There is a lot of advice out there on how to impress a potential employer during a job interview—from what you should say
to what your nonverbal communication says for you. Sometimes, however, it’s best to learn from example. I asked human resources professionals about their job interview horror stories and they gave me examples of what won’t land you a new job.
Culture shock
I once advised a candidate on procedures to follow after a thorough analysis of the client’s corporate culture—arrive early, what to wear, apply less makeup, wear a professional and simple hairdo, use no fragrance (the interviewer may be allergic and end the interview quickly), how to shake hands, stick on that smile, sitting etiquette, neurolinguistics, what to say and most importantly, check for last minute appearance and make sure you are memorable so you stick out in their mind.
My candidate followed the instructions to a tee, arrived early and made a quick visit to the ladies’ room to wash her hands (as instructed, because interviewers don’t like sweaty palms), and check her appearance (for no food stuck in her teeth, etc.).
Then the receptionist tapped on the door to say that the interviewer would see her early and right away.
My candidate quickly exited the restroom and had no time to dry her hands completely. After offering a handshake, the interviewer quickly pulled away thinking her hands were sweaty. Needless to say the interview lasted only five minutes, there was no going away hand shake, and she did not get the job.
Another time, I instructed my candidate, who was flown in from Canada, to follow my instructions and take the cue to order the same type of lunch menu that his interviewer ordered.
I advised on table etiquette, how to hold a knife and fork, where to put the water glass, no salads (they leave residue on your teeth), no spaghetti (because of potential drooling and stains on a tie) and definitely no wine (just water) and no dessert.
Choosing not to heed my advice and get an expensive free meal, he ordered filet mignon and their most expensive wine on the menu.
Aghast, the client quickly sent him back home without further ado—if this candidate treated himself and their future clients to this type of luncheon menu, they would not be able to afford him. He got a thanks and a quick good-bye.
Unfortunately, these types of gaffes happen more often than not and candidates are sadly left to wonder why they didn’t get the job!
–Jo Prabhu, Founder and CEO of www.1800JobQuest.com
Too much information
We see a lot of candidates pull their skeletons out of the closet on personal challenges—drinking problems and often psychological disorders —and they’ll say things like "I am bipolar” or “I am schizophrenic,” during an interview. One of our branch managers had a candidate say "I am so incredible, it is hard for people to work with me, everyone cannot rise to my level so I intimidate some people."
–Kim Lockhart, Regional Vice President of Spherion
Taking out the baggage
The one that never fails to amaze is taking a personal cell phone call in the interview and continuing to talk—about plans for the weekend! It would be one thing if it had just happened once. Or the girl who had to dig to the bottom of her purse—completely unloading it on my desk—to find her resume, which was printed on lavender scented paper and wadded in a ball at the bottom of her purse.
Then there was the person who wrote expletives in the blanks of his application—things like "bite me" and such in the blanks reserved for such mundane items as "phone number" or "education." When I brought it up in the interview, he became belligerent and borderline aggressive. He had to be removed from the premises!
–Jill Evans Silman, Vice President of Meador Staffing Services
Part Two: Job interview horror stories (continued)
Do you have a job interview horror story? Have you interviewed someone who was so terrible that you’ll never forget them? Or have you been interviewed by someone who would have been a boss from hell? If so, share your horror story in the comments.
Related Reading:
The importance of nonverbal communication during job interviews
Nonverbal behaviors during interviews
More interviewing tips
More Workplace Communication:
Why texting and job hunting don’t mix
How to curb cussing in the office
E-mail etiquette do's and don'ts
What employees can learn from Sarah Palin's resignation
10 workplace lessons from 'The Twilight Zone'
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Comments
I was once interviewed for a job that was posted in the $55,000 salary range. During the interview, the lady asked me what my salary requirements were-- I said $60,000. She then said, we only pay $30,000. So then I got up and prepared to leave. The interviewer, surprised, then asked, "Don't you at least want to negotiate?" I said, "not unless you can agree to pay what you advertised for." She said it was a mistake, and I said it was a mistake to bring me in here under false pretenses. I left the interview and never looked back.
I was once sitting, waiting for my interviewer to come out. Finally, late, she emerged, flustered & carrying a stack of resumes and papers, greeted me and had me follow her to the interview room. When we sat down, she says to me, "So, what can you do for me?" I looked her in the eyes & said, "I'm not here to do anything for you. I'm here for a job with the company." I then got up and walked out.
I was working at a company and my supervisor told me we would be hiring some additional help. He then gave me a resume of someone he was bringing in for an interview and said that it was a friend of his. I looked over the resume and immediately concluded that the candidate's skills did not match what we needed. On the day of the interview, everyone in my group took turns interviewing the person. Then my supervisor came to me and asked if I was ready to interview the person. I said, "Why should I? He's your friend and you're going to hire him anyway, so why should I waste my time interviewing him for a job he's not qualified for?" My supervisor walked away and never said a word. They ended up hiring him and the guy was horrible.
I slipped on a rarely worn skirt and a long overcoat and went to an interview at a hotel. I went in, removed my coat and competed my interview. I picked up my coat and carried it out of the office, to the bellman's stop and got into my cab. I was startled by the cold of the vinyl seat on my bottom, and realized I hadnt worn this skirt because it had a split in the back that had torn almost all the way to the waist. I was wearing only pantyhose....those execs got an eyefull as I left, not to mention anyone I passed in the lobby. I didn't get the job, but I'm suprised I didn't get any other offers in the hotel!
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