HR Horror Stories: The Most Bizarre Hiring and Firing Incidents Ever
Author: @Damaris Chege
Date: 23rd Feb 2025
Imagine walking into an interview, only to find the candidate sitting next to a fully dressed clown making balloon animals. Or being fired simply because you didn’t laugh at your boss’s joke. Sounds unbelievable? These are just a few of the jaw-dropping HR horror stories that prove the workplace is full of surprises.
We’ve all heard the saying, “Truth is stranger than fiction,” and when it comes to HR, this couldn’t be more accurate. Over the years, HR professionals have witnessed some truly jaw-dropping moments in the world of hiring and firing. From candidates who showed up in costumes to terminations that left everyone speechless, these stories remind us that the workplace is never short of surprises.
Here are some of the most bizarre HR horror stories that will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even question humanity a little:
The Candidate Who Brought Their “Emotional Support Clown”
Yes, you read that right. One hiring manager shared a story about a candidate who arrived for an interview with their “emotional support clown” in tow. The clown sat quietly in the corner, occasionally making balloon animals, while the candidate answered questions. Needless to say, the hiring team was too stunned to focus on the interview.
The CEO Who Fired Someone for Not Laughing at Their Joke
In one company, a CEO was known for their “quirky” sense of humor. During a team meeting, the CEO told a joke that fell flat. One employee, who was deep in thought about a project, didn’t laugh. The next day, they were called into HR and let go for “not being a cultural fit.” The rest of the team was too afraid not to laugh after that.
The Resume Written Entirely in Emojis
In the age of creativity, one candidate decided to stand out by submitting a resume written entirely in emojis. While it was certainly memorable, the hiring manager had no idea what the candidate’s qualifications were. The position required strong communication skills, so needless to say, they didn’t get the job. While creativity is valuable, it’s always best to balance it with professionalism when applying for roles.
The Employee Who Was Fired for Stealing… Office Supplies
In one bizarre firing incident, an employee was let go for stealing office supplies. But here’s the kicker: they weren’t stealing pens or sticky notes. They were caught trying to sneak out a water cooler. When confronted, they claimed it was a “misunderstanding” and that they just wanted to stay hydrated at home.
The Interview That Turned Into a Dance-Off
One hiring manager shared a story about a candidate who, mid-interview, stood up and challenged the interviewer to a dance-off. The candidate claimed it was their way of “breaking the ice” and showing their personality. While it was certainly unexpected, the hiring team couldn’t deny the candidate’s confidence… though they didn’t get the job. Some companies, like startups or creative firms, value personality in interviews, but professionalism should still take priority.
The Boss Who Fired Someone Over a Typo
In one particularly harsh firing incident, a manager terminated an employee for a single typo in an email. The typo? They accidentally wrote “Hi” instead of “Hello.” The manager claimed it was a sign of “carelessness” and “lack of attention to detail.” The rest of the team was left wondering if they were next.
The Candidate Who Ghosted… Then Showed Up a Year Later
In a twist straight out of a sitcom, one candidate completely ghosted a company after accepting a job offer. A year later, they showed up on their first day, acting as if nothing had happened. When HR reminded them that the position had been filled months ago, the candidate insisted they were “just running on a different timeline.”
The Employee Who Was Fired for Bringing Their Pet Goldfish to Work
In one office, pets were strictly prohibited. One employee, however, decided to bring their pet goldfish to work, claiming it helped them “stay calm.” When HR found out, they were let go for violating company policy. The employee’s response? “But it’s just a fish!
Lessons Learned from These HR Horror Stories
While these stories are undeniably entertaining, they also serve as important reminders for both employers and employees:
For Employers: Always have clear policies in place, and remember that empathy and common sense go a long way in handling unusual situations.
For Employees: Be professional, but also authentic. Just maybe leave the clowns and goldfish at home.
At the end of the day, the workplace is full of surprises—some hilarious, some frustrating, and some just plain bizarre. While we can’t predict every odd situation, we can certainly learn from them. Whether you're a hiring manager or a job seeker, one thing is clear: expect the unexpected.
Share Your HR Horror Stories!
Have you ever been part of a shocking HR moment? Drop your story in the comments—let’s swap workplace horror stories!
Damaris Nyambura Chege
Virtual Assistant Intern at Asiatic International Corp.
📧 Email: damarisflyingcrews@gmail.com
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