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My cat interrupted my job interview and I actually got the job because of it | Cat Got Your Tongue - Babble Community

My cat interrupted my job interview and I actually got the job because of it

I had a final video interview last month for a dental office in Portland, and I was torn between taking that job or staying at my current office where I knew everyone. I practiced my answers for days and set up my laptop in the living room with my cat, Milo, locked in the bedroom. Ten minutes into the interview, Milo somehow pushed the door open and jumped right onto my keyboard, knocking my notes onto the floor. I froze and started apologizing, but the office manager just laughed and asked about him. We spent the next two minutes talking about his personality and how he does this during my telehealth appointments with patients who need aftercare advice. I got the offer two days later, and they said they appreciated how calm I was under unexpected pressure. Funny thing is, I almost turned the job down because I thought the interview went poorly, but now I firmly believe a pet moment shows your real character. Has anyone else had an animal interruption actually help them seal the deal?

2 comments

2 Comments

janarivera1mo ago

Gotta say, that story about Milo basically doing the icebreaker for you is gold. Taking it further, I think those little curveballs actually show people how you handle real life, not just the scripted stuff. Companies talk about wanting problem solvers, but a cat on the keyboard is a way better test than some fake scenario they throw at you. Your calm reaction probably said more than any of your practiced answers did, honestly. And the fact that they laughed and went with it tells you the office culture is probably a good fit too. So yeah, pets might be the secret weapon for interviews, they just don't know they're doing it.

anthony1291mo ago

Honestly, you're onto something there, an impromptu chaos test is way more real than any of those canned questions they ask. Plus, if they can laugh about it instead of freaking out, that's probably the biggest green flag you can get about a place.