weighed in with their opinions.

    coolbaby1978 - 6 hr. ago I would have left. Not because I don't have patience but because anyone who shows such a flagrant lack of respect for me and my time is going to be an absolute nightmare to work for.
    via u/coolbaby1978
  • 04
    When you show thst you're desperate, you show you're perfect for exploitation. When you allow someone to treat you poorly, that's all they'll ever do. A person who can't even bother to show you basic human respect and decency at the start will never give you respect.
    via u/coolbaby1978
  • 05
    An interview goes both ways...and he would have surely failed my interview of him as a manager.
    via u/coolbaby1978
  • 06
    OmarsMommy 5 hr. ago. edited 3 hr. ago All of this. Hiring manager told them bs there at 7:00 am. They were. Did the applicants have to pay for parking? Catch a bus? Arrange child/elder/pet care? Have other scheduled interviews or appointments? Take a day off of their current job? A diabetic or someone who needs to eat more than once every 11 hours? Zero respect for the applicant's humanity and time.
    via u/OmarsMommy
  • 07
    • Designer_Trash_8057 · 3 hr. ago That's such a good point. They would be well within their rights to claim that back from the interviewer if they didn't have a valid, emergency reason and had not updated them.
    via u/Designer_Trash_8057
  • 08
    If you are late for the interview they cancel you without the same curteousy. If you are late for work you are reprimanded or not paid. If they were that late for that interview without reason, I would issue a demand for compensation. However this does seem like one of those hypothetical, non- sensical stories which exist to prove an equally ridiculous point.
    via u/Designer_Trash_8057
  • 09
    DresdenMurphy · 6 hr. ago Cool. Can't wait to utilise the same tactic at work by waiting and doing nothing, because it seems that's what they hired me for.
    via u/DresdenMurphy
  • 10
    that1LPdood. 6 hr. ago Bro I'm leaving after like 30 minutes. that place lol If they can't respect my time, I'm not going to work there.
    via u/that1LPdood
  • 11
    Zachbnonymous 3 hr. ago I'll leave after 15, most places with a time clock I've worked round your hours to 15 minute intervals. I'm not waiting longer than you'd wait for me if I'm running late lol
    via u/Zachbnonymous
  • 12
    komplete 10 6 hr. ago It was a test of desperation, and how easily they will do what they're told without kicking back.
    via u/komplete10
  • 13
    GamiNami 6 hr. ago Never forget to leave a negative review of the employer if they try this.
    via u/GamiNami
  • 14
    • DJDemyan 5 hr. ago I don't want to work for someone that A) Doesn't value my time B) Plays secret games with mysterious "win" and "lose" conditions that I'll never know what I did right/wrong Why do people dehumanize others like this??
    via u/DJDemyan
  • 15
    saruin 6 hr. ago Ah yes, the test of patience. It's also the test of just how desperate you are and a test of how much ab e you're willing to take. The people who left got off easy and walked away with dignity.
    via u/saruin
  • 16
    Space Bus1 5 hr. ago I wouldn't hire folks that waited twelve hours. The people who left first are the most hirable, they know the value of time.
    via u/SpaceBus1
  • 17
    Background_Car_1882. 6 hr. ago It's almost as if they try to test their willingness to waste time for 8h a day...hmmmm
    via u/Background_Car_1882
  • 18
    • waveball03 5 hr. ago This isn't a test of patience, it's a test of subservience.
    via u/waveball03
  • 19
    jammasterdoom .5 hr. ago What did this monster do to the missing 6th candidate?
    via u/jammasterdoom

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