Employers Share Top Ten Most Memorable Interview Mistakes in New CareerBuilder Survey
13 per cent of UK business leaders claim jobseekers are ruining their chances by answering mobiles or texting during job interviews, according to a new poll released today.
Recruiters said other common blunders included criticising current or previous employers (32 per cent), appearing arrogant or disinterested (30 per cent) dressing inappropriately (30 per cent) or providing too much personal information (23 per cent).
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The most frequent mistakes were listed as not sharing information about specific accomplishments (57 per cent) and not asking good questions (51 per cent).
The study, conducted on behalf of online jobs site CareerBuilder.co.uk among more than 100 UK business leaders across industries, also highlighted some of the most bizarre and memorable interview gaffes from candidates including:
• A candidate who kept his crash helmet on the whole time.
• A candidate who made an international phone call when the interviewer left the room.
• A candidate who wanted to be a vicar when applying for a full-time accounting position.
• A candidate who fell asleep.
• A candidate who brought a family member with her to the interview.
• A candidate who asked for a cigarette.
• A candidate who talked about her love life.
• A candidate who dunked his biscuit in a hot drink (which broke in the mug) and dug it out with his fingers.
• A who candidate said she didn’t know why she was at the interview.
• A who candidate kept scratching the top of his leg.
“Job interviews are high-stress, high-pressure situations,” said Tony Roy, President of CareerBuilder EMEA. “It’s important to practice responses. Research the company and industry and prepare thoughtful questions about new developments and opportunities. Show enthusiasm and provide examples of what you can bring to the table for their organisation.”
Tips for applicants facing an interview:
• Prepare an “I’m fabulous file.” Make sure to incorporate examples of past successes and ways you have contributed to your previous employers into the discussion
• Stay positive – If you’ve been out of work for a while, don’t apologize. Employers know it’s a tough job market. What they’ll be looking for is how active you have been, did you volunteer, take a class, do something to grow professionally. Emphasize what you learned from the experience
• Come in with ideas. One of the best ways to stand out is to show that you’re already thinking like an employee. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing job, propose ideas for a new company campaign
