Survey Shows Ways Not to Create a First Impression in the Job Interview

The employment interview is a critical step in the job search process, but it's not always smooth sailing. OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service for administrative professionals, recently asked its managers to describe the most unusual occurrences in interviews they had ever heard of from clients and colleagues. The findings reveal just how important first impressions can be for job seekers.

Managers were asked: "What is the most unusual thing you have ever heard of happening in a job interview?" Here are some of their responses:

• "When asked about her motivation for working, the candidate said it was to feed her six dozen animals at home."
• "The applicant's reference sheet listed a person with the title 'Dad.' When the interviewer asked if this was his dad, he said, 'No, but he is a dad.'"
• "When asked how he liked working with customers in his past position, the interviewee replied, 'I don't like it when people hassle me.'"
• "When asked about her proficiency with software programs, the candidate pulled out a photo of herself standing next to a computer and said, 'This shows my familiarity with today's office equipment.'"
• "When discussing why the candidate had been fired from several jobs, he said his previous employers had conspired to place a curse on him, and he was conducting his own secret investigation."
• "The candidate asked if his rabbit could come to work with him, noting the rabbit was focused and reliable, but that he himself had been fired before."
• "The interviewee abruptly halted a discussion about her previous work experience, telling the interviewer, 'There's no need to discuss this further ... I've had these skills since before you were born.'"
• "Responding to a question about his ideal job, a candidate said, 'To lie in bed all day, eat chocolate and get paid.'"
• "When asked about formal education, the candidate replied, 'I don't need any. I'm certified by the school of real life.'"

"To make the best impression and increase your chances of getting hired, think carefully before you respond to each question, keeping the company's needs and interests in mind along with how your skills match them," said Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Even though the job market is candidate-friendly, employers still expect applicants to show high levels of initiative and interest throughout the interview process."

In other examples, the candidates' actions spoke far louder than words:

• "When the hiring manager walked into the lobby to greet the candidate, she was 'feeding' her virtual pets and asked him to wait just a minute."
• "The candidate walked into the hiring manager's office with a brown bag and proceeded to eat lunch during the interview, saying she was 'multitasking' during a long day of interviews."
• "A candidate's cuff link fell off as he reached out to shake the interviewer's hand. Instead of picking it up, he kicked the cuff link under the desk thinking the hiring manager would not notice."
• "A beeping noise was coming from the candidate's briefcase. He opened it, switched off an egg timer, and said he could answer one more question without being late to his next interview."

Preparing thoroughly for the interview in advance can help make a positive impression. Domeyer offers these suggestions to increase your likelihood of getting hired long before you meet face to face with a potential employer:

• Anticipate - Read the job description carefully and create a list of questions that the interviewer will likely ask about how your skills and experience match the position.
• Research - Review the company's internal publications, including annual reports, newsletters and other collateral, as well as media coverage and Web site content to learn more about its operations and industry position.
• Practice - Role-play your interview with a friend or family member who can act as the interviewer. Pay close attention not just to what you say, but also how you say it. Voice inflection, eye contact and friendliness demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job and "fit" with the corporate culture.
• Prepare - Be ready for the interviewer to say, "Is there anything else I can tell you about the job?" This is not the time to ask how many vacation days you'll get in the first year or if you'll get a window office. Instead, ask questions based on your research of the firm. This will demonstrate that your interest in the company is genuine.

-- Reprinted with the permission of OfficeTeam, which has over 200 locations worldwide and offers online job search services.