Potential employee informs company he's in Madrid before scheduling interview, they demand he leaves trip early to do it in-person that coming Thursday, despite it being almost impossible to change flight: 'They’re this inflexible already'

Author image for Emma Saven
Emma Saven
Aug 20, 2025 4:00 PM EDT

The interview process not only gives a company an effective insight into a potential employee, but it also gives the future employee a chance to decide whether or not the company atmosphere and values really 'call to them.' Many a time, red flags may be highly present during this process, but some still choose to either sweep them under the rug or run for the hills faster than they can say, This is where you sign.

While this potential employee is enjoying their well-deserved vacation in the heart of Spain, happily knowing that they have a job interview awaiting their return, they are met with a bit of a roadblock…quite literally. After being in communication with the HR and recruitment teams and this new company, they notify the individual that they will not be able to do the interview over Zoom, and must return from their trip in time for the interview on Thursday. However, they certainly knew that he was abroad and that changing travel schedules and costs would not just be expensive, but merely impossible. This company is either trying to test the flexibility and patience of their new potential employee or prove to them that they have none.

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  • Suddenly it’s not the employee who seems like the problem..but if a company is this demanding with people who don’t even work there…imagine how understanding they must be towards their actual employees…Not every company sees the value in a work/life balance, and that’s okay, but making people travel across the country for an interview with very little warning could be interpreted as a bit of a power play.


     

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    Couple holding up a Spanish flag, with a big smile on their faces
    via maridav

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    HR insisting I fly back early from abroad for an in-person interview

    So I'm currently abroad (literally in Madrid helping a relative move), and I was upfront with HR about it. I told them I'd be back
    via NatSurvivor
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    So I'm currently abroad (literally in Madrid helping a relative move), and I was upfront with HR about it. I told them I'd be back next week and could do the
    via NatSurvivor
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    interview in person as soon as I land. Their response? "You have to be here this Thursday for the interview."
    via NatSurvivor
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    Like... what?? I even tried checking with the airline to see if I could change my flight, but it's impossible to move it up earlier
    via NatSurvivor
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    without insane costs, and yet they keep pushing for me to magically appear this week. I offered to be available ANY day
    via NatSurvivor
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    Man sitting in front of 3 computers
    via olia danilevich

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    starting Monday next week, but apparently that's not good. enough. It honestly makes me wonder: if
    via NatSurvivor
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    they're this inflexible at the interview stage, what's it going to be like actually working there? Also this process has been going on for a month
    via NatSurvivor
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    Has anyone else dealt with recruiters/HR demanding the impossible?
    via NatSurvivor
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    Olivia Presteign Yeah, I'd bow out of the process. It's a two business day difference, and this is crazy inflexible. This is not a fit.
    via OliviaPresteign
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    Intrepid Leopard4352 I think they just interviewed themselves for you. Do not move any further along with these control freaks
    via Intrepid_Leopard4352
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    DoucheNozzle 1163 Now, just imagine the ridiculous demand they will make when you are an actual employee. They did you a favor showing their face early.
    via DoucheNozzle
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    Peace_Hope_Luv • 10h ago Have they heard about zoom or teams? I mean, I would not waste my money & time with that kind of inflexibility. Please.
    via Peace_Hope_Luv
  • 15
    More-Jacket-9034 Start jumping through hoops now and you'll be jumping through flaming hoops 20' high later. They're either testing to see what they can get away with or ridiculously inflexible. Neither is indicative of a good workplace.
    via More-Jacket-9034
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    AdventurousAmoeba 139 I drove all the way back cross county for the same reason once and didn't get the job. Resentful to this day. Don't do it. I'm a manager now, if I had a resume I liked and I had to wait a few extra days for the interview that would be FINE.
    via AdventurousAmoeba
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    Business man checking-in
    via jacoblund

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    Own_Lengthiness_6485 Had my own recruiting agency for 22 years this sounds like a power move by a headhunter because there is another candidate interviewing that they are not representing.
    via Own_Lengthiness_6485
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    RandomGen-Xer I would stand firm on my availability and would also be seriously considering if I really wanted to work for this company whose HR doesn't understand work/life balance before I even accept a job from them.
    via RandomGen-Xer
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    Dakets I run hiring for VP and Director level roles and we'd never do this. Red flag, imo.
    via NatSurvivor
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    Basil Vegetable3339 This is not a reasonable request. Let them know when you are available and see what happens if you are interested in the job. Frankly I'd tell them to ps off.
    via NatSurvivor
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    spids69 Seems like they're showing you the company culture. I'd take a hard pass on that job.
    via spids69
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    eV210x2 Let them know due to their inflexibility that you'll be withdrawing your application. That's insane lol. I'd understand if you were an hour away on a beach trip but that's clearly not the case. Cc their direct manager and the ceo.
    via eV210x2

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Tags

job offer costs boss recruiter opportunity zoom hr drama FAIL unflexible recruiting madrid Travel workplace entitled leave early red flag job interview interview
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