UPDATE: Executive directors accidentally send job candidate private meeting video discussing her job interview: 'Do I just pretend I didn't see the recap?'

Author image for Remy Millisky
Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Oct 1, 2025 3:00 PM EDT

Quick — what would you do if you interviewed somewhere, only to be sent the conversation from an internal meeting regarding your own interview? It's a wild scenario, and one you're not likely to be in… unless you're this person, who had exactly that happen to them following their most recent job interview. 

First, this person interviewed, and was subsequently emailed a recap of said interview. That was not supposed to go to them, however! But it gets worse — that was just a recap of a full video meeting all about their interview performance. 

Now look, this is kind of a blessing in disguise, as some glass-half-full types in the comments section noted. For the optimists out there, getting brutally honest, utterly candid feedback about your own job interview performance is the kind of thing you'd have to pay thousands for in the real world. This person got it for free! On the other hand, they didn't exactly ask for that, and now they may feel even more self-conscious about doing future job interviews. 

At first, some commenters wondered if this was an elaborate ploy to test this person's honesty. Would they tell the hiring manager what happened, or ignore it? But it soon became clear that that was not the case at all… 

Check it all out down below! Then, read about this 25-year-old construction worker who cost her company $20,000 after her 34-year-old boss totally refused to listen to her: "I'm telling him no… I was perfectly within my right to do so." 

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  • 01
    After logging off Zoom in what I thought had been a good interview, I receive an email from Fathom with a full rundown of the interview, the interviewer's thoughts on me, and their to-do list for the week! They said I lacked enthusiasm and energy as opposed to other candidates. And that my communication style was "more subdued" compared to others they'd talked to.
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 02
    I suppose it's not the worst feedback but it s ks to hear I don't have this "energy" they're looking for. I'm always super calm in interviews and generally laid back, so I wonder if I just need to kick it up a notch?! In any case, I just received an email inviting me to an in-person meeting later this week.
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 03
    Do I just pretend I didn't see the recap and change up my personality for this next meeting?! Has anyone else accidentally received feedback after an interview?
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 04
    SPICY UPDATE!! THERE IS A VIDEO. Their entire conversation was recorded and sent to me. I've never used Fathom before so I saw the recap email and left it at that. But today I went back into the email and noticed everything was underlined with a little "play" icon next to it. I didn't see it yesterday so I clicked it and opened Pandora's Box. You can not make this up.
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 05
    First, some context. I was meeting with the executive director and a new director he'd hired just a couple of months back. This role would've reported into both people. That context is important because as soon as I left the Zoom call, the E.D. said, "I like her. She's chill."
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 06
    But then the new director said my comm skills were the weakest among the three other candidates and it "felt like pulling teeth." Said I wasn't proactive in my questioning, wasn't "asking questions like I wanted to see." Actually scoffed at my questions regarding the board of directors even though 20% of this role would be interfacing with the Board.
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 07
    The Executive Director was silent for a few seconds, until he agreed with her and said, "her energy was muted." Call me muted - I actually don't care but don't let a brand new - director brainwash you into thinking "chill" means muted or bland. New director then said the other two candidates were "additive," that the story I shared was lackluster, that she worried I
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 08
    couldn't convey the organization's mission to donors/partners because of this. Executive Director agreed with, "Yes, underwhelming." New director then says her instinct is to put me in third/last place, with the other two being ranked close to one another. Executive Director then says, "Yeah, she might be a function of what looks good on paper... and
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 09
    lacking some energy." New director: "Energy, drive, curiosity, you know... she could perform on the job but I was looking for a little more 'oomph." Then she tells the Executive Director that next steps will be interviewing me in person to see if they can really get a vibe for me. Then they talked about confirming Kathleen for Thursday at 11am (good luck, Kathleen -
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 10
    you got this! They mentioned the org Kathleen is coming from. I feel bad knowing this candidate's information). Then they spoke about getting a restaurant for a team dinner. "Are we ok with fancy?" "Mediterranean?" "What about a churrascaria?" No, the new director steamrolled that idea. The Executive Director agreed. Also Lydia can't come she'll be upstate.
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 11
    Then they spoke about a board member's difficulty in getting a dogsitter. The amount of times this new director rolled her eyes is outrageous. I think she's the mean girl of the office and it's concerning that the E.D. agrees with everything she says. Yikes. Now friends, here's where it gets interesting. I was offered my dream job today! Like, my actual dream job. The dream job that I
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 12
    was sure I wasn't qualified enough for because it's such a well-respected org! I'd been interviewing with them for 2 months and was convinced I was gonna fall at the last hurdle. Suffice to say I will not be going to the in-person interview at that sh*tty office, but I think we should have a little fun with this, no? Also, who's free on the 20th to rock up for the team dinner? O
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 13
    A. This is actually great for you. Interviewing is tough and getting honest feedback on interviews is even tougher. This will help you improve moving forward. Don't make it awkward. But I would reply and let them know they accidentally sent it to you, and that even though it was accidental, you'll take the feedback and improve in the
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 14
    C next interview. Showing that you can take constructive criticism and grow is a huge plus. Edit 2 based on your latest update: Yeah, F that place.
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 15
    Woman with short red hair and green shirt talks on laptop to man in blue shirt with wooden background
    via M. Cooper For Unsplash+

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

  • 16
    Edit 1 (prior to latest update from OP -- ignore these, no longer relevant): lots of interesting points in the replies, so adding some here (in no particular order): • this could be a test and they are waiting to see what you do (unlikely... would be a big red flag). If not, there is a high probability they realize their mistake anyways and not
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 17
    replying would look bad. Replying shows you are an ethical person and have integrity. • this could backfire if the person who made the error gets embarrassed. They might cancel or reject you - if that happens, you dodged a bullet. Personally, I wouldn't want to work for someone who is
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 18
    spiteful and isn't mature enough to handle a small mistake. Remember it's about finding THE RIGHT job, not just a job. To me, this is not a risk, it's an opportunity for insight into how your potential future boss/coworkers react. depending on country and company, the person who made the
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 19
    error could get in trouble....That would S k and I'd hate to get someone in trouble, but that's also on them to own up to and learn from their mistakes. • there is a chance this could give you an unfair advantage over other candidates and if they find out they could disqualify you from the role. this is probably -
    via u/Attorneyatlau
  • 20
    the only real concern I have.... Definitely depends on the company and person. • don't go crazy and change your personality. If they want. someone you are not, then it's not a good fit. Good luck with whatever you decide!
    via u/Attorneyatlau

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