The Day I Broke Wind in My Interview and Still Got the Job

By Andres Villalva

I was quite pleased to receive an invitation for an Interview as a Project Manager, my previous experience included technical lead for some large bodies of work but this was the first time that I would take the reigns for an entire project. Needless to say, I prepared exceptionally well for the interview and I was confident that I would leave my mark.

Some tummy rumbles on the morning of the interview were of some concern, but there was no time for a pit stop. I didn't want to fall behind with my travel schedule because I was nervous enough already. Dressed like a million dollars I headed out on time, just as planned.

At the interview room, I was greeted by three well dressed company employees. The manager, a middle aged male in a business suit. The director, a middle aged female in business attire and a younger looking guy in more casual attire who was from finance. The ambience was one of formality, both the manager and director spoke and looked a little stuck-up but it was a great opportunity nevertheless and I wanted in!

Unfortunately we only managed greetings and introductions with fresh air in the room, on exerting my stomach muscles whilst in the process of sitting down I accidentally passed wind! Everyone froze momentarily as they processed the noise - I was busted. I apologised profusely and hoped that it wasn't going to be a smelly one. The younger finance guy had a little smirk on his face but the manager and the director were clearly not impressed.

To my horror the odour from my little accident was profusely offensive. One by one I watched the expressions on the faces of the interview panel change as they caught a whiff of the pungent gas. We couldn't escape - the small room was soon saturated and everyone was too polite to run out holding their breath (or gagging!).

Of the thirty minutes of interview time, I think that twenty five were a write off for everyone involved. Finally, when we got to the last question I felt like I needed to say something about our awkward interview because, lets face it, it hadn't gone well.

"I'd like to say one more thing", I proclaimed. I know that this interview was extremely unpleasant for everyone and I would like to apologise once again."

My thoughts were to run out of the room and never return just from shear embracement. But I didn't because I want to work for you so much that I am prepared to go through terrible adversity in order to reach that goal. I know that if, in the unlikely event that I am offered the job, that I may be the subject of ridicule during my time here as a result of my interview. But in my eyes that is a small price to pay for the privilege of working for this firm in this position.

"As you can see I will not give up and I will not run away no matter how tough the situation. If this unpleasant experience has shown you anything about me, it is that I am one who will tough it out to get the result." I said.

And with that fine finale we finished the interview.

I was offered the job 24 hours later. Surprisingly, the director later told me that it was my composure under pressure that impressed them - not my speech. She said that I would likely be attending many "stinking" meetings and if I could hold my cool the way I did that interview then I would go a long way.

Find some more Interview Horror Stories or write in and tell us your story. We also have an extensive Interview section including common interview questions, attire, tips and much, much more.

More Finding a Job Information:
• The Ins and Outs of Apprenticeship Programs
• Getting from College to Career - 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World
• Expanding Your Resume - The Curriculum Vitae
• Creating and Self-Marketing Yourself to Find a Job During Tough Times
• Employment Interviewing - The Winning Strategy!
• How to Get a Job With a Criminal Record
• The Day I Broke Wind in My Interview and Still Got the Job
• Pretending You Care - The Retail Employee Handbook
• Telecommuter's Guide to Safe Job Hunting
• How to Succeed at a Job Interview

RSS Feed

 Follow @Stephen Bucaro

 Choose a Career
 Finding a Job
 Success at Work