Interview Follies

Interviews can veer into the absurd—after 25+ years recruiting & interviewing CPAs and finance leaders in Tampa Bay, I’ve got stories. Some candidates stroll in with resumes or PowerPoints, one once showed up with ice cream for the hiring manager. Others bring a sideshow. 🎪

Picture a CFO candidate I once interviewed. We got to the end of our introductory interview, and I asked if there was anything else we needed to discuss. He smiled, said “Why yes” and  revealed that he moonlights as an Elvis impersonator on the weekends. He reached into his briefcase and slid over some promo flyers for his next show. “Guitar Man” wasn’t on my bingo card that day—but talk about lighting up the room! Good thing I’m a big Elvis fan. 🧑🏻‍🎤

Then there was the interview with the Perspiration Predicament. Another CFO hopeful, frying in Florida’s summer swelter and visibly nervous, started leaking sweat mid-conversation. Soon, black hair dye ran down his face like a bad watercolor—yet he kept going. I respected the grit, but the visual? It was tough keeping a straight face. Had to get him some tissues. 🔥

The web’s got even more. Bored Panda’s 2025 list had a VP’s kid storm a video call, ranting about a Lego meltdown (Bored Panda, Jan 15, 2025). Forbes says 67% of interviewers prize cultural fit (Forbes, Feb 18, 2025), but quirks can throw curveballs. Workable’s tale of a finance hire nailing a “favorite movie” question with “The Wolf of Wall Street” proves quick wits pay (Workable, Feb 10, 2025). 🐺

Interviews are a tightrope—prep meets uncertainty and at times mayhem. Keep your cool (dye optional), stay light on your feet, and bring the fire. Need to ace your next Tampa Bay interview shot? I’ve got tales—and tips. 💡

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