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Back in my recruiting days, I once had a hiring manager say to me about people he interviewed for jobs: "If it's not 'yes,' it's 'no.'"
In other words, unless the candidate made a truly great impression during the interview, they probably weren't getting the job. And trust me, it's really, really easy to introduce doubt about a candidate into the process. Managers are always looking for reasons to say 'no' - because it's a lot easier than taking a risk on somebody who's less than perfect. It's not fair, but it's reality. Here are some fantastic ways I've personally seen interviewees sabotage their chances.
Showing up late.
Leaving your cell phone on – and it rings during the interview. Extra points for stopping the interview to answer it.
Checking your phone's messages during the interview.
Being visibly sick during the interview. Seriously, reschedule the interview; you won't impress anyone with your dedication, and you may gross them out by coughing on them.
Sending "thank you" notes afterward to some interviewers and not others.
Asking no questions during the interview. You'll appear bored.
Asking stupid questions. Yes, there is such a thing as a stupid question. Especially dull, obviously improvised questions which clearly illustrate you didn't prepare.
Bringing up salary before they do.
Swearing. This isn't limited to the 7 words you can't say on television. If you wouldn't say it in front of your sweet, old grandmother, don't say it in the interview.
Not dressing up for the interview. Business casual usually applies after you've gotten the job.
Taking bathroom breaks during the interview. Repeatedly.
Calling the interviewer "dude."
Behaving nicely to the hiring manager, and rude to Human Resources.
Giving varying answers to different interviewers asking the same interview question. Trust me, they'll compare notes.
Having bad breath. It's a bad idea to eat a tuna fish sandwich with onions just before your meeting. Oh, and remember to use deodorant, too.
Hitting on an interviewer.
Lying. Probing questions can flesh out dishonest information pretty quickly.
Badmouthing your current or former employer.
I'm sure I'm missing a few beauties. Feel free to send me your favorite examples – if I get enough, I'll include them in a future article!
Scott Singer is the President and Founder of Insider Career Strategies Resume Writing & Career Coaching, a firm dedicated to guiding job seekers and companies through the job search and hiring process. Insider Career Strategies provides resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, and career coaching services, including a free resume review. You can email Scott Singer at scott.singer@insidercs.com, or via the website, www.insidercs.com.
