Ghosted at an Interview: My Experience at a Coffee Chain
Imagine being ghosted during an in-person interview. As someone who’s been navigating the tough job market for some time, I was elated when I received an invitation to interview at a prominent coffee chain—think a high-street favorite, but not Costa.
Excited and optimistic, I arrived at the coffee shop punctually for my scheduled interview. The manager welcomed me upon arrival, asked me to take a seat, and assured me they’d be with me “in a few minutes.” So, I settled in and prepared to make a great impression.
However, after 30 minutes of waiting, the manager finally returned, apologizing for the delay due to a busy morning. They asked if I was still able to wait, and I agreed, hoping they would soon have time for our discussion. Unfortunately, another 30 minutes passed with no interaction. Disheartened, I decided it was time to leave. Before departing, I intended to inform the manager as a courtesy, but they were nowhere to be found. I resorted to asking a staff member to pass along my message.
The experience left me astounded. Why invite someone to an interview if there’s no time to actually conduct it? The timing wasn’t even my choice; they had set it and asked me to attend. While I can understand waiting if I were meeting with a CEO of a multi-million-pound corporation, it’s unreasonable to wait an hour for a barista interview at a local coffee shop.
This experience highlighted the lack of respect shown to me as a candidate. Although I’m in search of a job, I seek an environment that values and respects its team. This was not it. Vent over.
One Comment
It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated and disrespected in a situation like this. Being “ghosted” at an in-person interview—where you made the effort to attend only to end up waiting indefinitely—can be bewildering and quite demoralizing, especially in the context of seeking a job you were excited about.
While your experience was unfortunate, it does present some lessons and strategies you could consider in the future. Firstly, remember that the interview process is not just for the employer to evaluate you; it’s also an opportunity for you to assess whether the company’s culture aligns with your values and expectations. Disorganization or disregard for your time during the interview phase can be indicative of the work environment you might encounter if you take the job. It’s wise to regard such red flags seriously, as they might influence your job satisfaction and well-being in the long term.
In situations like these, it’s critical to maintain professionalism, regardless of how justifiably upset you may be. As hard as it might be, leaving on a good note by politely informing them of your departure, as it seems you did, preserves your own dignity and keeps the door open for potential future interactions, should circumstances change. Following up with a professional email or call could also serve to make them aware of the situation, offer them an opportunity to explain or apologize, and provide closure for both parties.
Looking ahead, consider preparing a few questions you can ask during the early stages of an interview to help gauge the company’s organizational culture. For instance: “Can you describe a typical day working here?” or “How does the team handle unexpected busy periods?” Responses to such questions can be revealing.
Finally, don’t lose heart. While it might feel like a setback, there are certainly companies and managers out there who will respect and appreciate the dedication and professionalism you bring to the table. Continue to pursue opportunities and remember that each interview or encounter adds to your experience and gets you closer to the position that’s right for you. And always keep in mind that finding a workplace where mutual respect is a core value is paramount to ensuring your overall happiness and success at work.