Interviewing is a big responsibility for HR professionals, and being able to distinguish the best candidate for a position is a challenge in itself. Dressing appropriately, turning off mobile phones and ‘swatting up’ on the company are some of the obvious checkpoints interviewers look for in a potential new hire. Sometimes, however, big blunders make it easy for HR to rule out the options.
In CareerBuilder's annual study on the most common and most outlandish job interview mistakes, hiring managers provided real-life examples of the most peculiar behaviours they witnessed during the interview process. Here is a run-down of the top faux pas:
- When asked about the reasons why he quit his last position in a bank, a candidate said it was because he was always tempted to steal.
- Another jobseeker denied that he had a mobile phone with him even though it could be heard ringing in the briefcase beside him.
- The next candidate emptied the employer's candy dish into her pocket.
- This applicant was quite honest about his weaknesses; he said he didn't like getting up early and didn't like to read.
- Perhaps hiding from the taxman, one candidate asked to be paid "under the table."
- While he may have meant it as a friendly gesture, the hiring manager was not impressed when a candidate reached over and placed a hand on the interviewer's knee.
- A candidate commented that he would do whatever it took to get the job done, legal or not.
- This candidate apparently thought the interview went really well; he hugged the president of the company.
- The next jobseeker must have been very hungry, because he called his wife during the interview to see what they were having for dinner.
- Another candidate asked to postpone the start date so she could still get holiday gifts from vendors at her current job.
- One job applicant called in sick to her current employer during the interview, faking an illness.
- A candidate said he didn't want the job if he had to work a lot.
- The next jobseeker wouldn't answer a question because he thought they would steal his idea and not hire him.
Offering tips to candidates on how to avoid interview mishaps—and sparing HR a cringe-worthy scene—Rosemary Haefner, Vice President, Human Resources, CareerBuilder advised, "A job interview can be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences out there, so it's important to plan and practice. Have a friend run through a mock interview with you, asking questions you think will come up and some curve balls you're not expecting. Thoroughly research the company ahead of time and draft responses that incorporate your accomplishments. The more prepared you are, the less likely you are to run into mishaps."
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
