I recently heard a story about a complete failure of a job interview. The person had strong experience and a passion for the industry, but once in the door for an interview, it all went down hill. After requesting a tour of the office during the interview, this person made attempts to speak with senior executives at the company, and then walked right in to the CEO’s office to introduce himself. Very bold and very unprofessional. I couldn’t believe someone would think that this was okay!
More often than not
It was not until I was reading this article today about “Big Blunders Job Hunters Make” did I realize how often this type of activity occurs. I was appalled at the lack of judgment that these job candidates apparently had. Stories of eating during an interview, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, sending gifts to hiring managers, and bringing their parents on interviews shocked and awed me as I read.
I was once told that everyone at the company I was interviewing for wore t-shirts and jeans, and that I should not wear my suit next time. Would I have gotten the job if I had worn shorts and a t-shirt to my second interview? Probably. Did I wear shorts and a t-shirt to a job interview? Absolutely not!
I know this is a lot of storytelling, but it’s very purposeful. Think to yourself about your past interview experiences. Does something you did seem like it would find its way in to this article? My advice to everyone is this — practice your interview from inception to acceptance/rejection with at least one other person. If you have a career mentor or career services that you can leverage for help, do it. All of these people must have thought that their behavior was acceptable.
What if one of your interview tactics is what will lose you the job?
Author:
David Trahan is currently working at leading social marketing agency Mr Youth in New York where he develops innovative marketing campaigns for some of the world’s leading brands. He has previously held positions with the Ad Council, Goldman Sachs and others, and is a graduate of the Pace University Lubin School of Business. David is now a mentor in the Alumni Mentor Program at Pace and is a member of the AD Club of NY Young Professionals Steering Committee. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.
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While interviewing a job candidate, she asked, “Does this job require a certain dress code.” I said, “Yes, professional attire is required,” She said, “Ok. I’ll have my mom take me shopping.”
And that’s just one that came to mind. lol
It’s not only what you wear or do, but what you say that can lose you the job.
I once wore a t-shirt to an interview. It was a campus interview, one of about 50 I did in my final senior year. Somehow I had it in my mind that the interview was later in the day, and I had my interview clothes in a locker. I sat down at the student union to eat breakfast, opened up my calendar… and realized I was already late.
At that point I figured I wasn’t going to get the job, but maybe I could reschedule. I showed up, and they said “Let’s interview you right now.” So I did the best I could, and chalked it up as “Practice, practice, practice.”
Hey David,
I find it amazing that people would even consider dressing casual for an interview. Thanks for reminding people that you really do only get one shot at making a first impression.
[...] You Did WHAT at Your Interview?!: David Trahan takes a look at surprising interview mistakes. [...]