2008 Woodie Awards
Five Common Interview Faux Paus
Marian Cacciatore
Issue date: 2/26/07 Section: Holt News
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This week, because I did not get any questions from students for this Sandspur column, I asked several Human Resource
professionals to share with me the five most common "interview faux pas" made by recent college grads.
Although each HR professional shared unique stories, I have highlighted below the 5 most consistent themes that were discussed.
Are you are currently in the job search? Watch out for:
1. Poor first impression
Under this category we discussed inappropriate interview dress, being late for the interview and a poor handshake coupled with a lack of energy and enthusiasm.
The HR pros recommended that a candidate investigate the corporate culture/dress code before deciding how to dress for the interview. When in doubt it is important to err on the side of "caution" and all agreed that they preferred that a candidate be
"overdressed" rather than "underdressed"
for a job interview.
While it is understandable that most candidates are nervous before an interview, a friendly smile and eye contact increases
your chance for "success" in the "first impressions category".
If you lack confi dence with your handshake, practice a firm handshake with a few trusted
friends or family members. Seek honest feedback and keep practicing until your comfort level increases.
2. Lack of knowledge about the company or the position
Each recruiter had at least one humorous story about a candidate who was unprepared for the interview. In each situation, it became obvious that the candidate had not even taken the time to review the company website.
Each HR professional felt that this demonstrated a lack of initiative and interest. This behavior did not instill confi dence that the candidate would be able
to take initiative if he/she was actually
hired.
3. Talking too soon about money
A consistent warning from all of the HR reps dealt with salary negotiations. The candidate
should not be the one to bring up salary and benefi ts. Another issue that fell under this category was unrealistic salary expectations and an unwillingness to take into consideration the entire benefit
professionals to share with me the five most common "interview faux pas" made by recent college grads.
Although each HR professional shared unique stories, I have highlighted below the 5 most consistent themes that were discussed.
Are you are currently in the job search? Watch out for:
1. Poor first impression
Under this category we discussed inappropriate interview dress, being late for the interview and a poor handshake coupled with a lack of energy and enthusiasm.
The HR pros recommended that a candidate investigate the corporate culture/dress code before deciding how to dress for the interview. When in doubt it is important to err on the side of "caution" and all agreed that they preferred that a candidate be
"overdressed" rather than "underdressed"
for a job interview.
While it is understandable that most candidates are nervous before an interview, a friendly smile and eye contact increases
your chance for "success" in the "first impressions category".
If you lack confi dence with your handshake, practice a firm handshake with a few trusted
friends or family members. Seek honest feedback and keep practicing until your comfort level increases.
2. Lack of knowledge about the company or the position
Each recruiter had at least one humorous story about a candidate who was unprepared for the interview. In each situation, it became obvious that the candidate had not even taken the time to review the company website.
Each HR professional felt that this demonstrated a lack of initiative and interest. This behavior did not instill confi dence that the candidate would be able
to take initiative if he/she was actually
hired.
3. Talking too soon about money
A consistent warning from all of the HR reps dealt with salary negotiations. The candidate
should not be the one to bring up salary and benefi ts. Another issue that fell under this category was unrealistic salary expectations and an unwillingness to take into consideration the entire benefit
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