digital marketing lead. What was meant to be a routine discussion about their skills and career aspirations turned into an uncomfortable and humiliating encounter, he said in post on social media. During the interview, the CEO laughed at one of their previous job roles, dismissing it as a “gig” instead of a real job, solely because it was a remote position for an overseas company.
Despite attempts to explain the nature of their work, the professional felt belittled and exhausted by the interaction, he said.
The situation worsened when the CEO mocked his career trajectory, pointing out that their last three jobs were in different industries. Instead of appreciating the adaptability and diverse experience, the interviewer appeared to see this as a lack of focus or commitment. The professional left the interview feeling humiliated and questioning whether this treatment was normal or an indication of something deeper about the company’s culture.
This story quickly resonated online, sparking discussions about workplace respect and the behavior of some interviewers. Many netizens came forward with their own perspectives:
One user suggested it might have been a “stress test,” a tactic some interviewers use to gauge how candidates react under pressure. They shared a personal story of being challenged in an interview but eventually being selected and thriving in the role for five years.
Others were less forgiving, labeling the company as a “red flag” and advising the individual to