Job Seekers Reveal True Character in Interviews

Hiring managers interviewed by CareerBuilder provided examples of the most peculiar behaviors they witnessed in job interviews: 

• Candidate said he had to quit a banking position because he was always tempted to steal; 
• Candidate denied that he had a cell phone with him even though it could be heard ringing in the briefcase beside him; 
• Candidate emptied the employer’s candy dish into her pocket; 
• Candidate said he didn’t like getting up early and didn’t like to read; 
• Candidate asked to be paid “under the table”;
• Candidate reached over and placed a hand on the interviewer’s knee; 
• Candidate commented that he would do whatever it takes to get the job done, legal or not; 
• Candidate hugged the president of the company; 
• Candidate called his wife to see what they were having for dinner; 
• Candidate asked to postpone the start date so she could still get holiday gifts from vendors at her current job; 
• Candidate called in sick to her current employer during the interview, faking an illness; 
• Candidate said he didn’t want the job if he had to work a lot; 
• Candidate wouldn’t answer a question because he thought they would steal his idea and not hire him. 

Aside from these obvious examples, hiring managers cited other behaviors, seen more frequently, that are detrimental mistakes in job interviews. Appearing disinterested is the number one turnoff, according to 62% of employers.  

Other mistakes cited include: 

• Answering a cell phone or texting—60%;
• Dressing inappropriately—60%; 
• Talking negatively about a current or previous employer—58%; 
• Failure to make eye contact—72%; 
• Failure to smile—42%;  
• Bad posture—38%; 
• Not providing specific examples—34%; and 
• A weak handshake—28%.