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50 Worst of the Worst (and Most Common) Job Interview Mistakes

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I've sat on many interview panels for a college district, and interviewed people applying for everything from Workers Comp specialist to clerical workers, and it's unfortunate we can't hire everyone who comes in. The company has to evaluate the best fit for the position. This list is fairly a no-brainer, but I wanted to mention one interview as a cautionary tale; a female applying for WC specialist appeared at the interview in a very loud suit 2 sizes too small, wearing LOTS of makeup and perfume, and proceeded to lay her head on the table as she READ her resume to us (panel of 3.) For every question we asked, she read the answer off her resume, while she had her head on the table. I'm not exaggerating, either. She explained she had been out late the night before & hadn't had time to go home & change, and didn't feel good ('hangover' was our diagnosis, after she left.) ?! The sad part is, her resume was pretty good and had she showed us she was the least bit serious about wanting the position, we would have considered her... had she not mentioned her last boss was an Ay-hole (the uncensored version of that word.) I know most people who go to job interviews want the job, and are serious about their interviews... but if you see yourself even a little bit in this example, that might explain why you didn't get the job.

Metalhaid of CA 6:43PM May 13, 2010

I agree with Robert, the games employers play SHOULD be illegal! Maybe it's not because not enough people have complained about it. Plenty people apply for tons of jobs, have interviews which they're prepared and qualified for and STILL no job.

Shelly of NC 5:03PM May 13, 2010

over the past 4 months i have been searching for a job ranging from retail and fast food to corporate IT and help desk. ive applied for literally 200+ jobs and been to about 75 interviews; all ending in no resolve. these people hiring you seem to not care about your ability to get the job done, your education, or even your past experience. I have been interviewed for both retail and IT jobs that i was perfectly qualified for and had solid experience in, yet they claim that i am over qualified or not qualified enough. the games employers play in today's market is absurd and should be illegal. I personally go to every interview showered, clean shaved, in a suit, prepared with multiple copies of my resume and clearly state my previous experience along with possible contributions i can make to the company. this list of "things not to do" is just showing how ridiculous the market has become.
I once met a man in one of my previous positions at a call center; PhD in mathematics and 6 years experience teaching at the university of Arizona. he was laid off due to federal grant cuts, but he couldn't get a job anywhere else after serching for 5 months.

Robert of KS 2:39PM May 13, 2010

I once lost out on a job becase I said I wanted a job. I don't quite get this one. Should the interviewer not assume you are there to get a job? I have attended some seminars and workshops aimed at improviny my admittably weak interviewing skills, and I have never heard one say that the candidate should ask for the job.
I would add to the list: Be careful whom you speak to at the job site. The person I said I wanted a job to was dressed in faded jeans, scuffed work boots, and an old flannel shirt. I asked if I was in the right place and he said, "That depends. Why are you here?" I said, "To take a teat." He asked why I wanted to take a test. I said, "To get a job." He asked why I want to get a job and I said, "Because I have a child at home and bills to pay." This was all casual and jovial. Until he introduced himself as the head of HR. Throughout his 30 minute introductory speech, he would look at me pointedly as he said things like, "I've never hired anyone who traipsed in here and said they needed a job," and, "I don't care how many bills you have piled up and how many mouths you have to feed, that won't make me hire you." Needless to say, I got an email stating that I was not a good fit for the position they were hiring for at the time.

Cindi of IN 2:10PM May 13, 2010

Amazing how times have changed. When I was a young girl - appropriately dressed in a light suit, gloves, and envelope purse. Employers were wary because I was "in the child bearing age" or wary because I was in the "marriage" stage - neither of these matter today. I've been interviewed by a woman who looked as if she was ready to have the baby any minute and by a woman who was fearful of a good looking single woman working near her husband!
It's interesting that the boss or interviewer can give the impression of his political leanings - my present boss who was interviewing me on the phone said he needed to hurry to catch The Greta van Sustern show - from which I assume he is an Independent or a Republican - and I have to this day be careful NOT to express an opinion.

Magid of TX 2:01PM May 13, 2010

With all these "don't" listed I wonder if it is okay to breathe?
I do agree with most of these reasons, but they make it sound as if one has to be perfect to get hired. True, with the job market as it is employers do have the upper hand in picking and choosing;but remember no one is perfect. It may be to the employer's benefit to reconsider looking for "perfect" people and hire a little less perfect person who ends up being a great employee and contributor.

deana erickson of TX 1:35PM May 13, 2010

The games that employers play...OH MY!! I must tell you that I have been on some interviews in my lifetime that ended with me thanking the good lord that I did not land the job.The funny thing is the job I currently have{3 yrs +} fits well in the whacked interview category.One of the interviewers turned out to be the general manager in the department I work in.Little did he know that his lack of good interview skills gave me the heads up on the fact that interview skills were not the only skills he lacked.Without even trying I drove him crazy by always being ahead of his games.I suppose every now and then a bad interview can work to someones advantage.He has since moved to another department to spread his skill.Thanyou Lord!

Elizabeth Jennings of SC 1:20PM May 13, 2010

Would you rather the candidate wet themselves?

Tony of VA 11:45AM May 13, 2010

Find confidence in yourself, be knowledgeable and never fail to highlight your area of strength while de-emphasizing your weakness.

Chux O. 9:28AM May 13, 2010

I once flew to an interview. The firm promised to reimburse my costs. When I arrived back home, there was a letter, stating that the firm did not pay for interviews! I was stuck for $1000!
Have the firm pay for the ticket in advance. Ask for an e-ticket, or have the firm send you the ticket by FedEx. DO NOT PAY FOR TRANSPORTATION COSTS!!

Charles of VA 8:53AM May 13, 2010