It is certainly a job seeker's market. But if you're planning a career move,
beware of interview mistakes that can prevent you from securing an
employment offer. OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service for administrative
professionals, recently surveyed its offices for the most unusual or
unconventional interview antics they had ever heard of from clients and
colleagues nationwide. Those surveyed were asked: "What is the most unusual
thing you have ever heard of happening in a job interview?" Here are some of
their responses:
- "After arriving for an early morning interview, the job seeker asked to
use the hiring manager's phone. She proceeded to fake a coughing fit as she
called in sick to her boss."
- "When asked where she wanted to be in five years, the interviewee
responded, 'I don't plan that far ahead ... after all, I could be hit by a
bus tomorrow.'"
- "When the hiring manager called the candidate, she asked him to bring
several copies of his resume and three references. He called back an hour
before the interview and asked to reschedule, saying his references couldn't
come with him."
- "The interviewer asked the candidate to describe his ideal job. His
response was, 'I don't know ... I haven't had it yet.'"
"No matter how well your resume and cover letter represent you, the hiring
decision hinges on the interview," said Diane Domeyer, executive director of
OfficeTeam. "This is the manager's best opportunity to gauge your
interpersonal skills and potential fit with the corporate culture. Despite
the strong employment market, companies still make hiring decisions very
carefully."
Here are some additional examples of interviews that definitely could have
gone more smoothly:
- "The job seeker halted the conversation about work hours and the office
environment, saying she didn't like being confined to a building, but would
consider taking the job if she could move her desk to the courtyard
outside."
- "When asked about her greatest job skill, the candidate said she was
proudest of her computer illiteracy."
- "In response to the hiring manager's offer to answer questions about the
position, the job seeker replied, 'What happens if I wake up in the morning
and don't feel like going to work?'"
- "When asked what motivated him, the job seeker replied, 'I've got a big
house and a big car and a big credit card balance. Pay me and I'll be
happy.'"
- "When asked what he wanted to be doing in his next position, the job
seeker said, 'I'll tell you what I don't want to be doing - sitting in
boring meetings, doing grunt work and having to be nice to people all day
long.'"
Domeyer notes that diplomacy and tact are key when meeting a prospective
employer for the first time. "To ensure you're putting your best foot
forward, consider having a friend or family member role-play possible
interview questions with you, and critique your presentation skills." She
offers these additional tips:
- Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes - He or she is looking for a
strong work ethic, motivation and a positive attitude. Be sure your answers
emphasize these qualities.
- Know how to handle tough questions - No matter how prepared you are, one or
two questions may surprise you. Take your time in answering these tricky
inquiries and keep your responses concise and to the point.
- Be yourself - Pretending to be someone you're not to impress the interviewer
can help you land the job, but you may end up in a position for which you're
either unqualified or ill-suited. It benefits both you and the hiring
manager to present an accurate picture of your skills and work style so you
can ensure the best job match.
- Focus on your value to the company - What is it about your background that
makes you the best fit for the job? By discussing experiences and
accomplishments that relate directly to the open position, you demonstrate
your ability to become an immediate contributor.
-- Article courtesy of OfficeTeam, which has over 250 locations worldwide
and offers online job search services.
