Every year, HR professionals share new and unusual stories about the interviews they conduct. People make mistakes, but some mistakes are so over the top that they make the decision not to hire a very easy one. Check out this year's top 10 list.
What is the most unusual thing a candidate has done in a job interview this year? Fall asleep? Disappear? Bring his or her mom? CareerBuilder.com released its annual survey of the most outrageous interview mistakes candidates have made, according to over 3,000 hiring managers and HR professionals nationwide. This year's Top 10 List includes:
In addition to the most unusual blunders, employers were also asked about the most common and detrimental mistakes candidates have made during an interview. More than half (51 percent) of hiring managers cited dressing inappropriately as the most damaging mistake a candidate can make in an interview. Speaking negatively about a current or previous employer came in second at 49 percent, and appearing disinterested ranked third at 48 percent. Other mistakes included appearing arrogant (44 percent), not providing specific answers (30 percent), and not asking good questions (29 percent).
Interviews give both the employer and interviewee insight into what it will be like to work together. The above blunders may be extreme examples of job seeker missteps, but hiring managers also make similar mistakes that drive away excellent candidates. Remember that employed candidates are not desperate for a job and are often looking for a better opportunity than their current employer is providing.
Active job seekers often interview with multiple companies in the same week. Therefore, it is just as important for the people giving the interviews to be prepared as it is for the candidate. Familiarize yourself with a candidate's resume and background, be prepared with a list of targeted and general questions, and be strategic in the interview style that you choose.
For more insights about Interviewing, see the following articles:
Interviewing should be taken seriously and anyone giving an interview must be prepared. Learn ways to run a more effective interview, asking great questions that can keep candidates on their toes, and allow you to learn more about your prospects.
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