Biggest job interview mistakes

XBRIEFCASE_20120223123559_JPG


Photographer: AP Graphics Bank
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

advertisement

Posted: 02/23/2012

In a job market where a single open position can receive dozens, even hundreds of applicants, just getting to the interview stage is a huge accomplishment.

So, how you make sure you make the right impression?

CareerBuilder.com interviewed thousands of employers. Here are the most common mistakes people make.

  • Answering cell phone or texting
  • Appearing disinterested
  • Dressing inappropriately
  • Appearing arrogant
  • Talking negatively about current or previous employers
  • Chewing gum

Most unusual interview mistakes:

  • Candidate brought a "how to interview book" with him to the interview.
  • Candidate asked, "What company is this again?"
  • Candidate put the interviewer on hold during a phone interview.  When she came back on the line, she told the interviewer that she had a date set up for Friday.
  • When a candidate interviewing for a security position wasn't hired on the spot, he painted graffiti on the building.
  • Candidate wore a Boy Scout uniform and never told interviewers why.
  • Candidate was arrested by federal authorities during the interview when the background check revealed the person had an outstanding warrant. 
  • Candidate talked about promptness as one of her strengths after showing up ten minutes late.
  • On the way to the interview, the candidate passed, cut-off, and flipped his middle finger at the driver who happened to be the interviewer.
  • Candidate referred to himself in the third person.
  • Candidate took off his shoes during the interview.
  • Candidate asked for a sip of the interviewer's coffee.
  • Candidate told the interviewer she wasn't sure if the job offered was worth "starting the car for."
 

Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

  • Comments

Featured Stories


  1. Latest mugshots: Palm Beach County

    Latest mugshots: Palm Beach County

    Click here to see the latest mugshots in Palm Beach County

    • Latest mugshots: St. Lucie County

      Latest mugshots: St. Lucie County

      Click here to see the latest mugshots in St. Lucie County.

      • Oklahoma tornado damage: Full coverage

        Oklahoma tornado damage: Full coverage

        Get the latest updates, photos and video from the devastation in Moore, Okla. Also, see how to help.

        Advertisement
        • What's Trending Now...
         

        Latest Money Headlines