AIBU to worry that bringing chocolates to an interview was inappropriate?

Those chocolates are delicious.

Did you grow up in the UK?
I'm asking because I have heard that in other countries, this kind of giving is considered essential.

I do a lot of interviewing for my company,

TBH, I do think it's inappropriate to bring chocolates to an interview. If an experienced person brought them I'd think it a bit weird that they haven't learnt yet that you don't take gifts, no matter how small, to an interview. However, as it's a graduate position I'd put it down to inexperience and keenness to work for my company, so it wouldn't go against you at all. Don't worry about it, and I hope you've got the job.

Most people who "show themselves up" do so in a way which shows up some kind of negative trait. You've done it in a way which makes you look like someone people will want to work with.

Good luck with it all! Hope you get it!

Oh heavens, don’t give it another thought. If you’re the right fit, a box of chocolates won’t ruin your chances. :)

also, you made it that far, so good for you!

I got to the last round in interviews 6 months ago for my dream job; they flew me out for the final interview and then I didn’t get the job. I was gutted, wondering what I did “wrong,”
then someone retired and they hired me immediately, without any more interviews.

you just never know. You were yourself and you did something thoughtful- nothing wrong with that.

You don't seriously think that an employer running a graduate trainee scheme is going to think in a million years that a candidate would be stupid enough to think they'd throw away their recruitment process for a box of chocs do you?

That can't be an actual thing can it?

Noone is going to think you're trying to bribe someone for a job with a box of chocs!

Don't overthink it. Idk why your friends are so incredulous or why they'd try and shake your confidence after an interview like that.

I think most people would take it at face value tbh. Not everyone is looking to see the worst in each other

This sums it up perfectly

Honestly, if this sense of ambiguity gives you anxiety, you’re going to struggle in corporate roles

Well I would hire you purely on the basis you brought chocolates!!

It’s a graduate position and you weren’t going for the CEO, so it’s quite a nice gesture.

I actually think it’s quite a clever move, they’ll remember you. It certainly wouldn’t do you any harm.

I think your friends are shit stirring a bit. It’s just chocolates.

Congratulations on getting to the final stage, that is a huge achievement! Don’t overthink the chocolates, as people have said it is unusual but won’t be held against you negatively! It sounds as though the interaction was very natural and you will have come across as personable and prepared. They can’t encourage applicants to bring chocolates but I’m sure they would have enjoyed them.
I’m guessing this is for a law firm training contract. I’m a lawyer (trained at a city firm, now in-house). It sounds like you are doing fantastically on your own but it you ever want to check through anything then feel free to message me. Really hope you get the job!

I’m glad you feel better now. 💐

Its not an issue. I interview grads and run grad programs. It may actually go in your favour as you will be memorable. Some people just sink into the background despite being technically good, and so a little extra like this can actually make a little difference. Not because of the chocolates but because there is now something to remember you by. 'Sally, oh the one with the chocolates' not 'Sally, which one was she again'.

I rather like the fact you did that.

You are over thinking this because you want the job. All these multi stage interviews are very stressful. I remember being totally crushed after reaching the final stage in a multinational graduate program when I didn’t get it. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions getting through to each round.

Just draw a line under your worry now. You have done what you can, you’ve done great so far and it’s out of your hands. The chocolates won’t be making a difference.

Massive well done on getting to the final stage!!

The top employers will usually state their values and the behaviours they are looking for from their employees. You've shown you are thoughtful and the fact you intended the chocs for cleaners and kitchen staff means youre thinking about the whole team, not just sucking up to the boss. There's a good chance you actually get a higher assessment score from demonstrating your values.

If you don't get the job, it will not be because of the gift. Keep being you!

…to say thanks to all the staff who spent time with me today

I think this is really thoughtful and would make you stand out to me in a positive way. I was a manager / recruiter in a big private firm for years and I’d have loved to have someone thoightful and considerate on my team. You’ve demonstrated positive personal qualities as well as showing you can do the job

Please don’t worry about this, and don’t change who you are

Utter crap.no one is going to think a box of chocolates is a bribe FGS.

@Thebigwideworld it's a little unusual, but it sounds like you gave them to them in a sweet way. it will NOT affect whether you get the job ir nit. Interview processes are far more robust than that!

I'm sorry you grew up without parents. It sounds like you have done really well for yourself despite that. 🤗

please come back & let us know whether you got the job or not. If you don't get it, try not to take it too hard. Stay positive!!

I agree with this. So much AI use is making everything so generic and you did something that was authentic which is exactly what we need in today’s world. So please don’t change. My first teaching placement I was nervously discussing impressing the head teacher with my very wise Gramps. He pointed out it was the janitor, the school secretary and the cleaners I should be trying to impress and if I always kept that in mind I would do well. He wasn’t wrong. Whatever job you get good luck for the future. All of MN are now routing for you.

I can’t believe you did that. 😬 I would be cringing right now if I were you.
Oh well, good luck OP. I hope they give you the job.

They will not 'not' give you the job because of the chocolates so do not worry. Fingers crossed O.P x

You’ve done something nice and genuine. No harm in that. This wouldn’t sway me either way so don’t kick yourself or blame it on the chocolates if you don’t get the job.

I wouldn’t worry about it at all, the way you framed it especially was quite thoughtful, it wouldn’t have come across as a bribe.

It's not the done thing, but I honestly wouldn't worry about it. It's not valuable enough to be considered a bribe. You've made clear that it's a gift to thank them all for their time which is really thoughtful, and I like that you acknowledge the receptionist as well as the people actually interviewing you. If anything I think it will make you stand out as someone who would be good to share a workplace with. I hope the actual interview went well too and you are successful.

Please do not worry. As others have said, this gesture shows only good intentions.

I think when you behave in a way that is slightly outside strict societal norms - provided it can only be interpreted as having positive intentions and does not risk making anyone feel uncomfortable- it can create a lasting impression. It shows authenticity, which is something that is rarer in today’s derivative and AI dampened world.