To take doughnuts to a job interview?

[lucyellenmum]

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!!!

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"

Do the interview, then leave the donuts. So the interview is done on merit, but you've kept your word.

Sounds as if he might have suggested smile rather than doughnuts for a reason - so I wouldn't bring the doughnuts. But it's great that you've already developed that rapport with him by the way!! That'll make the whole process easier for everyone. Good luck!

Good luck Lucy. If the firm is anything like the firms I've worked for there will be plenty of swearing when you have the job

I would take the donuts (nice ones!) in my bag and give them at the end of the interview - avoids the awkward 'wtf do we do with these donuts now?' moment for the interviewers and ends the interview on a high after all your professional bit.

I also think t looks less 'suck-uppy' at the end.

But do definitely do it!!

I like the concept but can't see how you would do it without it being awkward and clumsy!

oh i do hope so glaik :)

imagine having to go a whole working day without saying fuck :)

I work for an engineering company and it much more jeans and t-shirt than mad men.

Can you bring them in your bag and whip them out if appropriate if not then just eat then on the way home?

Good luck with the interview!!

I have to now I work with ladies! But in my previous life of rig boots, boiler suits and safety specs my language was quite a bit more colourful than it is now!

Sorry must read all of the thread before replying!

I've interviewed lots of people and, assuming they were all of a muchness when it came to suitability, we've always gone for the one with a sense of humour, bit quirky, stands out from the crowd a bit. And we've never been wrong.

I'd do it and just leave them at the end, as a sort of afterthought.

I have found that risk-taking is a good way of getting a job. I'm freelance so I only have myself to look after...when wooing clients I have been known to do ALL kinds of sycophantic things which are not at all professional. They usually work though.

Yes...as Gwen says....finish the interview then as you're leaving, pop them on the table and say "And you thought I forgot didn't you?" and waltz out!

Years ago I sat in on a series of interviews in the company I work for. The normal professionals were lovely but they blurred into one another. All suits and hair done. This lady came in with a flowery skirt and colourful bracelets. She was Smiley and almost laughing. She didn't get the job. However when a position opened in the reception depth I suggested her. I remembered how her personality shined through.
She is without a doubt,a client favourite and when she retires next year will be very missed.
Op try and find another way of showing your quirkyness.

Oh god no don't do it.

It could go well... Or it could end up an embarrassing incident that you look back with horror at for the rest of your life.

That's what taking risks is all about Binks throwing caution to the wind and maybe standing out. The guy obviously has a sense of humour.

Taking risks is one thing. Taking rosies

Ha ha damn you autocorrect strikes again

My DH (who is a senior manager and interviews a lot) says take the doughnuts, but make sure you give them to the guy you spoke to!

I think you should too btw.

Taking risks at a job interview is not a gamble I'd be willing to take.

Have you seen the episode of Spaced where Daisy has a job interview?

Oh god, awkwardly clutching a bag of unwanted doughnuts in your sweaty paw at a job interview! Noooo

cousins not a comparable situation at all.

See! Listen to ChainClanger!

Blinks no, no...you take a small BOX of GOOD donuts in a large bag....then remove the box to give it, at the END of the interview.

But what do you do with it throughout the interview? Are you holding it? Is it on the table? Do you have a large bag you can keep them in? It's a bit weird to produce doughnuts out of a giant Mary Poppins bag. How do you shake hands if you're holding them?

Ooh no.