This question goes out especially to hiring managers or those who've worked in a hiring capacity — what's the worst mistake you've seen a candidate make in an interview?

Question

Interviews can be anxiety-inducing, so anytime I've been in the interviewer's seat, I try to approach candidates with empathy. That said, there are certain mistakes that you'd be doing a disservice to both yourself and the company to ignore. For me, the most glaring mistake I encountered was when a candidate addressed me by the wrong name at least 4 or 5 times during the interview, despite me re-stating my name in the beginning. Not only did it show the candidate wasn't listening to me during our conversation, but it revealed a sense of carelessness on their part — we'd already exchanged multiple emails at this point, and he really should've done some research on me and my role at the company besides. What's the biggest mistake you've seen a candidate make during the interview process?

Anonymous · Answer

I once had a candidate respond to a question with a saying they 'always say' that involved a bathroom bodily function.  If the fact that they were wearing too much cologne wasn't already a deal breaker that comment definitely was!  We couldn't end that interview quickly enough.

Anonymous · Answer

Not following up with a thank you and then not being responsive (timely) in their reply. dealbreakers

Dawn A · Answer

I recently had someone interviewing for an entry-level position at my company come into the interview completely stoned (red eyes, lost concentration, slurred some words, laughed out of nowhere).  Needless to say, we ended the interview early.

Another mistake I have seen far too many times is when asking what they have done at a prior job that went above and beyond.. Then the interview candidate will use that time to explain when they had a difficult customer/client but couldn't really do anything to make them happy.  You should always try and paint yourself in a positive light during interviews, not make yourself look worse.

Ceci · Answer

I've asked someone to rate themselves on a scale of 1-10 for their abilities communication skills. He gave himself a 2... This position was for a strong communications role.

Kim Moore · Answer

I had two that have stood out as what not to do's in the past week. The first was being rude to the interviewer.  And the second was reciting a list of demands as her response to my asking 'do you have any questions for me'.  She then called to follow up while she was on the clock at her other job. She literally said, 'This is Sue from x department,  following up on our previous conversation'.  I couldn't send the rejection email fast enough.

Sandra Diaz · Answer

Not asking questions regarding the challenges related ot the role, what the company values, etc. It shows me the person has not imagined themselves in the role and therefore are not truly interested in working with us.

Blake · Answer

There are so many!  I'd say sme top ones are using too much 'I' and not team or we.  Not discussign what they will bring to the company,  asking about benefits too soon in conversation makes me leary.   aving a tongue pierced so they slurr all words as they talk.

Julez · Answer

One candidate asked if we provided free food and snacks and what were they? He cared about food over the interview.

ArielCapers · Answer

I think people should still bring a printed version of their resumes. Does anyone else agree?

Olivia Oz · Answer

Not only did this person leave their cell phone on, the candidate went to check the text during the interview.

This question goes out especially to hiring managers or those who've worked in a hiring capacity — what's the worst mistake you've seen a candidate make in an interview?

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.