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

[Thebigwideworld]

I think I’ve messed up the biggest opportunity I’ve ever had and cannot stop overthinking it and worrying about it😢

im in the process of getting a trainee/graduate position sorted for after graduation. Some firms are really popular and sought after and notoriously difficult to get a position in. I’ve got to the final interview stage at my absolute number 1 choice. I already interviewed online and passed the initial stages (including a group session which wasn’t hosted at the firm itself) and the last stage was an in person interview at the firm and also for them to show you round and meet different people for the day.

I don’t know why I thought it was the done-thing to do, but I brought chocolates for them to say thank you for having me for the afternoon. It was a large box of Belgian chocolates from m&s. I just sort of thought there was a lot of people giving up their time to show me round, chat to me and interview and I just thought it was the sort of thing you did in this situation to say thank you! Sort of like last day of work experience when you bring gifts to thank people for giving up their time

I briefly mentioned it to my friends who were a bit like wtf, why would you do that, and a bit flabbergasted that I thought I should do it. They said I’m going to look like I’m trying to win them over and that it makes me look immature and really unaware for doing it for not realising it’s all just an interview and they’re not showing me round out the good of their heart

I think it just sort of left me that it was all a big giant interview process and I just thought hey, they’re giving up their time to meet me and show me stuff, I’ll get them a little thing to say thank you because that’s what you’re supposed to do?! But I sort of lost sight that them showing me round and all the people meeting me were all just part of the interview process, and now I’ve made myself look like a complete idiot

just so as to not drop feed, I didn’t grow up with parents and had to teach myself a lot of stuff like this, especially social situations and formal work stuff. It’s all completely new to me and I don’t have anyone to go back to and ask for advice unfortunately.

i really wanted this position, and now im worried sick I’ve blown it and made myself look stupid, or that I didn’t appreciate that it was all part of the interview process (which in turn makes me look stupid too). Does anyone work at a firm and could advise me if I’ve made myself look like a complete idiot?

thanks😢

I rather like it. It will certainly make you memorable!

There you go, it was taken in the spirit you gave it.
I think it’s a really nice and thoughtful gesture; yes, some people were interviewing you, but others were basically having their working day disrupted so they could meet/spend time with you, and a small gift is a good way of acknowledging that and saying you appreciate it.

You sound great. Don’t worry about it. Echoing others - I don’t think it’ll have any effect on your chances. I hope you get it!

I think it was an unusual thing to do but it wasn't as if you handed them to a panel after a formal interview.

It’s a bit unusual but I don’t think they will let it be part of their decision making to be honest. I wouldn’t do that again though.

Sounds absolutely fine. Good luck!

If you want to get a bit more analytical about it:

a) you took a mild risk, which is exactly the right strategy if you are up against a lot of other very similar candidates.
b) and seems it actually paid off. You got a good human chat out of it with the director. S/he will remember you and in a good way.

Well played!

I hope you get the job. If you don’t, don’t beat yourself up about the chocs. It will be that someone else was more suitable xx

I’ve just remembered I went for an interview once and went to the loo. Didn’t know it had a dodgy lock and the boss walked in…luckily I’d finished and was washing my hands. Got the job.

I don’t think it’s the done thing but a very sweet gesture nonetheless, if you are the right candidate it won’t have a negative impact and it’s highly unlikely you wouldn’t get the job just because of this. I’m sure they will think it was a thoughtful thing to do. Good luck!

I think its a really nice thing to do. It reminds me of Ross and the mini muffins and ugly naked guys apartment.

I hope you got the job.

I think it's lovely OP. Good luck!

The journalist Caitlin Moran baked and brought a cake in a similar situation (it's mentioned in one of her books). She also didn't know it was an unusual thing to do. Doesn't seem to have held her back!

Good luck with the job.