As a hiring manager, what types of things turn you off during interviews?
Buckminster asked:
I’ve recently been turned down for several jobs-when I know that I fit the requirements and I have good references. What could the problem be?
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I’ve recently been turned down for several jobs-when I know that I fit the requirements and I have good references. What could the problem be?
Also, I have early osteoporosis and mention that during interviews when asked about lifting heavy objects,etc–I shouldn’t leave this out, right?
FIDEL
February 20th, 2009 at 6:02 am
You don’t need to present that information in the first interview. So don’t lead with your osteoporosis. Things that turn me off when interview prospective candidates:
1. inappropriate attire
2. when they glance at their watch
3. poor grammar
And don’t be too hard on yourself. Chances are that it’s not anything you are doing wrong. Often the company just promotes from within, but by law is required to interview a few outside candidates.
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:29 am
Gum chewing, wearing a stupid baseball cap, especially if it’s turned around backwards or worn 37 1/2 degrees off the right ear… earrings in BOTH ears on a ‘man’; wearing grunge… with the crotch half way to the knees… bringing some idiot or a baby with them for the interview… filling out an application that looks like some 3rd grade special needs student wrote it… constant laughing at everything… using Like and You know what I mean and not being able to use vowels.. especially using them CORRECTLY.
If the job has physical challenges, I AM going to ask if you would have a problem doing the job… if you say yes and then the medical (yes, you would have to take a medical) says otherwise… I won’t hire you.
February 24th, 2009 at 12:25 am
You need to be honest but unless asked don’t volunteer medical information. The only exception is if your medical condition prevents you from performing the job.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:46 am
You should be completely honest on interviews. Unfortunately right now there are so many qualified applicants applying for the same job it is very difficult to chose just one. Do you dress up for interviews? I personally don’t judge a person by what they wear but my husband goes on interviews in jeans and I wouldn’t hire a person that doesn’t take the time to at least try and look professional. Just keep the faith and the right job will come along. Good luck.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:42 am
If you have osteoporosis and cannot lift over X pounds and your job require it then be honest and tell them…if not be quiet…
I have hired…and fired hundreds in my career..retired now.
Suggestions
Get a haircut…no piercing except ears for Lady’s…dark sport coat…white shirt…Conservative tie…gray pants….black socks and shoes…polish shoes…pop a tick tack…keep your elbows off my desk….eye contact…keep your hands in your lap…know the business…ask for the job..drop a note thanking the interviewer by name.
Dress for the interview not the job..
February 27th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Dress appropriately for the job you are applying for. Don’t chew gum. Use good grammar. You have to be honest about health conditions if they will affect your work performance. Your qualifications may not be the issue. Employers may already have someone in mind for the job, but have to meet the requirement of interviewing a certain number of applicants.
March 1st, 2009 at 2:54 am
Don’t provide information that isn’t being asked for. If you are asked, for example, whether you can life over 50#, the answer is, no, I’m not able to lift that much weight. Giving the employer your medical history is inviting them to discriminate against you.
Other things that turn me off:
-applicants who are drenched in cologne
-applicants whose background doesn’t fit the required profile
-applicants who tell me their entire life stories, or can’t stop talking for 20 minutes. If I want more detail, I’ll ask for it – trust me.
-applicants who lie about their experience or education.
-applicants who play with objects on my desk, fidget with their hair or jewelry, etc.
-speaking of jewelry, applicants who wear more bangles than Gypsy Rose Lee, or who dress for a night at the clubs instead of a day at the office don’t thrill me either.
Thanks for the opportunity to gripe.