Whose fault is it?

Question

I called a friend when I knew he had a job interview to say "good luck" and leave him a message for later.

Well, he hadn't turned off his phone, so it rang during, and he left a really bad impression on the guy interviewing him. Now my friend is mad at me.

I think it's his fault for not silencing his phone!

Answer 1

if he had any brains he would have silenced his phone.  Not your fault at all

Answer 2

I think it's his fault too. How were you to know he wouldn't turn it off?

Answer 3

If you didn't know what time or time of day it was (morning vs. afternoon), it was his fault completely. If you did, it was only PARTLY your fault.

Also he's just upset because it happened. He knows it was at least partially his fault, but it's easier to put the blame on you.. it makes him feel better. Give him time and he may come around and/or apologize. In any case try not to take it personally.

Answer 4

It's his fault not yours.  He should have known better to turn off this phone for an interview.  It could have been anyone calling him!!!  Do not feel bad.  If he knows proper etiquette, he'll know that he has no reason to blame you.

Answer 5

his for being careless... but perhaps next time u could text them before their interviews --- just in case~

Answer 6

In general, if you know exactly when someone is going to be in an interview - it is better to wait until the interview is over. Just in case they forgot to turn off their phone. ... But it was nice of you to wish him good luck :) And when it comes down to it, it is his responsibility - not yours - to make sure he will not have that type of interruption during the interview.

I am not sure why this left such a bad impression. How did he handle the call during the interview? Once the mistake is made, I believe the best reaction would have been for him to hit a button that would silence the phone, apologize to the interviewer, and possibly turn the phone off right then.

My phone has gone off a few times during meetings too. It's bad manners on my part to have brought my phone in and left it on - but not really that big of a deal if I just say "sorry" and hit a side-button to silence it.

Answer 7

Well, you may not like my answer, but both of you are in the wrong.  He made a bad decision to leave his phone on and not have it either on vibrate or turn it off.  One thing you don't want to do is leave your phone on the normal ringer and have it go off during an interview because it does make  you look unprofessional.  Also you were at fault as well.  If you knew that he was on the job interview when you called then you shouldn't have interrupted.  Now if you called him hours before then it was ok, but if you did indeed call while he was there at the same time, then it was partially your fault as well..

Answer 8

Yep it is his fault. Any one could have called him,the dentist, a telemarketer or a wrong number. He should have turned his phone off. He is putting the blame on you in case he doesn't get the job.

Answer 9

He should learn to turn off his cell phone. How long does it take to excuse himself and turn it off? Don't worry about his being miffed, he will get over it.

Spartawo...

Answer 10

You're friend should have known to put it on silence or turn it off. That is basic good interview etiquette but if you want to avoid this again you can always call before the time for the interview or wait till you know he is done and then call to ask how it went. But he will come to realize its his fault if not its probably not the best friendship then.

Answer 11

its his fault

Answer 12

You are both at fault -- he for not silencing his phone, and you for knowing he was in an interview and assumed he had his phone silenced.  Never assume.  Next time, contact him before or after, not during.  And I bet your friend learned a very valuable lesson.

Answer 13

Of course it is his fault. Say his mom called it is still his fault. Don't worry

Answer 14

I had a friend get mad at me for that once.  He should have turned his phone off.  what are you psychic???   That is something he should have thought of beforehand.

Answer 15

His fault, you were just trying to be nice.It wouldn't stop him getting the job if they wanted him anyway.