Job applicant attends Zoom interview, realizes interviewers are sharing a screen with messages about them: 'The worst interview of my life so far'

Author image for Ally Perry
Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Jul 16, 2026 7:45 PM EDT

Every technological advancement in the working world increases the possibility of mishaps.

For all that the likes of computers, the internet, and AI have made many different kinds of roles easier and more flexible, it is easy for them or the people using them to make mistakes. In fact, technology malfunctions and misunderstandings have become a normal part of almost every kind of job these days. Sometimes, they can have quite drastic or at least embarrassing consequences.

It is no fun to be caught making any errors at work, including those that involve technology. Even those that are fairly minor can end up being humiliating, and they might affect more people than just you. While we all make mistakes occasionally, some have more serious ramifications than others. They can be the difference between keeping a job and leaving a role, or whether those quarterly goals get reached. It can certainly change other people' opinions of you as well. Basically, while some mess-ups are minor, others really are the stuff of late-night panic spirals and those cringe compilations that your brain likes to put together before you go to sleep. It pays to be careful when doing even the most mundane things at work.

Add as a preferred
source on Google
Advertisement
  • A representation of a man sitting on a video call, wearing AirPods with his arms crossed
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    A representation of a man sitting on a video call, wearing AirPods with his arms crossed

  • The interview stage is when both a job applicant and a company hope to leave a good impression. As such, it is one of those times when it is even more important for the technology to run smoothly. A malfunction or mistake won't help calm anyone's nerves.

    A job applicant was left feeling bad about themselves when they were invited on a Zoom interview to complete some technical tasks. The two people interviewing them accidentally shared their screen, where they were messaging each other about the interviewee's performance of the tasks. They did not seem impressed with what they saw, and were unbothered by the fact that the interviewee had seen their communications.

  • Interviewer forgot he was sharing his screen

    Just had the worst interview of my life so far. The interview was two technical tests performed over silence in a Zoom call - no questions asked to me about my resume or experience.
    via DogAlgebra
  • They then asked me a bunch of questions about said tests, whilst messaging each other about how they thought I had done poorly. The worst part is, when I told them I could see their screen, neither of the interviewers even apologised...
    via DogAlgebra
  • A representation of a man smiling and clasping his hands together while wearing AirPods on a video call
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    A representation of a man smiling and clasping his hands together while wearing AirPods on a video call

  • RoninReticle pre-empt them by stating that you're withdrawing as a candidate due to their lack of professionalism. You dodged a bullet IMO.
    via RoninReticle
  • OAKI-io that's not just awkward, it's a pretty clean signal. if they can't run a basic interview professionally or apologize when they mess up, imagine what feedback and code review look like there. i'd send a short withdrawal note and keep moving.
    via OAKI-io
  • TXtogo At least you know you did poorly, you got real time feedback
    via TXtogo
  • Hertje73 Don't forget the interview is 2 ways.. They just failed it.
    via Hertje73
  • TecN9ne If your interviewer is this dumb, imagine what working there would be like.
    via TecN9ne
  • Zhentilftw Forgetting the fed up part. Use this going forward. While it was unprofessional, you got blunt feedback. Reflect on what might have made them think you did poorly. Get someone you trust to mock interview you. Maybe they are just completely wrong. But it's worth exploring.
    via Zhentilftw
  • Crafty-Message4564 I would have taken a screenshot and then opened it and started sharing my own screen. F I, CHAOS!
    via Crafty-Message4564
  • Forward_Bird_9778 It only sks cause interviewers tend to have all the power, but honestly that's a clear signal not to work there even if it had gone well.
    via Forward_Bird_9778
  • I was in a zoom interview once and the guy interviewing me was on his phone typing away looking down. I genuinely started talking gibberish and he continued nodding etc. I got that job as an interim source of income while I kept looking but that moment in the interview told me all I needed to know.
    via Forward_Bird_9778
  • III_Code_4760 I'm so sorry that happened to you. How unprofessional of them to not even apologize. As others have said, you've dodged a bullet and your first impression of them going like THIS is very telling about how they operate as an establishment. Don't let this bring you down. Put the power back in your hands! Sending strength.
    via Ill_Code_4760
  • RevolutionFun4108 I know exactly how you feel. I had an interview where the two people was messaging each other and smirking. He even said "yea I just told her xyz." I was immediately thinking I don't want to work with these people.
    via RevolutionFun4108

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

zoom call work job interview job application
Scroll Down For The Next Article