Job interview gone wrong...

Zenithian Legend

Zenithian Legend

Banned
The story:

I seem to be getting these calls lately from people who have seen my resume online at Monster, Career Builder, etc and decide I'd be a good fit for their "company". Generally this is a hodge-podge of door-to-door businesses, crooked sales jobs, or things that require you to make an investment in them before starting.

Well, I was loathing work so much today that I decided to give one of them a call when I got home. I went into the convo expecting very little as the guy simply said he works for a Fortune 50 company and was looking to fill positions.

I get him on the phone and he goes on about my goals, and rambles off a few things that always sound so good, like 6-figure income, flexibility in your job, and helping people. Right! So, finally he asks to set up an interview in my hometown around 7 o'clock next Tuesday, I accept figuring I'll probably blow him off after I check out his company.

So, after our delightful little 3 minute convo, I check out his company - Primerica - and sure enough there's a lot of dirt on them and stories about how shady they can be, and how you have to front $200 to get started and all that jazz. My plan is simply to cancel when he calls to confirm the interview, or blow him off if he doesn't call.

The idea:

Well... then I get this great idea with a few friends of mine. One has a banana outfit, I've got a monkey mask, and I've also got a video camera. Interview on!

The plan is now to go to the interview, with one of us wearing the banana outfit (day before Halloween afterall) and tell the guy, "I want to be your top Banana!" Then the person wearing the monkey mask will run in, go nuts and run off with the banana! Meanwhile I'll catch this spectacular on film.

So... good idea/bad idea? I'll be doing this most likely either way.
 
You'll be giving him a story to tell for the rest of his life. Sure, why not?

Keep in mind that you'll probably have to get past the reception desk first, as well as a waiting room. The element of surprise will be hard to maintain.
 
It'll be funnier if you just wore the costume but acted like it was normal and see if he's crazy enough to hire someone in a banana costume.
 
[quote name='CouRageouS']It'll be funnier if you just wore the costume but acted like it was normal and see if he's crazy enough to hire someone in a banana costume.[/quote]

Yes. Just do the interview as normal while in the suit. Act as if nothing is wrong.
 
There are other things that you could do which might be easier to pull off. For example, get some hellacious gas going before the interview. Then pad your resume with hobbies like "chili-eating champion" and "bean enthusiast". Then let 'er rip.
 
[quote name='Plinko']Yes. Just do the interview as normal while in the suit. Act as if nothing is wrong.[/QUOTE]
FTW.

Do this. Hilarity will ensue.
 
Please do it ONLY if you've got a camera/tape recorder handy. It's too good to not keep a record of.

Edit:
I missed the part about the camera, good call!
 
I don't mean to poop the party but I really don't see it happening....i mean, they won't let him go for an interview with friends so unless he's got a hidden camera on him he won't be able to film it.
 
Maybe it's a meet and greet interview at a public place? That'd probably be the only place where this would work.

Should be awesome if it happens though.
 
[quote name='Rig']Maybe it's a meet and greet interview at a public place? That'd probably be the only place where this would work.
[/QUOTE]
I assume it would be. These people who always try to hire you for a job where you have to invest/buy in always make you meet them at a Starbucks or something. Those pyramid schemers usually don't have an office for you to meet with them.
 
My boyfriend went to one of these things while searching for a job. He left like 5 minutes in. Thankfully he has a well-paying job now that is actually in his field. I totally recommend the banana suit, but they'd probably just throw you out immediately or not even let you in from what my boyfriend told me.
 
[quote name='mtxbass1']You have a horse sized banana costume?[/quote]

Meh, I'll operate the camera, I doubt my friends will know how to anyway.

[quote name='Rig']Maybe it's a meet and greet interview at a public place? That'd probably be the only place where this would work.

Should be awesome if it happens though.[/quote]

Indeed it is! This is one of those fly-by-night operations, I doubt this guy even has an office. We'll probably be meeting at Denny's or something equally as professional.
 
I guess I should have mentioned my boyfriend went to a scam session run by the very same Primerica. He basically did it for the lulz like you. No banana suit though.
 
