A few days ago, FTVLive shared this graphic from Fox News and also talked about what some News Directors have told us about people they have interviewed for jobs.

A few more News Directors reached out to share their stories.

Email:

Hey Scott,

I wanted to become the first news director to confirm to you that I have had a job applicant bring a parent to a job interview. It happened back when I was an ND in Sioux City, Iowa.

And that parent jumped into the conversation with questions about pay and benefits etc. I had to explain to mom that she was there as a courtesy and that if I was going to hire her daughter as an MMJ, I needed to know that she was capable of going out into the community and being able to interview and interact with newsmakers.

it goes without saying, I didn't hire that job candidate.

Text:

Hi Scott.

Saw your post today about job interviews. I never had a parent accompanying a candidate, but had some memorable experiences:

1. A producer candidate who just graduated college was late for his interview. He called me to apologize. Seems he went to our TV tower west of Austin, instead of the TV station. This was when I was ND at KVUE. He turned out to be a good hire. But imagine his surprise and embarrassment when he arrived at a remote location :30 minutes west of town and there was no TV station in sight! I still tease him about it.

2. I had a sports candidate who did not standup and shake the hand of the female GM who came into my office to meet him. Instead he remained sitting down. It was very disrespectful. He did not get the job.

3. I had a reporter candidate send me a videotape (remember them?) of their work. But he did not erase the previous video before making his dub. Oops. After his last pkg there was a brief video clip of an explicit porno scene. No I didn’t offer him the job.

4. I had a reporter candidate from Texas State university who sent me a resume which stated he earned his “Bachelorette degree” in communications. Yes a bachelorette degree. I called and told him he better copy edit his resume if he wants a job. No I didn’t hire him.

5. I’ve had more than one candidate show up inappropriately dressed. Men way too casual. Women looking like they just left a nightclub. Many times I was embarrassed to be seen with them in my office. I never offered any of them a job.

Email:

Scott,

About those applying for jobs.

I had a young lady come to an interview, and the first thing she says is, “I don’t work nights or weekends. Is that okay?”

It was the shortest job interview in my career.