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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:
MrsCantSayAnything · 27/10/2012 12:18

You place your bag beside you Binks, then take them out at the end...not hard unless you happen to be the awkward type.

flow4 · 27/10/2012 12:20

I think it depends on whether you are a bit quirky! Grin
If not, it might all go horribly wrong and end up being very embarrassing Blush
If you are, then I would be tempted to take them :) Apart from anything else, their reaction would tell you a lot about whether they'd be a good company to work with :)

flow4 · 27/10/2012 12:21

(Goodness, could I have fitted more emoticons in that post if I'd tried? Sorry - being hassled and distracted by a 'bored' DS2!)

Boomerwang · 27/10/2012 12:23

Take them. There's no harm in it, you'll be remembered around the office for bringing doughnuts and if you get the job it's a great ice breaker. If you're worried about professionalism, show how professional you are during the interview itself.

Why should offices be boring?

BinksToEnlightenment · 27/10/2012 12:25

I would spend the whole interview with the doughnuts on my mind. All I'd be thinking would be I've got doughnuts in my bag. Do these people like doughnuts. How shall I present them? With a flourish? Casually chuck them on the table, all like 'and there's more where that came from let me tell you'.

Too many unanswered questions.

ninah · 27/10/2012 12:27

lol binks! me too
I wouldn't take them op, but it's up to you - I doubt they'd make a decision based merely on your doughnuts even in 1973

HopeForTheBest · 27/10/2012 12:30

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ on request of its author.

Smoothingiron · 27/10/2012 12:31

I am an HR Director and have also worked in heavy engineering. I would suggest not taking in doughnuts as it seems too lighthearted and perhaps make the employer think you weren't taking the role seriously enough. Having said that engineering tends to be a male dominated profession, so you could refer to them as 'I thought about bringing in some doughnuts, but I was't sure who would like what flavour, so decided not to bring them but I promise if I am successful to get some at the end of the week as a treat'. I have found that men in engineering like this sort of approach and you don't look too 'needy' at the interview stage. Good luck!!

ninah · 27/10/2012 12:35

yeah that's subtle - give me the job and I'll buy cake

MrsCantSayAnything · 27/10/2012 12:48

[binks] "And there's more where that came from let me tell you"

Grin Oh it sounds like something from a sitcom..

Sallyingforth · 27/10/2012 12:51

I wouldn't take the doughnuts, but I would use it as an ice-breaker during/after shaking hands. It's always good to make a quick connection right at the start of an interview

"Nice to meet you. I'm sorry not to bring the doughnuts but it would have been difficult to talk while eating them!"

cheeseandmushroomghostie · 27/10/2012 12:53

What if he's forgotten the telephone conversation and just thinks your bonkers?!Grin

Welovecouscous · 27/10/2012 13:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

flow4 · 27/10/2012 13:03

Probably best to stop worrying about the doughnuts now and prepare for the serious bit of the interview! Doughnuts can only ever be a fun 'extra' - they'll never be a 'clincher'... It's your experience, skills and the way you answer their questions and present yourself that will get you the job! Grin

flow4 · 27/10/2012 13:05

Yeah, actually I agree with Sallying too :)

fluffiphlox · 27/10/2012 13:10

Is this the sort of place that you would like to work at? They sound positively antediluvian. 'Girls','bring a smile' etc.

Rollersara · 27/10/2012 13:58

Agree, take them, but discreetly so that you can just leave them at the end if it goes well. And if it doesn't, consolation doughnuts. Everyone's a winner [hgrin]

FaffTastic · 27/10/2012 15:35

Oh fgs, he told you on the phone not to take them and to just bring a smile. Don't take donuts, stop thinking about bloody donuts and spend the time instead constructively by researching the company and preparing for interview. Good luck.

BrandyAlexander · 27/10/2012 15:44

I can't believe that there are people actually advising to take the donuts to an interview. As someone who interviews on a regular basis, it would probably make the candidate memorable for all the wrong reasons. There are plenty of ways to get your personality across in an interview without gimmicks. It.is.a.bad.idea.

GwendolineScaryLacey · 27/10/2012 16:32

And your advice is The One To Follow because?

As a few of us have stated, we interview regularly too so are in just as much of a position to advise as you are.

And at what point did the OP say that she was not doing any other preparation for the interview than buying doughnuts? Hmm.

aJumpedUpPantryGirl · 27/10/2012 16:42

You'd certainly be remembered - for years afterwards everytime they held another interview someone would be saying 'Remember that weird woman who actually bought doughnuts with her to the interview'

FaffTastic · 27/10/2012 17:22

Gwen - you're right, my advice does not have to be followed, but I'd say the man who is conducting the interview advice does need to be followed, and he said not to take them. Simple really

BrandyAlexander · 27/10/2012 17:55

Maybe the OP will change her mind, ignore me, Faff, others on this thread and most importantly, the interviewer and take the donuts in, so she can prove us wrong.Hmm

MrsCampbellBlack · 27/10/2012 18:01

I really want you to take the donuts, get the job and prove everyone wrong Smile

But I wouldn't take the donuts personally.

saggyhairyarse · 27/10/2012 18:02

I think only you can work out whether to take the doughnuts or not. You would have to have been there in the telephone call to know if doughnut taking would be OK or not.

On the one hand I think, take the doughnuts but on the other hand I think if your interview is shit they will eat the doughnuts taking the piss out of you and, if it is good, they will employ you but you will forever be doughnut girl (which could be good or bad).

I am erring on no doughnuts and only take doughnuts in at end of first month if all is going well.