“I don't know” is not an option
Mad scientist is not a frequent job description. So after having studied physics, I found myself applying for engineering jobs mainly. In the end, it all boils down to physics any way, right? Not on one particular occasion, when one interviewer just couldn't grasp the fact I didn't know a certain component's electric characteristics by heart. He tried giving me “hints”, so I could “deduce” this knowledge somehow. But deducing something that has no physical reasoning behind it, that is just a definition by the producer, is hardly possible.

So after I had failed to deduce this number from his data sheet, he launched into a tirade, that lasted more than half an hour. He told me, that maybe I should start studying all over again, as with this kind of knowledge I would never find a job anywhere. He expressed his sorrow for the society that would have to provide for me through unemployment compensation for the rest of my life. He felt my parents had failed with me (which, I have to give to him, is correct).

After this lengthy onslaught, an obviously distressed HR woman, who had been sitting there silently all the time, led me to the door and wished me luck. I didn't need luck. At the time I already had a “yes” from another company, and was just there to see if maybe this position might be more interesting.
( BringYourOwnParachute Meet me here on, Thu 21 Nov 2013, 16:13, Reply)