Woman stands up for herself after she feels disrespected by prospective employers, walks out

Respect is an integral element in the workplace, especially during job interviews. How candidates present themselves and perceive the interviews speak volumes about their character and the professionalism of the interviewer is illustrated by his interaction with the candidate. Recently, after posting a video and sharing her experience at the worst job interview, a TikToker and branding professional (@natalyahaddix) went viral, accusing the company of disrespecting their potential employees. Haddix claimed that after a Miami-based business named Brand IQ chose her application and requested an in-person interview rather than a Zoom call, the problems began. “I have never been so disrespected in my life,” she said.

Haddix observed multiple red flags when she was researching the company, saying that its mission, vision, brand, and values were not there. She went on to say that she stumbled across an entry-level position for a marketing coordinator, noting that this role requires experience. “I see that the position is for marketing coordinator, which is not an entry-level position, and this is a position that requires experience, and they want to pay $36,000 to $38,000 in Miami, Florida,” she added. Glassdoor reported that the average salary for a marketing coordinator in the U.S. is over $51,000, with a base pay of $49,000. A salary of $10,000 less than the actual amount is insulting in a city where the cost of living is higher. 

Haddix drove 45 minutes to reach the office, which did not even look like a decent workspace. "I walk up to their office, which isn’t even an office; it’s a little room with these two glass fishbowls like side by side." She added, "There are like 10 people sitting in this first, like, little fishbowl, and I’m like walking in, ‘Hi, I’m Natalya, I’m here for an interview.’ And this receptionist stands up, and she’s like, 'Oh, hey, I need you to fill this out.'" Bewildered, Haddix said, "Fill what out? You have my application, and you have my resume. I even brought a resume with me. A paper application as if I were applying for a summer job or something."

Haddix noted she could already tell exactly how 'professional' these people were just by how they were interviewing other prospective employees, whom she could both see and hear through the glass. "Then in the fishbowl right next to us, there’s this man interviewing these people. Right in front of us. I can hear everything they’re saying. I suddenly know things about these people that I don’t need to know." However, the final straw for Haddix was when she asked the hiring team about the outrageous interview process. "After my interview time slot has gone and passed and I’m still sitting, I’m like, what am I doing here? So I ask the girl, ‘What is this process? What is going on?'"

Haddix recalled the condescending tone in which she was replied to by the girl, who said, "This is an interview." Haddix said she was not there for this disrespect and walked out of the office. "If you wanna show people that you do not care about your employees, that they are dispensable to you, literally just have an interview process like that," said Haddix. People praised Haddix in the comments for standing up for herself and leaving the office. "Good job, young lady! Your observations were on point. I hope you find a good experience and company culture and salary that fits you," said @pattinez. "I would hate to work for a company that doesn’t care about me. Companies need to get with the program! Respect and value people" wrote @roxanariverag. "Just because people my age and older had to go through it, doesn't mean the younger generations have to put up with the same BS. Proud of you!" added @beautyxbeatdown.