How to shoot yourself squarely in the foot during a job interview

By the time an individual meets with me for a pre-hire assessment, the candidate has been carefully screened by the company. Most are highly qualified and my job is to determine if the candidate represents a good fit with the company.

It is a truism that job candidates strive to be on their best behavior during an interview. It is therefore important to take seriously any startling behavior that suggests a questionable hiring choice. Based on my most memorable assessments, following are some of the things candidates can do to shoot themselves in the foot.

Good personal hygiene

A candidate for the presidency of a retail company came to the assessment with his breakfast in hand: a container of coffee and muffin. He apologetically asked if it would be alright to eat during the session, explaining that he got caught in traffic and did not have time to eat beforehand. After finishing his food, he reached into his shirt pocket, pulled out dental floss and proceeded to clean his teeth. To his credit, he continued to respond to questions while flossing, demonstrating an excellent ability to multitask.  

Make the most of interview

A chief marketing officer candidate made a favorable impression during the interview. After, he was given written tests to be completed in the conference room, with a break for lunch. Surprised that he did not complete the tests, I checked with the hotel’s concierge to inquire further and was told that the candidate had returned to his room with a young lady and left the inn several hours later.

The candidate sent an e-mail the next day to say that he was unable to finish in time and would put the remainder of the tests in the mail. Trying not to jump to conclusions, I briefly considered the possibility that the candidate’s behavior represented team-oriented problem-solving.

Be clever

A candidate for manager of store operations presented a sullen demeanor, until asked to identify an animal that he might like to be if not himself.

With that, his face lit up and he responded, “I definitely would be a lurkfish.â€

He explained his choice by noting that the lurkfish is patient and resourceful.

Curious, I researched it afterward and learned the following: The lurkfish is camouflaged to hide from enemies and to ambush prey. Lying in the shallows of a swamp, sometimes for days on end, the lurkfish waits for a victim to pass. It then uses its powerful tail to dart forward and snap up its prey.

On the positive side, one might infer that the candidate has disciplined eating habits.  

Make your presence felt

An imposing candidate for chief operating officer greeted me with,“Just to make things clear, I view this as intrusive and will not respond to questions that I don’t like.â€

Her take-charge and abrasive style was evident throughout the interview. She was particularly proud of her independent-mindedness, stating that it emerged during childhood, evidenced by getting A’s in all subjects and a D in conduct.

She was never at a loss for words, except when asked how she builds morale and makes colleagues “feel good.â€

Demonstrate candor

During the assessment, candidates are asked to create stories from pictures on cards. One depicts a man on a rope. Frequently, a story is told about someone climbing or descending the rope in a competition.

In one case, a gregarious sales candidate responded instantaneously as follows:“A naked gentleman is climbing down a rope, trying to escape his girlfriend’s bedroom after hearing her husband come home unexpectedly.â€

Encouraged by my accepting nod, the remainder of the interview proved to be similarly entertaining.

Try testing your diagnostic skills by matching the hiring risks below to each candidate described. One or more may apply to each.

Potential hiring risks

• Difficulty in the interpersonal arena; potential to alienate colleagues

• Poor impulse control; unable to filter remarks

• Poor social judgement

• Questionable reliability and work ethic

• Operates according to own agenda

• Questionable common sense.

I wish you all a happy holiday season.

Danella Schiffer, Ph.D., is an industrial/organizational psychologist who resides in Salisbury and works nationally, with organizations and individuals. She can be reached at danella.schiffer@att.net.

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