October 17 2002 - What not to do at interview. 150 executives and human resource managers were
surveyed about the strangest things they have ever heard of happening in a job interview. The
results of the survey developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service
specializing in highly skilled administrative professionals, were, well, read on ...
We all need support
Some examples of applicants who went to extremes:
* "After answering the first few questions, the candidate picked up his
cell phone and called his parents to let them know the interview was going well."
* "At the end of the interview, the candidate expressed her interest in
getting the position, but only if her boyfriend liked the company and the hiring manager.
She then said, 'He's waiting outside. Can I bring him in to say hello?'"
* "The person got up to leave just a few minutes after the interview had
begun, saying he left his dog in the car and needed to check on him."
Be prepared for the interview
* "In today's job market, there is growing competition for each opening,
making it even more critical for applicants to put their best foot forward,"
said Liz Hughes, OfficeTeam's executive director. "Employers are trying to
decide whether or not to hire you and the interview is their primary tool for
making this assessment."
* "The candidate entered the lobby and identified herself to the
receptionist. She then pulled two pairs of shoes from her bag and said, 'Before the
interviewer comes out, tell me which pair you think I should wear with this suit.'"
* "When asked why he wanted to work for the company, the applicant
responded, 'That's a good question. I really haven't given it much thought.'"
* "When asked how the candidate would improve sales if hired for the
position, he replied, 'I'll have to think about that and get back to you.' He then
stood up, walked out and never came back."
* "When told she would meet with another interviewer, the candidate said,
'Wait just a minute.' She then took out a large bag from her briefcase and proceeded to
reapply her makeup and hairspray, all in the first interviewer's office."
Keep your answers positive,
"The way in which the candidate treats the
interviewer speaks volumes about that person's interpersonal skills," Hughes
noted. "If a job seeker isn't initially courteous and upbeat with the hiring
manager, he or she is unlikely to display these qualities with co-workers,
managers and others in the workplace."
* "When asked by the hiring manager why she was leaving her current job,
the applicant said, 'My manager is a jerk. All managers are jerks.'"
* "When asked what the candidate was currently earning, she replied, 'I
really don't see how that is any of your business.'"
* "The candidate disparaged his former boss during the interview, not
realizing the boss and the interviewer had the same last name, and were related."
* "When asked what he liked least in his current job, the applicant
replied, 'staff management.' He was interviewing for a management position."
Unclassifiable interview blunders
* "After being complimented on his choice of university and the GPA he
achieved, the candidate replied, 'I'm glad that got your attention. I didn't really go
there.'"
* "The candidate asked for an early morning interview. He showed up with
a box of doughnuts and ate them during the meeting, saying this was the only time he'd
have to eat breakfast before going to work."
* "When asked by the hiring manager if he had any questions for him, the
candidate replied by telling a knock-knock joke."
* "The company sent an employee to meet a prospective candidate at the
airport. The applicant got off the plane, said it was far too cold to live and work in
this city, and said he was taking a flight home. He never met the hiring manager."
* "When asked by the manager about his goals, the job seeker said, 'To
work in this position for the least amount of time possible until I can get your job.'"
Hughes offers three final tips to ace the interview:
* "Think before you speak. The first idea that comes to your mind may not
be the most appropriate to share with the hiring manager. Focus your comments on what you
can offer the firm, not what you want in return.
* "Remember your delivery. Hiring managers aren't just evaluating you
based on the content of your answers; they're also observing your interpersonal style.
Be concise, maintain eye contact and resist the urge to fill in every gap of silence.
* "Don't throw in the towel. If it's clear the interview isn't going well,
don't give up. You may not be right for that position, but other openings in the department
may arise that would be a better match. Convey your interest in being considered for other
opportunities."
OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and provides online job
search services at www.officeteam.com.