Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh
Staffing might seem like a straightforward process—finding the right person for the right job. But for those of us in the industry, it’s a rollercoaster of resumes, interviews, and unexpected surprises. Sometimes, the best way to navigate the chaos is with a sense of humor. Here are some of the funniest anecdotes gleaned from the world of staffing, proving that truth really is stranger than fiction.
The Case of the Disappearing Candidate
It was a perfect match—or so it seemed. The client was thrilled with the candidate’s credentials, and the candidate was excited about the role. Everything was set for the big interview day. But when the time came, the candidate was a no-show.
Concerned, we called to check in. His response? “Oh, I forgot it was today. I’m at a goat yoga class. Can we reschedule?”
Needless to say, the client was not amused, but the mental image of him balancing a goat on his back mid-yoga class still brings a smile to my face.
The Overly Honest Resume
Honesty is always appreciated, but one candidate took it to the next level. Under “Skills,” they listed:
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- Procrastinating but pulling it off at the last minute
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- Overthinking minor details
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- “Googling things really well”
While we appreciated the self-awareness, we gently suggested a more professional tone for their resume. They took the feedback in stride, and we helped them land a role where those “skills” actually came in handy!
Dress for Success...or Not
A candidate once showed up for a corporate interview wearing flip-flops, board shorts, and a tank top that read, “Beach Vibes Only.” When we gently asked about the outfit, he shrugged and said, “The job said ‘business casual,’ and this is how I casually do business.”
While his confidence was commendable, we provided him with a quick wardrobe refresher before his next interview.
The Accidental Mute Button
One of our clients was conducting virtual interviews during the pandemic. Midway through, they called us in a panic. “I’ve had three interviews, and not a single candidate has answered my questions!”
After some troubleshooting, we discovered the client had muted their microphone the entire time. The candidates had all been answering enthusiastically—just into the void of silence. Thankfully, everyone laughed about it later, and the client became a master of virtual communication.
The Pet Co-Worker
During a Zoom interview, a candidate introduced us to their “assistant.” To our surprise, the assistant was a very fluffy and opinionated cat. At one point, the cat climbed onto the candidate’s keyboard, adding an accidental string of characters to the chat.
When we jokingly asked if the cat would be joining for work, the candidate deadpanned, “Only if the benefits package includes tuna.” The humor and quick wit left a lasting impression, and the candidate got the job!
Lost in Translation
A bilingual candidate proudly listed “Fluent in Klingon” on their resume. While we appreciated the uniqueness, we asked if they could elaborate. They explained, “I included it as a conversation starter—it’s worked in every interview so far!”
It worked again. The client loved the creativity, and the candidate landed the position. Live long and prosper, indeed.
In Conclusion
The staffing industry might be serious business, but moments like these remind us why we love what we do. Each day brings new surprises, and while not every story ends in a perfect placement, many leave us with a good laugh.
So, here’s to the candidates, clients, and recruiters who keep us on our toes—and keep us laughing along the way.