Posted under Job Search on October 6th, 2007
A friend who is a Human Resources Director recently complained to me about the candidates he’s been interviewing for several jobs at his company. Here are his top 7 pet peeves.
1. Not answering the question - At the core of this complaint was that candidates weren’t listening to the actual question. This HR Director didn’t mind if people sidestep or reframe the question - at least they demonstrate that they heard and understood the question - and he noted that sometimes people actually “answer a better question than I thought to ask.” But first and foremost, he wants to know that people were listening to the question in the first place.
2. Coming late - A surprising number of people continue to arrive late for interviews.
3. Discussing salary and benefits too soon - If you bring up this subject prior to receiving an offer, it appears to the employer as if you’re only interested in what you stand to gain and not in what you can offer the company. I’ve heard some people say that they don’t want to waste the interviewer’s time or have their time wasted, but it’s a smart practice to allow the conversation to run its course and wait for the offer. Besides, sometimes there’s more wiggle room than an employer will initially reveal, particularly if he or she is favorably impressed with you.
4. Not knowing anything about the company - Failure to do your homework and researching the company - at a minimum, going to the company web site - shows a lack of interest that can derail your candidacy.
5. Not having questions for the interviewer - Again, this is interpreted as a lack of interest.
6. Not sending a thank you letter - A simple common courtesy can make all the difference.
7. Not saying you want the job - Showing enthusiasm and interest in the position increases the likelihood you’ll receive an offer.
Of course, this survey of one is hardly scientific, but it does capture many of the issues that I’ve heard from other hiring managers. For some additional employer feedback, read The Insider’s Guide to Finding a Job: Expert Advice from America’s Top Employers and Recruiters by Wendy Enelow and Shelly Goldman.
Print This Post