[quote name='Plinko']Yes. Just do the interview as normal while in the suit. Act as if nothing is wrong.[/quote]
Definitely. At first, I thought that was what your plan was in the first place.

So I'd say, GO FOR IT! :applause:

You had better film this, though.

I suggest the following:
  1. Make sure you get him to do it in a public place, where there won't be any inconvient secretaries or receptionists to impede you. I like the Denny's idea. If he suggests a place, make sure you know it well. Scout the place out, if you aren't sure. But don't agree to anyplace more upscale than a modest sit-down restaurant, though. And don't go someplace you would miss not going to anymore if you get "Banned for LIFE," as the Comic Book Guy would say.
  2. Make sure the place has a restroom you can change in. Wear normal street clothes, but bring your banana suit in a suitcase/bag, or better yet, a briefcase (assuming the suit fits in one). Keep the bag with you until you sit down, then just wait.
  3. Ideally, your friend will be able to bring a camera with him. Have him sitting in a booth a few rows away from you, but with a good angle on the action.
  4. Tell him to ask the front desk or a third friend for "Your name here." And, of course, tell the front desk that "'Your name here' is here, I'm waiting for 'Stupid Scammer Interviewer Guy.' Could you tell him that I'm here when he arrives?"
  5. Wait until your friend spots the guy (if you know what he looks like), and then rush into the bathroom and go change into the banana suit.
  6. Hopefully, the guy will have sat down at your booth, and will be waiting for you while you are in the bathroom. Walk out with the banana suit on, sit down, and introduce yourself.
  7. ?????
  8. Profit! From his incredible foolishness!
  9. When he gets up to leave, insulted, shout out "YOUTUBE MATERIAL!!!" and run out the door.
 
Sounds like a dumb way to get arrested...I should know LOL.

Yeah Primerica sucks. Hard to believe citigroup owns them. I went to one of those meetings when I was a teen. They seem to contact everyone and their mother that posts on monster.com.
 
I'm not too worried about arrests, Halloween is the day after, plus I'll be the guy out of costume working the camera! Not to mention, I'm the guy that phones the police.
 
Dude, if you are that bored (no time for video games?), then go for it.

If you do, you better post the video. Make sure you jump on the guy's desk (if you're the one wearing the mask) and screech like an angry ape. A little poo-flinging might be wise, too. If you don't know how to act like a proper ape, then I suggest you watch some Animal Planet beforehand.

*gets the popcorn ready for the follow-up story*
 
If you and your buddies have the stones to do it...bravo...a resounding abso-freaking-lutely.

There are pros and cons to doing it deadpan without acknowledging the suit.

But to actually play it up with the whole "top banana" thing is classic and over the top...either way, we have a winner.


EDIT: I guess I really enjoy it because it seems like so many people have lost their senses of humor and their ability to appreciate the absurd (in the style of Python, Goodies, etc.). There's absolutely nothing wrong with bizarre off the wall behavior as long as no one gets hurt, mangled, or killed.
 
[quote name='Dead of Knight']You're one of the last people who I'd think would watch Gravitation.[/quote]

Why do you say that?

I just remembered that clip from an old AMV site called morethantoast and thought the banana suit was perfect for the topic.

I actually haven't seen any of Gravitation but I wouldn't mind seeing it regardless of the subject matter.
 
DAMMIT!!!

Come in the double glass doors and take the stairs or elevator down to the lower level. On the lower level go to the right (you will see my suite at the end of the hallway).


***As a side note - You will not see our individual address on the outside of the building, but rather several addresses since our Street address and our Suite address are one in the same.


I will look for you at 7:00 pm on Tuesday. If you can arrive about 5 or 10 minutes prior, I would greatly appreciate it. As I stated in our phone conversation due to this being a Business Overview; Business Dress is the required dress code. Be sure to bring paper and pen for notes and to jot down any questions, I will cover all your questions at the conclusion of the Overview. Just come in and ask for me. I look forward to meeting you Tuesday evening!
Click to expand...

Why do they have a building to use? I should go check this out before hand, and see what's up. This guy wouldn't give me directions over the phone yesterday, making me think something is up. Perhaps they're just renting space or something, either way this is within walking distance of my place, so what have I got to lose?

