Quirkee.com

List of so-called job interview "mistakes" perplexes this applicant

CareerBuilder.com recently conducted a survey of hiring managers, who shared examples of applicants who made blunders during their interviews that cost them the job. The website listed a few of the most "glaring" and "strange" mistakes made by these job applicants.

I'll present them, then relate my own similar experiences while job-hunting. While I didn't land any of these jobs I applied for, I hardly think my behavior could be construed as "strange." (In most of the jobs, I was told that I was "underqualified" or they "eliminated the position.") See what you think.

It's advisable to stop in the bathroom for a quick appearance check before an interview, but if you take your grooming public, you won't be looking so professional. "One candidate brushed her hair in the middle of the interview," a hiring manager lamented.

At one interview I had, I pulled out my Good News razor, lathered up and shaved as the HR person asked me about my prior experience. At another, I trimmed my nostril hairs and plucked my eyebrows while being questioned. One time I even removed my slacks and changed my underpants during the interview. My strategy was to demonstrate my ability to multitask, a prized attribute for any employee. All the interviewers were called out of our meetings early for family emergencies and weren't able to get back to me, but I think I definitely made my point. So I disagree to this being is a "mistake."

Mistake 2: Acting arrogant

"I had one gentleman who came into the interview and admitted he fluffed his resume," a hiring manager recalled. "But he reasoned that because he is attractive and has a brother in the IT field, he should be given the open position."

I don't see what's wrong with this fellow's approach. I have exaggerated a bit on my own resume, putting titles like "President, Universal Studios," "Executive Editor, The New York Times" and "Governor, Ohio" on my Previous Experience list. And believe me, if I've said, "It definitely looks like you could use one good-looking dude with the fugly trolls you got around here" once, I've said it a hundred times. It ain't arrogant if you can back it up!

Mistake 3: Letting nerves take over

One hiring manager said he had a candidate throw up on him. Another had an interviewee laugh nervously and spit out a false tooth.

OK, let's see: I've also vomited during job interviews, fainted, bled out my nose and ears, gone to the men's room into the chair, went into hysterics, tore my hair out, had a conniption, passed gas more times than I can count, emitted sudden, piercing shrieks, developed nervous paralysis and had to be taken to the ER, and ran screaming out of the building. It's just part of the process; these human resource people see it every day. Not to worry.

Mistake 4: Shady dealings

Some job seekers offer too much information about their checkered pasts or dubious behavior.

Wrong, wrong, wrong! Sharing the less appetizing details about your past shows the interviewer that you feel at ease with him or her. I revealed to one employer that I was let go at another retail establishment for dipping into the register on a regular basis, and swiping the Fresh Air Fund. I confided to another about my past producing and selling crystal meth at trailer parks in Kentucky and Virginia, as well as recounting my experiences in male prostitution and chicken fighting. I was shown the door in both cases, but I could see these employers found it refreshing, for once, to encounter a little candor from an applicant.

Mistake 5: An apathetic attitude

Sure, you may be looking for and interviewing for other jobs - but you don't need to flaunt that in an interview. Keep your attention focused on the current job, and keep the other applications out of the interview - it could hinder your chances.

I admit that one time, when I impatiently looked at my watch and yelled at the HR lady, "Could we hurry this goddam thing up? I've got another job interview in 15 minutes," she seemed a bit put out.

Mistake 6: Relying on liquid courage

It's one thing to share a pitcher of beer with co-workers at happy hour. It's quite another to show up at an interview with a bottle in your hand and finish it off in the reception area, as one brazen job seeker did.

You just have to be moderate. I brought a fifth of Beefeater's to one interview, taking quick nips while the interviewer wasn't looking, and polished it off as he asked me about my outside interests and membership in professional organizations. I started to cry, wailing something like "I have no innnersts! I have no memberships," then fell out of my chair. (So I was told afterward.) Usually when I'm drunk at job interviews I can keep it together.

Mistake 7: Being too upfront

"I once asked a candidate how he would handle three clients coming in at the same time while two phones were ringing," one hiring manager said. "The candidate responded by hiding under his desk."

Well, that's just being candid, and believe you me, it's appreciated. I've told potential employers that, under pressure, I fold like a cheap suit, pee my pants, sob uncontrollably, scream, hit myself in the face with my fists, etc., etc. You get the idea. I've always been thanked for my honesty as I am escorted out the door.

e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; website: ericbroder.com

---

Tag this article:

Average user rating

   (0 vote)