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Great Falls Human Resource Director Debbie Reynolds has interviewed hundreds of job candidates, but one holds the status as the most memorable.
“We were interviewing a police officer candidate who was asked what he would bring to the job,” she recalls. “He leaned back in his chair and said ‘If you hire me, you’re hiring nothing less than 100 percent pure stud.’ Needless to say, he didn’t get the position.”
Interview blunders can torpedo a candidate’s chances of landing a job faster than lack of experience or a typo on a resume.
“A lot of times people just offer too much personal information and you sit there thinking ‘I wish they hadn’t just said that’,” said Deborah Jenkins, a member of the Great Falls chapter of the Society for Human Resource Managers.
For instance, a female candidate interviewing for an office job once asked Jenkins if the company fired workers who were pregnant.
“She had just come from a job interview where the employer asked if she planned to start a family, since the firm didn’t want to have pregnant employees,” Jenkins said. “That’s illegal to even ask someone. But the person being interviewed can offer any information they want to, which is often a mistake.”
More often, interview faux pas include things like showing up in ragged blue jeans or replying to questions with one-word answers.
But then there are the whoppers.
CareerBuilder.com queried 600 hiring managers in March about the most memorable mistakes that caused them to pass on a particular candidate.
The list is a good reminder about the critical value firm impressions. have, Richard Castellini, CareerBuilder.com’s senior career advisor, offers the following tips to avoid self-sabatase during your next job interview:
There’s no crying in baseball … or interviews
“Candidate got so nervous, she cried.”
“Candidate argued with the interviewer, got up and left. The best part is he called later to see if he got the job.”
Tip: Take a deep breath and keep your emotions in check. While interviews can be nerve-wracking, employers are looking for candidates who show grace under pressure at all times.
It doesn’t take a village
“Candidate brought her kids with her.”
“Candidate brought his mom.”
Tip: An invitation for a job interview never states bring a guest. Having someone tag along for moral support puts your independence into question (even if Mom is your biggest fan). And, if your babysitter cancels on you, reschedule the interview for a day you can arrive alone and focused.
Curbing your enthusiasm
“Candidate disclosed she only wanted the job for the employee discount.”
“Candidate asked for directions to another interview.”
“Candidate removed his hearing aid.”
Tip: The answer to “Why do you want to work here?” should always focus on the strengths of the company and the challenge of the position, not the perks. A “take or leave it” attitude about the job will leave the employer feeling the same about you.
Etiquette shmetiquette
“Candidate forgot what position she was applying for, but wanted to know how soon she could have my office.”
“Candidate said you must be busy because your office is really messy.”
Tip: Mind your i’s — never insult, interrupt, or irritate the interviewer. Offering up a blank stare when the interviewer asks why you are the right fit for the job will not go over well. Come in prepared to discuss how your qualifications can specifically contribute to the success of the company and always be respectful of the interviewer’s time and position.
Hugh Hefner called, he wants his pants back
“Candidate came in wearing pajama bottoms and flip flops.”
“Candidate arrived in a revealing shirt.”
Tip: Don’t dress for the disco…or nap time for that matter. You only have one chance to make a first impression. It’s always better to err on the conservative with a business suit or, depending on the gig, a pair of khakis and a button-down shirt.
Did you hear the one about …?
“Candidate’s opening comment was a dirty joke.”
Tip: Know your audience. Opening the conversation with a joke, or other antics can put your professionalism into question. Remember, interviews are not only to decide if you’re qualified, but if your future co-workers can handle working with you.
Made in the shade-e
“Candidate inquired about the location of the company’s security cameras.”
“Candidate admitted she would not pass the mandatory drug test.”
Tip: If the employer suspects drug use or that you are more interested in the combination to the company safe than the job, chances are your resume will end up in the “shady file.” Be careful of word choice, clean up your act and always present yourself in the best light.
Last call
“Candidate brought wine to the interview and offered me a glass.”
“Candidate made a pass at the hiring manager.”
