21 ridiculous ways people avoid preparing for job interviews

For some people, prepping for a job interview falls into the “Oh, I’ll get to it later” category. While it’s not the best strategy, it’s certainly an understandable one—but only up to a point. “You’re postponing the inevitable, which in this case is a shot at a potentially better-paying job in a role that’s upgraded from your current one,” says Vicki Salemi, Monster’s career expert.

Clearly, not everybody got Vicki’s memo. Among them, these 21 people who found just about anything to do other than get ready for their interview. Sound familiar?

The serial cereal eaters

I have an interview in the am I need to b sleep, but I keep thinking bout cereal

— Jordan Danaè (@jordaniaa_) June 6, 2016

I have a job interview in 30 minutes so why am I still watching DBZ and eating cereal

— fierce ⚡️ (@sashagradd) June 16, 2016

i have a job interview in a few minutes and im still in my pjs. just eating cereal. taking my time.

— Katie (@TheRadiantVII) March 16, 2016

The crafty folk

I have an interview in four hours and yet here I am searching how to make paper cranes.

— jamie-if-you-want-it (@youcanwhatit) June 2, 2016

The screen addicts (just one more swipe...I swear!)

I have a job interview in 20 minutes and instead of getting ready like I should be I'm sitting on the toilet playing with snapchat filters

— Kait (@corruptlou) February 23, 2016

I should be prepping for my interview later. But look at me, still tweeting.

— Gizelle Cano (@gzllcn) May 29, 2014

I have an interview in two hours and I'm sitting in bed eating apple slices watching bobs burgers

— Wednesday Addams (@alikicksrocks) June 9, 2016

I should be preparing for my interview, but the Sixth Sense just came on

— Farah (@peachesmydog) February 23, 2016

I should be preparing for my interview tomorrow but instead I'm watching snake videos

— herbifors (@forsmatt) January 25, 2016

Poor-life-choice people

I should be preparing for my interview but I'm drinking a gin cocktail, eating Triscuits and reading Twitter. C'est ma petit vie. Petite?

— Kitster (@ukulele_chick) June 14, 2016

I should be preparing for my interview tomorrow and my final Thursday but instead I'm just going to lay in bed and be consumed by anxiety

— Hannah Clayton (@ItsMe_Hannah_C) April 27, 2016

I forgot I have a job interview in 1 hour and I'm contemplating all my life choices because I'm so hungover

— lena ✨ (@kendrickll4ma) June 7, 2016

so I have a job interview in an hour and I'm still in bed looking like I have just woken up from a coma:/

— Tai (@HalfordTaila) June 19, 2016

I should be prepping for my interview, but I'm laying in bed waiting on pizza.

— Sam Pennell (@sam_pennell18) February 27, 2016

The online shoppers

i should be preparing for my interview tomorrow but will i spend the rest of the afternoon looking up laptop sleeves? you bet your ass

— moon day ☾ (@hello_deer) November 18, 2015

i have a job interview in the morning and instead of sleeping im looking at shoes and listening to really old school britney bcuz priorities

— Sinead (@ilaughtilicry) May 8, 2016

The night owls

Finding dress pants at 1:30 am the night before a job interview is my newest low of my procrastinating tendencies

— viv (@VivianAudreyy) May 27, 2015

It's 1:30am, I have a job interview in the morning, and I'm watching monsters inc

— Sarah Johnson (@saritathechica) May 14, 2016

And then there's the pop culture vultures

I should be sleeping and/or prepping for my job interview, but instead I am building Pokemon decks. My life is under control.

— エミリー [305] (@siLPH_Co) June 22, 2016

I have an interview in the morning but I don't wanna sleep incase Beyoncé drops her album #FirstWorldPains

— Conall Keenan (@_conallkeenan) April 3, 2016

I should be prepping for my interview but instead am reading gollum quotes. What's taters, precious?

— Ryan E (@HaansYolo) November 12, 2014

Some of those procrastination moves might make for a good story or tweet, but if you’re really looking to nail your interview, you might start with some of Vicki Salemi’s procrastination tips instead:

1. If you’re procrastinating, set a timer. If you’re playing Candy Crush, give yourself a 20-minute limit.

2. I’m a big fan of productive procrastination. Maybe you’re postponing your interview prep, but your apartment needs tidying up. Procrastinate by cleaning!

3. If you’re having trouble focusing, research the company you’re meeting with—check out their website, social media feeds and insight on Kununu from employees who work there.

4. Practice your elevator speech with a friend. Answer the question, “Why should we hire you?” by outlining your top skills and experiences that make you an asset to a company.

5. Feeling too overworked to concentrate? Throw yourself a dance party! Crank your favorite hits for 20 minutes—then get back to business.

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