Internet - Some employers are getting more creative with their job interviews. One Reddit user's cautionary tale highlighted how easy it can be to fail without even realizing it.

On November 17, user sawta2112 shared one unknown person's bad experience with an innovative interviewing technique. The post described a man blowing his chances at getting the position "in the first 5 minutes after he entered the building."

The candidate was met by the receptionist, who tried to start a conversation while he waited to be called in for the actual interview.

At least, that's what it looked like.

In fact, he was actually in the presence of the hiring manager herself, who was testing him. She wanted to see how a potential employee would treat members of the company team – especially someone not high up in the usual corporate hierarchy, like a receptionist.

The man ended up failing this test – badly. He made such a poor impression that the "interview" was over pretty much then and there, at the reception.

According to the original poster, not only did the applicant refuse to make eye contact, he was openly rude and made it clear that he looked down on the receptionist. As soon as the hiring manager revealed her true identity, however, his attitude swung 180 degrees in the other direction: suddenly, he was eager to seem open, friendly, and relaxed.

The woman explained her decision to not consider him by emphasizing that every employee at the company was "valuable and worthy of respect".

In the end, the first five minutes – when the candidate showed his true face – were decisive. "Be nice to everyone in the building," was the advice that sawta2112 finished on.