The Interview Disasters Never End

Everyone makes mistakes. Learning from the mistakes of others (as well as you own) so as not to repeat them, is a good trait to have. Knowing prior mistakes, or seeing the mistake of others, and then repeating them – well, that doesn’t say a whole lot on the positive side for someone. Hopefully some of these interview disasters can be used as a learning moment for us all.

Here is one that was reported from a NYC human resources executive:

One time, I had a candidate come in.  We sat down in a conference room that wasn't very big, probably 12x12.  I asked him initial questions and decided he would be safe to introduce to the next HR manager. I left the room briefly to make sure the next person he would be meeting with was available. When I came back, the room smelled awful, like something had died.  Apparently the candidate thought I would be gone longer and that it was a safe time to fart. The interview ended shortly after that with me gasping for air.

Remember, always turn off, or at least silence your cell phone during an interview; and never answer it during the interview. One reported hiring agent story was of a candidate who not only took a call during the interview, but instead of asking the person to let them return the call, they actually started into a long conversation. With that, the hiring agent got up, let the room, and told the receptionist to see the candidate out, letting them know they were not an ideal fit. Another candidate, who did turn off their ringer, failed to remember that they had a special sound sample for certain text messages, and relayed this story:

Well I thought I could just get away with putting it on vibrate...Then, just as one of the interviewers finished saying, “This is great! We’re finished and we’re really interested," my phone wanted to alert me that my girlfriend was texting me.  Apparently putting my phone on vibrate didn’t turn off the sound on my text message alert. Just as I started to speak my special text alert went off, “I’m Rick James, B*tch!”

Turning off the phone may be the best option for anyone – if they value the interviewer’s time and not risk the chances of such a blunder happening yourself.

Remember, proper preparation for an interview is always required. Have everything you need to have with you laid out and in order. Research the company and be prepared to answer questions about why you wish to work for them. Rehearse what you plan to say and the various ways you can answer questions that may come your way. Keep it professional in all cases, and keep in mind some of the horror stories I have presented over the past few weeks, so as to avoid repeating such mistakes.