[eli]

HR exists for addressing problems like this. You absolutely should talk to them. I don't think it will "ruin his life" but whatever action is taken (if any) is ultimately up to his bosses. This is unacceptable behavior and if no one ever says anything about it, there's no reason to think it won't continue.

[zak_mc_kracken]

> HR exists for addressing problems like this.

They address problems for this for the company. HR is there to defend the company, not the employees.

Letting HR know about the incident will likely cause this person to be terminated.

I'm not saying OP should or should not do it, just clarifying the consequences.

Personally, I think what this guy did is

- a bit creepy

- pretty mean since he probably turned her down so he could ask her out

Having said that, what he did is NOT

- sexual harassment (there is no authority relationship at play)

- abuse of power

[eli]

> Letting HR know about the incident will likely cause this person to be terminated.

HR doesn't generally have the ability to decide to fire people. So if this person's bosses, in consultation with HR, think this is worth terminating someone over, that's certainly their right.

I don't want to parse words with you, but this is wildly inappropriate behavior and it certainly should not be ignored. HR is the correct department to make sure it gets addressed.

And, frankly, some companies may believe that "creepy" and "mean" behavior on its own is a serious offense even if, as you assert, no abuse or harassment occurred.

[beenpoor]

After some thought, I agree HR should be involved to caution him. As for ruining his life, it feels like a stretch - but imagine, he is publicly outed (with this much attention, it's possible). People have their pitchforks out - so I know this viewpoint will be downvoted. But it is best if she brings this issue with HR and deal with it internally with the company.

[eli]

Best case scenario is that the interviewer learns from this mistake.