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AIBU?

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Original poster

To take doughnuts to a job interview?

87 replies

lucyellenmum · 27/10/2012 10:56

That would be interview suicide wouldn't it???

Only i have been invited for an interview, its an admin position in an engineering company. When i spoke to the guy he was one of the types that you could tell was totally out of his comfort zone with interviewing. I suspect he was the manager and not the personell manager if you see what i mean. This surprised me as its a big company.

Anyway, when I asked if i should bring anything (im used to being asked for qualifications, id etc - it always causes me a problem as i have no valid passport and i dont have a driving license), he just flapped a bit and said, "ah no, just bring some ice creams for the girls!" My initial thoughts spun between, hmmm, he sounds like he might be ok, or he could be a sexist twunt. So i blustered too and said, don't be mad its winter, i'll bring doughnuts instead. It was ended tht i should just bring a smile!!! Hmm

So what if i did actually take the doughnuts? would he think i was
a) barking mad
b) a sychophant
c) quirky with a sense of humour

A friend of mine who is a manager in an engineering company said to me "i hope you ARE going to take the doughnuts" and my DP said "don't be ridiculous"

OP posts:
pigletmania · 27/10/2012 10:58

I wouldn't really, it des not look Professional. Good luck with the interview Smile

Floralnomad · 27/10/2012 10:58

Definitely not it would be very unprofessional .

LindyHemming · 27/10/2012 10:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LucieMay · 27/10/2012 10:59

They don't want quirky with a sense of humour for an admin job! They want normal and professional!

GlaikitFizZombie · 27/10/2012 10:59

Why not? It would make you number one candidate in my eyes!!

And probably an combination of a and c, which is no bad thing either!!

GlaikitFizZombie · 27/10/2012 11:01

I may be in the minority though!

sleeplessbunny · 27/10/2012 11:02

I would take them. I don't honestly see why it's unprofessional. It shows that you keep to your word [hgrin]

(but don't munch on a doughnut during the interview, obviously)

HeinousHecate · 27/10/2012 11:02

I don't know.

It could go either way, in all honesty. Either they'd think you were a total plank and really unprofessional and not someone they want to work with, or they'd think it was funny and you'd fit right in and hire you on the spot Grin

It depends entirely on them.

And since you have no way of knowing which way it would go, I'd say don't do it. You can't go wrong with being professional, whereas being 'quirky' carries risk.

FaffTastic · 27/10/2012 11:03

I'm an HR Manager who regularly conducts interviews - definatley do not bring donuts. It would look very unprofessional and would be quite awkward - how's anyone meant to interview you with a mouth full of donut and jam dripping down their chin? Please don't bring them - it would actually put me off a candidate if they bought something like this to interview.

HeinousHecate · 27/10/2012 11:03

meant to say, if you get the job, that's when you bring in the doughnuts. On your first day Grin

(but you don't say that in the interview! No jokes about it)

ChippingInLovesAutumn · 27/10/2012 11:03

I would as you'd had a laugh about it and it sounds like an 'ice breaker' would be no bad thing with this guy.

LucieMay - that's a huge generalisation and incorrect actually

Good luck with the interview!

bushymcbush · 27/10/2012 11:04

I think it's actually quite a good idea - you'd certainly be memorable - but not sure I'd have the balls to do it. Especially as you ended by agreeing to just bring a smile.

GlaikitFizZombie · 27/10/2012 11:07

But the do its aren't for the interviewers they are for the "girls".

Going by the conversation the op had on the phone, the guy sounds quite relaxed and jovial.

I've worked in many engineering type companies and all my interviews have been very relaxed, one was even in a pub! Did it mean the people I worked with or for weren't professional, no it didn't. Cvs are the professional bit, showing what you can do. I find interviews are more for finding out about the person behind the cv.

Oh and I interview candidates too.

ZZZenAgain · 27/10/2012 11:09

take the doughnuts on your first day if you get the job. Good luck with the interview

ChippingInLovesAutumn · 27/10/2012 11:13

Faff - she didn't say 'should I scoff doughnuts at my interview' she asked if she should take some, so 'jam dripping down your chin' is being a tad dramatic Grin

I've interviewed a lot of people over the years and frankly, someone who is warm, friendly & stands out in a good way is better than someone who 'professional' & clearly lacking any personality. It's not as thought she's just randomly taking them - now that would be weird!

Original poster
lucyellenmum · 27/10/2012 11:14

lol thanks ladies, i think imight errr on the side of caution for this one - i did a zombie plan presentation for my last interview and didn't ge the job Grin

OP posts:
justmyview · 27/10/2012 11:14

I'd say definitely don't take them. You would stand out, but not necessarily in a good way

BrianCoxIsEatingBrains · 27/10/2012 11:15

I would say don't do it.

Firstly, I say daft stuff to customers all the time in a jovial sort of way (the customers who are up for banter) works as Sales Admin and is not normal and professional I had a conversation with a very senior member of a very serious organisation that ended with him promising to wear his favourite red stilettos next time he came on site Shock Made me laugh so much, and still making me giggle to think of it now.

I reckon your interviewer was just breaking the ice, having a bit of banter.

Secondly, you need to stress about the job interview - take away the worry of continuing the joke (I personally think it would be funny, but it is too much of a risk IMO) plus if you don't get the job you will wonder if it was because of coming across as either a or b in your list Grin

NotDavidTennant · 27/10/2012 11:16

It's a bit risky. For start, only the guy you spoke to will 'get' it. Everyone else there will think you just randomly turned up to the inerview with doughnuts.

CuriousMama · 27/10/2012 11:16

Good luck. And yes save cakes for your first day [hwink]

IWishIWasSheRa · 27/10/2012 11:17

I'd do it! I'd get a box of 4 Krispy Kreme and as I was introduced say "I wanted to keep my word! Hope you enjoy these when you get a break, i am sure you are busy with all this going on today"

I think it shows you to be warm, flexible and allows you to demonstrate on a simple level you have considered their other commitments. As an ex admin person the people I have worked for always appreciate the small gestures that make their day easier- I think if done right it will help! Good luck!

sleeplessbunny · 27/10/2012 11:18

Agree with Zombie.
I also work in engineering, and interview candidates regularly. Generally, I wish people were less uptight in interviews as you want to try and find out what they will be like to work with every day for the next X years. I much prefer to work with people who bring doughnuts (once in a while), and I suspect I am not alone...
Take the doughnuts!

TheDreadedFoosa · 27/10/2012 11:21

Warm and friendly is good, you can demonstrate that in how you interact ith the interviewer.

Taking doughnuts is heavily veering toward sycophantic, needy and inappropriate.

DeeMonic · 27/10/2012 11:22

What ZZen said!

Don't take doughnuts to the interview, but promise to take them if you get the job.

Original poster
lucyellenmum · 27/10/2012 11:23

Im not brave enough really, also the only local doughnuts will be either from greggs or tesco - they wont like that!! Then there is always the risk that the "girls" will be on a diet! Another thing - im a BIG girl, they might think i'll eat the company out of house and home if i cant get through a half hour interview without doughnuts!

Have decided to be me though, i'm not prim and proper so im just going to be me, and try not to swear :)

OP posts: