7 Things That Turn Off Employers During an Interview

Reader Comments

Back to blog

I went to a job site interview. When I called the Operation Manager to see how it went as requested. The account manager said I was to eager and practically begging for the job. Not true. I was very open minded and answered all question. But I was 30 minutes early. That's what blew it. So I have learned the hard way not to be too early and blew it.

I didn't stay in vehicle because it was a security position and if you stay any length of time they will zoom cameras on you. I thought being very punctual would make the account Manager happy. Also I will never be late to work. Never thought it would make him mad.

Carrie of CA 3:50PM May 23, 2013

I had 2 interviews at a retail store. i was laid off and I am in my early 60's.

I was intervied both times by people in their late teens or early 20's.

They used situation ethics on me and asked all the above questions.

I was e-mailed "at this time we do not have a position to offer you but thank you fot the interest you showed in our company".

To be honest with you, I was asked when I had a fight or argument with a co-worker........that is ok I was thrilled with the company .

Paul of NJ 3:10PM March 03, 2012

LOL.. most job seekers in America's down economy will never make it past an HR Departments defense grid to even get the interview.

If you're one of the lucky ones who actually gets the call for an inteview, keep this in mind..

Its an employers market, companies already know folks are desperate and hungry for work.They have the luxury of "Playing God" right now cherry-picking their "ideal" candidate.

Articles and lists like these are ridiculous, employers(especially in this bad economy) already have a specific type of person which they consider a "qualified model applicant" find out what that is before the interview and you'll probably get the job. *Note if an employer gets "upset" or "annoyed" over a little thing like showing up more than 15 min early for an interview, then it could be a sign of a toxic work environment.

P of CO 4:23PM February 18, 2012

LOL, ok agree with some of this, but really? As a person who has hired folks in the past, I'd be most likely to go with the eager person, who needs and wants the job -- understands the pay scale and has a large portfolio of past work.

This stuff listed above is a nice outline but the bottom line is that no one owns you, no company owns you.

You are a human, and it's ok to be that in an interview.

Derptastic of CO 8:12AM February 17, 2012

15 real percent unemployed and your not supposed to act desperate, GMAFB.

r charles of MD 6:50AM February 17, 2012

Why is it that every one of these articles dealing with dos and don'ts of job search always put the prospective employee in the hot seat?

The employer needs an employee or they would not have advertised the opening.

If you are willing to abandon your self respect for a job, then you have far more major issues than unemployment.

If I cannot be up front and open with an employer, then I probably don't want to work there anyway. I have on occasion actually chided employers during interviews, for wasting my time when they advertise for a set of job skills only to demand something totally different at the outset of the interview.

The article warns against "desperation", but there is nothing that screams "desperate" more than the person that is willing to compromise their values just to get the job.

I have worked at some good companies in very good paying jobs, and others less than optimum.

Right now I am working at a minimum wage retail position, and I am willing to do so to keep an income, but that does not mean that I am staying here for a lifetime career, something else will turn up and when it does I will go after it, but I will not compromise my morals or standards just to get the job.

Jon Weiss of KY 6:23AM February 17, 2012

I found the advice re: the money to be a little ridiculous. Anyone who would accept a job offer without knowing the salary or benefits should have their head examined for holes. The top two things a company has to offer you are the salary and the benefits!!! I mean COME ON, we all work because we need the money. Its wasting everyones time. Granted, you shouldn't discuss salary in the first interview, but imagine if you followed the articles advice, went through 2 or so interviews and accepted the job offer after all that time and money spent only to find out the salary is way below your range. You're back to where you started, possibly losing out on another job with a higher salary

M Graham of CA 5:15PM February 16, 2012

I found the article to be right on.

As a Professional Job shopper with about 200 companies that I have worked for, I can say that the advice is to be used.

I have learn that all companies can; be looked at being, unique as people are Diverse.

I have to add that Cover Letters that cut thru the resume bull$%@&! provide one a platform from which to let the Prospective employer be curious enough to want to interview.

Oh and the timing to the start and end of the Fiscal year have a lot to deal with when jobs are to be had.

Plan ahead so that if your talents are needed

They will think of you.

Marvin wayrynen Sr Electrical / Mechanical Designer of CA 3:33PM February 16, 2012

Don't forget that important fact: The way one dresses, the type of fabric, the style, jewelry, hair style etc. and now chewing gum please, also hide tattoos unless the job is in the entertainment business.

Ann of FL 3:09PM February 16, 2012

Showing up too early is almost as disrespectful as being late. My office works directly with customers and I schedule interviews when I know I have enough coverage to be away from my desk for a while. If someone shows up very early and I am unable to talk to them right away, it just ends up making me feel obligated to rush through what I am doing because someone is waiting for me. Prospective candidates for a job should be aware that they are scheduled at a certain time for a reason. That manager still has to run the business and has other commitments throughout the day that need to be done.

t of IL 1:46PM February 16, 2012

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Back to blog

My Money

Get personal finance advice from the voices behind the top money blogs, including Wise Bread, Bargaineering, Money Crashers, Nerd Wallet, The Dollar Stretcher, 20s Finances, My Bank Tracker, Card Hub, The Dough Roller, Rather-Be-Shopping and Money Smart Life

advertisement

Slide Shows

Best-Sellers to Help Your 2013 Finances

Seeking advice? Check out these acclaimed financial books.

10 Warning Signs of Identity Theft

About 10 million Americans fall victim each year.

Items You Should Buy Online

Skip the store to save money and time.

Latest Video

advertisement