I love the part about the dress code though, especially how it was red, underlined and in bold.

Yet now... this really throws a monkeywrench into the plan. Stairs and doors are not something I had planned for. Oh well, if all else fails I can just show up in the banana suit.
 
Its probably going to be a mass interview. Its nice to note his grammatical errors ("one in the same"? WTF?). Just show up in the bannana suit, and keep your poker face on.
 
[quote name='GuilewasNK']Why do you say that?

I just remembered that clip from an old AMV site called morethantoast and thought the banana suit was perfect for the topic.

I actually haven't seen any of Gravitation but I wouldn't mind seeing it regardless of the subject matter.[/QUOTE]
1. You're a straight (as far as I know) GUY. I don't even know if any gay guys watch that show; I think it probably has a 99% female fanbase.

2. You have tough guy Guile as your avatar.

;)
 
[quote name='Zenithian Legend']

I love the part about the dress code though, especially how it was red, underlined and in bold.
[/QUOTE]
I think this means that this isn't the first time someone has had a plan as cunning as yours.
 
7ralph.jpg

GO BANANA!
 
[quote name='Zenithian Legend']Oh well, if all else fails I can just show up in the banana suit.[/quote]

You won't. You should because it's funny and who gives a fuck about the speech they're gonna give you. If you show up and play it straight, they win. You show up in the banana suit, stairs and doors aside, you win. But you won't do it. You're a coward. You get some random email with red and bold in it and it makes you shit in your pants about pulling it off. Winners do. Losers sit at home wondering what could have been. I know it's hard for you to do, because you've been a loser for so long, but break the cycle, show up in the fuckin banana suit and boost youtube's market share even more.
 
[quote name='Zenithian Legend']DAMMIT!!!



Why do they have a building to use? I should go check this out before hand, and see what's up. This guy wouldn't give me directions over the phone yesterday, making me think something is up. Perhaps they're just renting space or something, either way this is within walking distance of my place, so what have I got to lose?

I love the part about the dress code though, especially how it was red, underlined and in bold.

Yet now... this really throws a monkeywrench into the plan. Stairs and doors are not something I had planned for. Oh well, if all else fails I can just show up in the banana suit.[/QUOTE]

Just a heads up...

Primerica is not a fly by night thing, they have been around for quite a few years. Definitely a pyramid type thing. They have offices all over the country. You will most likely run into a receptionist and will probably be required to "sign in".

Got involved with a very similar company a few years back and it was something I wouldn't recommend to most people. Needless to say I only stuck it out a couple of months before I had my fill.
 
Primerica is a "legitimate" company, but it's still a borderline pyramid scheme.

I use to get those calls all the time (they've backed off lately). They actually tell a good story, until you realize that you have to sell stuff to make anything, and they push you hard to stick it to your family to get started. Not only that, we've had someone higher up speak at my school once, and they are nuts. They talk about spending 30 minutes working with a couple, and the couple wanted to discuss the move before signing anything, and he went off on them (his story, he was proud) at how they are losers, for wanting to talk about the perfect plan he came up with (and he was serious).

Here's the nutty thing, I am willing to bet if you show up in a banana suit and act like you want the job, they'll love it and sign you up. They just want bodies in there. Showing you're nutty will be seen as a good thing.

So, do it, just have a plan ready to get out, I don't think they'll throw you out.
 
[quote name='lordxixor101']Here's the nutty thing, I am willing to bet if you show up in a banana suit and act like you want the job, they'll love it and sign you up. They just want bodies in there. Showing you're nutty will be seen as a good thing.

So, do it, just have a plan ready to get out, I don't think they'll throw you out.[/quote]

Hahahaha. I was thinking that, too.

Interview guy: "Hey, we really like your outgoing nature and creativity. We feel you'd be a great asset to our company. You're hired!"

ZL (in banana suit): "Ummmmm, what? This was supposed to be a joke."
 
Good idea! Do it! As far as the receptionist goes, walk in in a suit with your bannana costume in a bag, after checking in, go to the rest room and change and then walk into the office.
 
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