Oh my. That story is hilarious. I’m sure it wasn’t anywhere near that funny back then. I felt my knees get weak and a knot in my stomach for the younger version of you. You’re so right. It is better to be pranked, and laugh later with friends, than be less than professional with people who can impact your future. Thank you so much for sharing. The School of Hard Knocks sure teaches some difficult, but unforgettable lessons!

I had my interview, came home on a high and the phone rang as I walked in the door. I was expecting a call from my best friend Anna to ask me how I’d gone so I knew she’d be keen to find out.

I picked up the phone and this haughty, hilarious fake uppercrust English accent came over the phone. Is this Gayle? It’s Company Name calling.

Did the fact the woman saying the company name mean anything to me? No I did the unthinkable. I laughed. Oh SURE Anna I giggled. Where the heck did you get that accent? Ah hahahahaha.

No, said the woman sounding increasing like the Queen of England, I’m calling to say that you have been successful with your interview and you have the job.

So wrapped up in “Anna’s” hilarious Queenly impression, I remained stupidly oblivious, until the woman’s voice turned quite cold and she reminded me of the name of the person who had interviewed me.

Immediately the realization struck and I felt six different shades of sick and embarrassed. I managed to stutter out a few “Oh I’m sorry, yes thank you” before hanging up the phone mortified.

My advice for anyone who is jobseeking, is that it is better to be pranked by friends and act like a professional just in case, than to make a fool out yourself with the people who matter!