World Record For Calmest Response To The Most Irritating Question

The most unpleasant interview I ever experienced was with a panel of three interviewers.

Chairman: “What are your plans if you become pregnant?”

I simply stared at him for a few seconds, shocked. Number one, asking that question is illegal in the UK (and in the USA, I believe), and two, it is profoundly sexist and offensive. I chose option three, to make a statement, as I didn’t expect to get the job and wasn’t interested in working for that company regardless.

Me: “I would likely call the Guinness World Records.”

Chairman: *Looking confused* “Why?”

Me: “I had a medically necessary hysterectomy when I was twenty-three. If I became pregnant, I’m sure Guinness World Records would be very interested in hearing from me.”

The human resources representative almost choked, while the third board member was on the verge of fainting as he struggled to hold back his laughter.

The interview ended shortly after that. Before the day was over, I received a formal apology from the company’s HR. I was also informed that the person who asked the question would not be permitted to interview applicants in the future.

I thanked them for their apology but told them that I would be looking for employment elsewhere. Considering how inappropriate the question was, and the fact that the HR representative did not shut the chairman down immediately when the question was asked, I felt the company and I would not be a good fit. The representative said they understood, and we hung up.