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Hiring Manager Turn Offs

Tone, Demeanor and Appearance


1) Being too informal or acting too familiar/casual during the interview. Match the interviewers
demeanor. Keep it friendly but professional.
2) Inappropriate attire, makeup or perfume. If you cant get it right for the interview, well then the
hiring manager knows you wont get it right when you have the job.
3) Chewing gum or sucking on candy. Too informal.
4) Being on phone while waiting in the waiting area. Especially awkward if they have to interrupt
you to tell you your interview is about to begin.
5) Not turning off your cellphone during the interview. Even if it vibrates, its distracting and
communicates that this job isnt the most important thing on your list today.
6) Coming in with a cup of coffee in your hand. Water is utilitarian and is seen as being
prepared, like bringing paper and pens, but coffee says informal and casual.
7) Appearing arrogant- confidence is different than cocky. Bragging about past
accomplishments is not the same as highlighting them and relating them to how you can use
your talents and strengths to help your future employer. The only exception to this rule might
be in the world of sales. Still confidence is always preferred to cocky. Cocky says, Im above
it all and am probably difficult to work with.
8) Being insecure and showing low self-esteem. People want to know you are confident and
can do the job. They dont want to think they are going to have to lift you up and give you a
pep talk. You need to convey confidence.
9) Low energy or little passion. This is difficult for some people, but you must find an authentic
way to show enthusiasm for the position and that you are an upbeat person. Even if you are
an introvert, there are ways to do this that convey warmth and enthusiasm without being
inauthentic or hyperactive.
10) Overselling yourself. Dont look desperate. You want to leave the interview with the
employer thinking-- I hope we can get him/her.
Preparation
11)Not doing your research on the company. If they ask about your interest in the organization
and you dont have an intelligent answer, youre going to appear arrogant and wasting their
time.
12) Not asking thoughtful questions at the end of the interview that clearly show you did your
research on the company and are interested in this position.
13)Giving the wrong answer. Yes, there are wrong answers to interview questions. You need to
know how to answer the basics and then have some examples from your past to back it up.

All Rights Reserved by Pam Farone and Careerfulness.

www.careerfulness.com

14) Coming ill-prepared- no pencil and paper or resumes. Again, if you cant get this prepared
for the interview, how are you going to show up for the job?
15)Not knowing your strengths. You need to be able to speak comfortably about your strengths
and talents and how they can serve the position you are applying for.
16)Arriving late. Almost inexcusable. Dont plan to arrive on time, plan to arrive 30 minutes early
and show up 5-10 minutes early.
17) Not being prepared for the types of questions youll be asked. Not only will this not look
good to the hiring team, but it will damage your confidence.
18)Giving canned responses to difficult questions. For example, What is your worst quality?
and you say Im a perfectionist. Look to say something honest but also point out the
strengths you have as part of your response and how youve grown.
19)Only talking about one project in your experiences. Even if one project has dominated your
career, you need to show breadth of experience.
Communication
20)Interrupting. A huge turn off. If you do, pardon yourself and move on.
21)Not answering the question asked. It shows you arent listening. Its totally appropriate to ask
to have the question repeated.
22) Poor communication skills: not speaking in complete sentences, not listening, being
inaudible, etc. Using like and you know excessively.
23) Not having the right level of detail in your responses. You want to avoid being either too long
winded or too brief. Answers should run a couple minutes to provide detail but be respectful
of peoples time.
24)Not paying attention to your nonverbal communication. Do you slouch? Fold your arms
across your chest? Not make eye contact? Putting your hand over your mouth? These are all
nonverbal cues that dont read well in an interview. You want your body language to be open
and receptive and always professional.
25)Not checking in with the interviewer to see if you are on track did I answer the question?
am I providing enough detail? This is such a great thing to do. It shows you look for
feedback and are sensitive to providing the information they need.
26) Using inappropriate language including profanity, slang or references to race, religion,
politics. You get it.
Manners and Protocols
27) Treating the assistant like she is not part of the process. The person scheduling your
interview or showing you to your room is also part of the team. You need to treat them as
such.

All Rights Reserved by Pam Farone and Careerfulness.

www.careerfulness.com

28) Being negative at all!!! Saying ANYTHING negative about your past employer, boss,
coworkers broadcasts a lack of maturity and ability to handle difficult situations appropriately.
29) Not following up after an interview and giving thanks. An email follow-up the day after
followed by a hand written thank you letter to arrive 2-3 days after is recommended.
Providing one to each person in the interview, including the receptionist is very thoughtful.
You will need to obtain contact information at the end of the interview.
30) Not paying attention during the interview. Getting distracted, not listening.

Blunders
31) Being more interested in another line of work or another position. Ive seen this time and
time again. Especially when asked, why do you want this position? and the person goes on
to say they are really interested in another position or they just want to get their foot in the
door. You need to believe that this is the position you want right now.
32) Asking questions before its time. This comes off like your needs are more important than
that of the employer. Be patient and wait until they ask if you have any questions. If they dont
and its clearly the end of the interview, you may ask if you could ask some questions. But not
before then.
33) Doing anything that says Im high maintenance. Making demands such as you need to
work from home (or would like to)- anything that points to a belief that you need to have
special treatment. This is different from discussing travel and other requirements that are
stated in the job description.
34) Being the first one to bring up salary, benefits, etc.. An interview is there for one purpose
only-- for you to impress. Salary negotiations will come later.
35) Talking about other jobs you are applying for. You should show your interest at the end of
the interview for this position and ask if there is any other information you can offer to help
them in their decision.
36) Being confrontational or argumentative in the interview. This is the time to put all of your
opinions on outside matters aside. Be flexible and open. Theres no place for defensiveness
in an interview.

All Rights Reserved by Pam Farone and Careerfulness.

www.careerfulness.com

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