FML- I burst into tears in a job interview for something I really wanted

[Anonymous]

I think a ceo like that isnt someone i would like to work with. Sounds petty

[Anonymous]

OP, I remember your post and am so sorry all this has happened. I think you may have said that you have insurance through DH? If so, I'd schedule some therapy, ASAP, even something like Better Help, if covered, to help get to a place where you can have your best game face on moving forward.

I think it's unlikely you will get an offer from this CEO, but that's ok, other things will come along. Use this to realize you need more support to be able to land the next gig.

I wouldn't soley focus on processing what has happened, you will be far less anxious with an income. A friend in a similar situation kind of got stuck in processing and far too much time has passed and she is very depressed.

Is it possible to get short term contract work in your field so you have that $ and sense of competence and another recent reference?

Have a friend or mentor help you script an answer to this question, had to do with automation of systems you built if I remember right, so your "building" focused position was complete. Sometimes libraries have career focused support groups, or as an alumni you may be able to work with career services to be recorded coached?

[Anonymous]

What kind of position are you in that your interviewer was the CEO but you weren’t offered severance at your past company?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What kind of position are you in that your interviewer was the CEO but you weren’t offered severance at your past company?

+1. OP’s story is too wild to be true

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What kind of position are you in that your interviewer was the CEO but you weren’t offered severance at your past company?

Niche specialized firms- the companies are less than 50 employees.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here- should I follow up via email and apologize for my emotional reaction?

No, she pushed for it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds very weird that she would push you so much about being unemployed for 2 weeks as though you're a liar, but then console you when you broke down. This CEO might be a sociopath.

I have a manger who really grills people on their resume and job gaps. He is actually a fantastic manager (everyone in our group prefers to work under him), and I don’t like that he does this, but he was burned in the past and that’s why he does it. It’s not malicious, but I agree it’s inappropriate and unnecessary (and have said as much).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What kind of position are you in that your interviewer was the CEO but you weren’t offered severance at your past company?

+1. OP’s story is too wild to be true

How so? You think everyone gets severance? Or that a CEO doesn’t interview for higher level positions at smaller firms?

Get out of your bubble.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good for her for reaching out to them. I hope she shames them and offers you a job.

Positive vibes for you in 2024.

I disagree with this assessment of the CEO. The CEO sounds like a sociopath and not someone you would want to work for. If she really wanted to find out why OP no longer worked there and was the CEO of a well-regarded company, she could find out without grilling OP and continuining to do so after OP was crying and sobbing.

Grilling is your characterization. Sounds like a totally normal interview until OP's emotional reaction.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry you had to go through this and your emotions are totally normal. You're human and had a human reaction during a stressful situation. I know you are excited about this new opportunity but if the CEO takes your old place of work's toxic opinion into account, perhaps it's better if this doesn't pan out.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, op! There are better days ahead!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here- should I follow up via email and apologize for my emotional reaction?

No. This CEO sounds weird. You may have dodged a bullet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good for her for reaching out to them. I hope she shames them and offers you a job.

Positive vibes for you in 2024.

I disagree with this assessment of the CEO. The CEO sounds like a sociopath and not someone you would want to work for. If she really wanted to find out why OP no longer worked there and was the CEO of a well-regarded company, she could find out without grilling OP and continuining to do so after OP was crying and sobbing.

I really don't think your characterization is what happened. According to OP, the person asked about the circumstances that ended her prior employment. That is a completely valid question. And it could have been just three questions. Plus, OP started out by saying she is emotional and raw (understandably) so she is predisposed to think that she is being "grilled" when she is being asked questions....in an interview.

"She kept questioning me about why I wasn't employed and what happened with my last role and I just absolutely started sobbing, I could hardly get words out. She was asking if I received notice or severance which I said no and so then she was questioning if I was actually laid off or fired. I said that I had the email which states they can't thank me enough for what I have contributed to the growth of the company."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Assume there will be no offer from this employer. Then you can be pleasantly surprised if there's an offer. For now, you keep applying elsewhere. Keep moving forward. Onward.

+1. Onward, OP! Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think a ceo like that isnt someone i would like to work with. Sounds petty

Yeah, typical jerk male CEOs who have no sensitivity.

Go away, troll.