Deborah OConnor April 22, 2014

By Deborah O’Connor
April 22, 2014


Because of graduation, we have been concentrating on interviewing techniques.
While speaking with a number of HR Directors, bosses, and managers I gleaned some insight into ‘what not to do’ while interviewing. The top things interviewers can’t stand are:

• Being late for an interview.
• Not making eye contact.
• Not being clean-shaven. You definitely take a chance with facial hair.
• Body Odor.
• Having yellow teeth. There are over-the-counter products that whiten teeth and one visit to the dentist can whiten them several shades.
• Acting too chummy. The interviewer is not your best friend. Be professional.
• Arrogance.
• Bringing a drink with you, i.e. coffee. It’s just too familiar, and the chances of you spilling it are great.
• Bad breath.
• Wearing too much make-up and looking trampy.
• Not knowing anything about the company.
• Men and women who do not have neat, clean, well-groomed hair.
• Using any electronic device in any way.
• Having a sweating problem and not taking care of it. There are products and pads for this, so use them if necessary.
• Not paying attention. This is very irritating and indicates that you do not really want to be there.
• Not having a list of questions prepared.
• Not having well-groomed fingernails.
• Not being trustworthy, i.e. your resume does not match your answers.
• Lying about being a smoker. Just fess up, they’ll find out anyway.
• Jumping from job to job. It just doesn’t show stability.
• Talking too much, even if you are nervous.
• Not talking enough, even if you are nervous.
• Flirting. Enough said.
• Not answering questions thoroughly enough.
• Bringing up money in the first interview. The interviewer can do this, not you.
• Looking bored. It always says, “I’d rather be anywhere else but here”.
• Dressing inappropriately. Do not be messy, sexy, or too casual. How you dress shows respect for your interviewer and yourself.
• Wearing flashy jewelry.
• Using inappropriate language
• Not being able to back up resume facts. It makes you look dishonest.
• Badmouthing previous employers
• Lying on or enhancing your resume
• Not being prepared. This is one of the most important things on the list. Practice, practice, practice, I cannot emphasize this enough. Each time you do it, it gets better.

Good luck!