Hiring Managers Reveal Strangest Moments

02.23.2012
HR & Safety

In an annual survey by CareerBuilder, several thousand hiring and human resource managers were asked to share their most memorable or unusual interview experiences.

Among the highlights were candidates who:

  • Brought a “how to interview” book to the interview
  • Asked, “What company is this again?”
  • Put the interviewer on hold during a phone interview, came back on the line and told the interviewer that she had a date set up and had to go
  • Painted graffiti on the building when he wasn’t hired on the spot for a security position
  • Wore a Boy Scout uniform and never told the interviewer why
  • Was arrested by federal authorities during the interview
  • On the way to the interview, passed, cut off, and flipped the middle finger at the driver who happened to be the interviewer
  • Referred to himself in the third person
  • Took off his shoes during the interview
  • Asked for a sip of the interviewer’s coffee
  • Told the interviewer she wasn’t sure if the job was worth “starting the car for”

Managers were also asked to rate the biggest mistakes candidates make during an interview, and said the following are the most detrimental:

  • Answering cell phone or texting77%
  • Appearing disinterested75%
  • Dressing inappropriately72%
  • Appearing arrogant72%
  • Talking negatively about current or previous employer: 67%
  • Chewing gum63%

Video: Employers talk about top interview mistakes

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