had an interview today for a job I really wanted. It's for a very professional role, one where I will work with vulnerable people from all different backgrounds.
I was asked for a time when I worked with someone challenging in the office.
I discussed someone who would very openly state their opinions on people. Whether it was insulting their clothes,hair or work performance. She was very very blunt and honest. This caused conflict in the team as people were angry and offended with her and complained.
So I discussed with her what was appropriate for the work place blah blah (insert good I interview standard answer here )
When the interviewer told me that that was a very interesting example and what was the end result I said that she did learn not to be too personal but that she is still very honest but to be fair, she's Nigerian, and that's what Niegerians are like'.
ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜³ðŸ˜³ðŸ˜³ðŸ˜³ðŸ˜³ðŸ˜³ðŸ˜³
Absolute stunned silence from the panel!
I won't get the job. No chance.
The rest of the interview was a blur. I honestly want to curl up and die. I get so nervous in interviews and end up saying something really stupid, but this is the worst.
AIBU to say I'm not getting the job.
AIBU?
I've just be overtly racist in a job interview. I'm not getting the job am I
JayHooooo · 10/03/2017 09:08
Interestingly you have been almost as blunt and direct with your 'slip up' as you say Nigerians are. The problem with statements such as this is that they do not apply to all people with that particular cultural background as it depends on education and various other factors so it is definitely stereotyping and inappropriate. it's always best to look at individual behaviour especial;;y when working with people form different cultures (and that can be as afferent as being english and from the north /south). how would we feel about a man saying "well that's what english women are like"?
I mean what could factually and truthfully be said about "all english people"?
We all say unhelpful things some of the time. 
if this role doesn't work out hopefully a a better opportunity comes along. at least you have excellent reflection skills and will learn from this 
.
"I think that being aware of cultural differences actually helps us to guard against racism."
Of course it's brilliant to be culturally sensitive but culture is not an actual 'thing' no matter how much people try an reify. I actually don't think that what the OP said was racist but it was definitely unprofessional and simplistic which would definitely reflect badly on a candidate I had to interview. Not because i'd think she was a racist but because she said something blunt and generalising during an interview, where her ability to work well with coworkers and her professionalism (especially if working with vulnerable people) are being scrutinised.
"Its just PC gorn mad eh"
why would you say that? We don't know if the op won't get the job because the panel though she was being racist. It's the OP herself who says she was racist. IME people who say "PC gone mad" are those that love a bit of lazy stereotyping. 
WTF?user I have some awareness of that, and I wouldn't say it's stuff I'd want to endorse or repeat. Just because people from two different countries often stereotype each other doesn't make it right or accurate
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.