Tip: Easy, Casanova. Asking the interviewer personal questions or suggesting that you finish the conversation over a nightcap is a sure-fire short-cut to the exit sign. The word you want is appropriate — appropriate in words, action and body language.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050509/BUSINESS/50509001/1046
“We were interviewing a police officer candidate who was asked what he would bring to the job,” she recalls. “He leaned back in his chair and said ‘If you hire me, you’re hiring nothing less than 100 percent pure stud.’ Needless to say, he didn’t get the position.”
Interview blunders can torpedo a candidate’s chances of landing a job faster than lack of experience or a typo on a resume.
“A lot of times people just offer too much personal information and you sit there thinking ‘I wish they hadn’t just said that’,” said Deborah Jenkins, a member of the Great Falls chapter of the Society for Human Resource Managers.
For instance, a female candidate interviewing for an office job once asked Jenkins if the company fired workers who were pregnant.
“She had just come from a job interview where the employer asked if she planned to start a family, since the firm didn’t want to have pregnant employees,” Jenkins said. “That’s illegal to even ask someone. But the person being interviewed can offer any information they want to, which is often a mistake.”
More often, interview faux pas include things like showing up in ragged blue jeans or replying to questions with one-word answers.
But then there are the whoppers.
CareerBuilder.com queried 600 hiring managers in March about the most memorable mistakes that caused them to pass on a particular candidate.
The list is a good reminder about the critical value firm impressions. have, Richard Castellini, CareerBuilder.com’s senior career advisor, offers the following tips to avoid self-sabatase during your next job interview:
There’s no crying in baseball … or interviews
“Candidate got so nervous, she cried.”
“Candidate argued with the interviewer, got up and left. The best part is he called later to see if he got the job.”
Tip: Take a deep breath and keep your emotions in check. While interviews can be nerve-wracking, employers are looking for candidates who show grace under pressure at all times.
It doesn’t take a village
“Candidate brought her kids with her.”
“Candidate brought his mom.”
Tip: An invitation for a job interview never states bring a guest. Having someone tag along for moral support puts your independence into question (even if Mom is your biggest fan). And, if your babysitter cancels on you, reschedule the interview for a day you can arrive alone and focused.
Curbing your enthusiasm
“Candidate disclosed she only wanted the job for the employee discount.”
“Candidate asked for directions to another interview.”
“Candidate removed his hearing aid.”
Tip: The answer to “Why do you want to work here?” should always focus on the strengths of the company and the challenge of the position, not the perks. A “take or leave it” attitude about the job will leave the employer feeling the same about you.
Etiquette shmetiquette
“Candidate forgot what position she was applying for, but wanted to know how soon she could have my office.”
“Candidate said you must be busy because your office is really messy.”
Tip: Mind your i’s — never insult, interrupt, or irritate the interviewer. Offering up a blank stare when the interviewer asks why you are the right fit for the job will not go over well. Come in prepared to discuss how your qualifications can specifically contribute to the success of the company and always be respectful of the interviewer’s time and position.
Hugh Hefner called, he wants his pants back
“Candidate came in wearing pajama bottoms and flip flops.”
“Candidate arrived in a revealing shirt.”
Tip: Don’t dress for the disco…or nap time for that matter. You only have one chance to make a first impression. It’s always better to err on the conservative with a business suit or, depending on the gig, a pair of khakis and a button-down shirt.
Did you hear the one about …?
“Candidate’s opening comment was a dirty joke.”
Tip: Know your audience. Opening the conversation with a joke, or other antics can put your professionalism into question. Remember, interviews are not only to decide if you’re qualified, but if your future co-workers can handle working with you.
Made in the shade-e
“Candidate inquired about the location of the company’s security cameras.”
“Candidate admitted she would not pass the mandatory drug test.”
Tip: If the employer suspects drug use or that you are more interested in the combination to the company safe than the job, chances are your resume will end up in the “shady file.” Be careful of word choice, clean up your act and always present yourself in the best light.
Last call
“Candidate brought wine to the interview and offered me a glass.”
“Candidate made a pass at the hiring manager.”
Tip: Easy, Casanova. Asking the interviewer personal questions or suggesting that you finish the conversation over a nightcap is a sure-fire short-cut to the exit sign. The word you want is appropriate — appropriate in words, action and body language.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050509/BUSINESS/50509001/1046