What Were They Thinking?

In writing for this blog, I read and find many wild and interesting stories. Most of what I find tend to be stories that are applicable for those who are currently part of the job hunting experience, while others are just some of the more off-the-wall instances of things gone wrong in areas like interviews as well as on the job. I enjoy running across the crazy ones, because I think it is always good to have a good laugh every so often during these tough times of job searching. Plus, we all tend to beat ourselves up over the silly little mistakes we make during interviews – let these be examples to put into perspective how minor some of your mistakes are in comparison.  Here are some of the hard to believe stories that have been actually experienced and reported by hiring managers.

One applicant sang all of her responses to the questions. That seems reasonable for a job that requires singing, but how is that going to benefit them otherwise?

How about an applicant telling the hiring agent that if they did not hire her, she would have her grandmother put a curse on them – it is reported to have happened? Another applicant actually handcuffed himself to the hiring agent’s desk during the interview.

One story reports of the candidate sending his sister to interview in his place. Really? I can’t fathom what they were trying to accomplish with that move, can you?

One candidate had a jawbreaker in her mouth through the entire interview. Remember everyone; it is unprofessional and distracting to have gum or other things in your mouth during an interview, so avoid such things – especially a jawbreaker.

A candidate applying for a customer service job, when asked what he might not like about the work replied, “Dealing with people.” Nice one, right?

One prospect gave the hiring agent a list of reasons why he should not be hired, while another plainly stated he’d rather have had a job offer from the company’s main competitor.

Here is a good way to make an impression, tell the hiring agent that the reason you left your last job was because the manager was a jerk. Go further though, by adding, “All mangers are jerks.” That is what one candidate said.

Hopefully it is painfully obvious how these types of things are best avoided when interviewing. There are more than enough postings on the blogs here that give amazing tips for proper interview etiquette, but sometimes it is good to be reminded of some of the real blunders that others have tried or experienced, just so we can see some of the what-not-to-do scenarios. Have you made or heard of someone making a major blunder that you’d like to share? Please comment below.