The fake receptionist trick

I am all sure you have heard the of receptionist trick/story .

Man walks in for an Interview, treats the receptionist like crap and it turns out the receptionist was the interviewing manager.

Anywhoo, I thought this was a myth /fake story until I experienced it.

Walked into for an interview for a relatively senior role.i was fine with receptionist. I’m always polite with them but the only thing I thought slightly odd was they asked me if I was nervous for the interview.

Not overally odd just thought it was a bit personal. I gave them a fairly shallow response, dismissed her and sat down.

I waited for about 10 minutes in the waiting room with the receptionist there until she led me to the room and surprise she was the interviewing manager.

I was so thrown , like why would she sit in the room with me for 10 minutes saying nothing. Anyway I was autopilot while she spoke about the family culture as I gathered my thoughts . I just did not feel right until eventually I landed on my issue.

So I tried to diplomatically ask what the purpose of the receptionist act was? She gave the canned response on “right fit, do you treat people with respect bla bla”

I said, but it goes both ways. She just misrepresented herself to entrape me. She created a situation to try catch me out.

Maybe I would be rude because I was nervous and distracted. Does she do that to current employees. AGAIN, SHE SAT IN THE RECEPTION ROOM WITH ME FOR 10 MUNITES WITHOUT SAYING A WORD. What was she looking for?

Anyway, interview went south after that and we agreed I was not a good fit.

Was I wrong in how I read this?