CareerBuilder Survey Results

CareerBuilder.com released the results of its annual Interview Mistakes survey of more than 3,000 hiring managers and HR professionals. Apparently it’s not as uncommon as one might think to fall asleep, bring your mom, or go to the bathroom and never come back. However, here are a few of the most unusual things candidates have done in interviews:

• Candidate answered cell phone and asked the interviewer to leave her own office because it was a “private” conversation. 
• Candidate told the interviewer he wouldn’t be able to stay with the job long because he thought he might get an inheritance if his uncle died – and his uncle wasn’t “looking too good.”
• Candidate said she could not provide a writing sample because all of her writing had been for the CIA and it was “classified.”
• When applicant was offered food before the interview, he declined saying he didn’t want to line his stomach with grease before going out drinking.
• A candidate for an accounting position said she was a “people person” not a “numbers person.”
• Candidate flushed the toilet while talking to interviewer during phone interview.

51% of hiring managers cited dressing inappropriately as the most detrimental mistake a candidate can make in an interview.  Speaking negatively about a current or previous employer came in second (49%) and appearing disinterested ranked third (48%). Other mistakes included appearing arrogant (44%), not providing specific answers (30%) and not asking good questions (29%).

Seriously, hit the mute button if you must GO during an phone interview. Hilarious - JT

Comments

[Jay Martin]

Ok, perhaps you've hit a nerve here with the statistic declaring 51% of managers cite "dressing inappropriately" as "the most detrimental mistake a candidate can make in an interview." (Jeez, I would have thought the "flushing during a phone interview" would be the worst...)

What is your opinion/suggestion/whatever on how a hard-core software developer should dress for an interview? This remains a highly polarized issue, as many interviewers in that realm seriously look down on a developer who shows up in a suit...and yet there are others who say the exact opposite.

So what should a software developer (in a non-managerial, non-customer-facing role) wear to an interview, in your humble opinion?

[Jennifer Tortorella]

Well, forgive the plug - but that's what is sooo great about working with a recruiter. Grin. I always touch base with clients regarding interview dress - "Do you need them in a suit, or is biz casual okay?" Generally speaking, business casual is acceptable, but without asking and not knowing - always opt for a suit, even if you're carrying the jacket over your arm. The assumption will, more often than not, work against you - so play it safe, unless you know. My other suggestion is to ask - when the HR person connects with you - "Would you prefer me in a suit or is Business Casual more comfortable for your culture/environment". It's a great question. Hope this helps!