Real Interview Faux Pas

Real stories from real HR managers!

The nationwide survey, the results of which were released Jan. 14, was conducted online by Harris Poll from Nov. 4 to Dec. 1, 2015, and canvassed more than 2,500 hiring and HR managers. The survey asked HR and hiring managers to share the biggest mistakes job candidates have made or the most unusual things candidates have done during an interview.

• Taken a family photo off the interviewer’s desk and put it into her purse.
• Started screaming that the interview was taking too long.
• Said her main job was being a psychic/medium and tried to read the interviewer’s palm, despite the interviewer’s attempts to decline the offer.
• Said "painter of birdhouses" when asked what his/her ideal job was. (The company was hiring for a data entry clerk.)
• Sung her responses to questions.
• Put lotion on her feet during the interview.
• Replied “My wife wants me to get a job” when asked why he was applying for the position.
• Started feeling the interviewer’s chest to find a heartbeat so the two of them could “connect heart to heart.”
• Had a pet bird in his/her shirt.
• Conducted a phone interview in the bathroom—and flushed.
• Spread confetti around during the interview.
• Said she didn’t want to leave her old job, but her boyfriend wanted her to work for the company so she could get discounts on products.
• Shared a story about finding a dead body.
• Said he wouldn’t be willing to wear slacks because they didn’t feel good.