Job interviews gone wrong: South Africans share their funniest moments

 In South Africa, where the job market feels tighter than a pair of skinny jeans after December, job seekers are hustling hard to land a gig. But sometimes, the struggle comes with moments so funny they could make even your kasi grocer crack up. 

Job hunting in SA: laughing through the pain  

Thanks to South Africans' unmatched sense of humour, a TikTok thread asking, "How did you know you weren’t going to get the job during your interview?" has gone viral.

The responses are a mix of comedy gold and painful relatability. Let’s dive into some of the most hilarious responses shared by job seekers because if we can’t laugh about it, we’ll cry (and we’ve done enough of that already).

1. Curriculum Vitae or... Curriculum Victim? 

Zikhona shared how she realised her job fate was sealed when she saw her CV labelled as "Curriculum Victim" instead of Curriculum Vitae.

Imagine walking into an interview and realising your CV is calling you out for living in the trenches. It’s giving, "I’m fighting for my life out here!", vibes, and honestly, who can’t relate?

2. Places like where?

PRALA’s story took us on a journey with no destination.

When asked why the company should hire her, she boldly declared, “I will take this company to places!”

But the interviewer hit back with a follow-up question: “Places like where?”

Sis didn’t have the GPS coordinates and replied: “I don’t know, everywhere you want to go.”

That’s when she knew it was game over.  What is the moral of the story? Always have a plan. Or at the very least, Google Maps.

3. The great 100kg debate

Londeka shared her Sasol interview disaster, where she was asked, which is heavier: 100kg of feathers or 100kg of copper.

She confidently answered, “Copper!”. The interviewer even gave her multiple chances to redeem herself.

But you know what? Sometimes, the pressure wins.  For those still wondering, they weigh the same.

But we’re with you, Londeka, stress makes everything feel heavier.

4. I am a good boy!

Thabang made the ultimate blank-out during his interview.

When asked to describe the kind of person he is, his mind went into airplane mode, and he blurted out, “I am a good boy.”

If that doesn’t scream panic, we don’t know what does.  Honestly, Thabang, at least you didn’t lie. Good boys deserve jobs too.

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Mahlogonolo took the classic interview question and gave it a bit too much honesty.

When asked about her five-year plan, she casually said: “Owning this company.”

While the ambition is top-tier, the interviewer was not ready for that level of takeover energy.  

Sometimes, dream big. Just… maybe not that big in the first interview.

6. I'm begging you, hle!

This one is for the books. When asked why she should be hired, one job seeker broke under the weight of it all and replied, “I’m begging you, hle,” before bursting into tears.

Honestly, we’ve all been there at some point (even if it’s just in our heads).  

7. Rank miscommunication

Nkanyiso was asked why he didn’t mention his rank on his application form. Without missing a beat, he responded, “Kwamashu rank”.

The man was clearly thinking about taxis, not titles. The HR team couldn’t hold back their laughter, and neither could we.

8. Head and shoulders… literally

Cia had an application fail of epic proportions. When asked to submit a “head and shoulders” picture, instead of sending the usual ID-style photo, she sent a picture of the Head & Shoulders shampoo bottle.

HR called her laughing and, honestly, we’d hire her for the pure comedic genius.

These stories are funny, but they also highlight the reality of job hunting in South Africa. The unemployment rate is high and the pressure to stand out during interviews is intense.

But if there’s one thing South Africans know how to do, it’s finding humour in even the toughest situations.  

So, the next time your interview doesn’t go as planned, just remember: you’re not alone. And hey, at least you didn’t argue about copper and feathers … or did you?