'I work to live, I don't live to work': 20 ways people messed up their job interviews

Author image for Ben Weiss
Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Feb 25, 2025 4:00 PM EST

Sometimes, it's easier to try and mess up an interview than to try and do a good job. 

Every anxious person has had the experience of being in the hot seat and not knowing what to say that's acceptable. All that comes to mind is what not to say, and you end up feeling Bridget Jones speaking publicly. Interviewing, as we know all too well at this point, is a skill in and of itself. Unfortunately, that skill can appear to be more important than the skills one actually might need to perform the responsibilities of the job to which you're applying. 

Now for folks who have had the uncomfortable, albeit lucky experience of needing to turn down a job prospect, sometimes, it's easy to think of all the ways you can mess up the opportunity for yourself rather than just come clean and say you no longer want to be considered. Let these responses to the prompt "how to mess up an interview" serve as an indicator that it's way better to be honest…

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  • 01
    Cheezburger Image 10472600576
    via Unsplash+ (Ahmet Kurt)

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 02

    Don't bring Mom into this!

    tmrika. Say that you think the company is dumb and you're only there because your mother made you. More effective the older you are.
    via Gudy44
  • 03

    It's important to be yourself but just not ALL of yourself in front of a future employer!

    Mad_Aeric Be myself. That has a proven track record.
    via Gudy44
  • 04

    They said "relaxed work environment!"

    EQ2_Tay Sit down, reach into my backpack and pop open a beer.
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  • 05

    That may not be a strong handshake, but it's certainly a memorable one!

    turtleproblems1 Scratch your a then go for the handshake
    via Gudy44
  • 06

    OK but most people wish they could do this!

    al... Show up with my mom and have her answer all the questions for me.
    via Gudy44
  • 07

    This one could also get you hired depending on the workplace!

    chadster1979 Showing up to interview with a pet parrot on your shoulder does not blow the interview. My wife worked for a popular online shoe retailer that starts with a Z and interviewed a guy who showed up like this. She gave him the job, because, who wouldn't want to work with a dude that would show up to an interview with a bird on their shoulder.
    via Gudy44
  • 08

    Easy peasy!

    Comrad... Just don't show up. Edit: This is how I would bomb a job interview because I'd be too anxious to do anything more drastic lol. Yes, nowadays they'd probably reach out to reschedule or something. This is also the least effort, but if you're collecting unemployment it could be used against you, who knows.
    via Gudy44
  • 09

    Perhaps it's a nervous tick!

    AbleSailor Say "meow" at the end of each sentence.
    via Gudy44
  • 10

    You have to hand it to this guy for just surrendering after that!

    RosieCakeness Did this years ago. I drank a coke quickly to settle my stomach before a big interview for a dream job. Right as introductions are being made and I am shaking the CEO's hand I don't say "Nice to meet - you".... I instead let out the loudest, nastiest belch ever formed by my digestive tract. Epic echo in the hallway, too! No way to recover - I just turned around silently and left. Never heard from them again.
    via Gudy44
  • 11
    Cheezburger Image 10472600832
    via Unsplash+ (Ahmet Kurt)

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 12

    Honesty ain't always the best policy!

    penny_can ⚫ This reminds me of an old joke: Interviewer: One last question. What would you say is your biggest flaw? Job Seeker: Well, I'm brutally honest Interviewer: I see, well really, I think that's really not too much of a flaw Job Seeker: I don't give a f what you think.
    via Gudy44
  • 13

    How very Gen-Z of you!

    SliverCobain Ask for the WiFi pass as the first thing.
    via Gudy44
  • 14

    Someone has been watching too many Matrix movies!

    jayforwork21 Dress up as the original Agent Smith. I get bonus points to start talking in his manner. I also refer to the interviewer as Mr. Anderson and be as condescending as possible.
    via Gudy44
  • 15

    *Laughs uncontrollably and then painfully quiet*

    Gaming_Moment_... "It'd be really funny if I got this job. Totally not because I would commit arson or anything, but it'd be really funny."
    via Gudy44
  • 16

    We all wish we could say that!

    Icefox14 Ask salary range and then say that's it?
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  • 17

    Full disclosure...

    diavirric . Don't worry, I'm in anger management.
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  • 18

    "Thank you for your transparency. The position has since been filled!"

    DeeTee79. "I'm sorry I'm late, I had some trouble getting rid of my ankle monitor."
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  • 19

    This is quite the image!

    TheChosenSnail Enter the room caterpillar crawling in a blanket
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  • 20

    It's giving Liz Lemon getting out of jury duty on 30 Rock!

    whomp1970 I'd wear my Star Trek uniform.
    via Gudy44
  • 21

    Power to this guy for standing his ground!

    PinocchioWas Fra... In my early 20s, I interview for a sales job. He asked me for my philosophy on work. I told him that I work to live, I don't live to work. He said that I'd have to change my "attitude" if I wanted to work there, so I laughed and walked right out the door.
    via Gudy44
  • 22

    OK, maybe honestly IS the best policy...

    [deleted]. Just tell them you don't think it's a good fit. I've done that, it's ok to be honest with potential employers.
    via Gudy44

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workplace-stories work stories toxic-workplace job work reddit thread Reddit company job interview interview toxic-work-environment
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