My Niceness Won't Win Me The Prize

I went on a job interview just the other day. I really thought I nailed it. The job sounded great, I was able to answer all of his questions with confidence, ease, and a little bit of humor. We seemed to be on the same page regarding the position and what it would require. I gave him some great examples of what I would be able to bring to the table. It wasn't a hammer-it-out kind of interview, but relaxed and conversational. We spent about 45 minutes talking about the company and business in general. I was extremely excited about the opportunity and knew I would be able to hit the ground running. I was sure this job was mine!


I talked to my recruiter as soon as I was back in my car, and she told me we should have some feedback in a couple days. He wanted to wait until he had met with all of the candidates. I finally heard back last night and she had nothing but great things to say. "He LOVED YOU, thought you had outstanding skills. He was so impressed with your responses and your sense of humor." I immediately started to do the happy dance! Fanfuckintastic! I was sure I would be getting called back for the final interview.


Then she says, "But..."


But what bitch? Why is there a but? There should be no but!


"But, he felt that you were too...oh, how do I put this...nice. Yeah, he felt that you were very relaxed and easy to talk to and that might be a hindrance."


Uhm, hindrance? To what? To making clients happy? To having the ability to speak to people like they are people and not like a corporate drone? To having the ability to take on a massive amount of work with a smile and a great attitude? HINDRANCE??


I had nothing to respond to her with. What do you say to such obviously idiotic feedback? I didn't know if I should punch something or cry. How is it possible that I have such a great interview, and somehow manage to completely blow it by being NICE?


She said he was still on the fence about me, and wasn't sure if I would be brought back for the second interview. I was still in a mild state of shock and said whatever, just let me know.


I whined to a friend of mine shortly after that phone call, and he told me he would give me the male interpretation of what this guy was saying. Either he was intimidated by someone who could be professional but not tight-assed and is a retard for not seeing that as a positive in an employee...or...he thought I was too damn cute and friendly to keep his mind on work and his wife. So either way, I win, because now I know that he is too stupid to work for and I won't end up in a job I'll end up hating.


Ok, fine, I can see where he is coming from, and frankly, it's the only explanation that makes any kind of sense to me. I felt a little better after that. At least I didn't have to keep replaying the interview in my head wondering where the hell I went wrong.


Men, I love you, but damn, you have disappointed me today. Get over the ego and your uncontrollable erections and give the smart chick a job. A girl's gotta eat god damn it!