Readers Respond: Worst Interview Mistakes

Also, read about the top interview mistakes shared by About.com site visitors and add your top interview mistakes to the list. Add an Interview Mistake

The lady Hacker

I walked in for an interview, genuinely relaxed atmosphere, interviewer was really nice and he obviously had a lot of passion for what he did. It was a small company and he was the CEO or something. Anyway, we got to talking, and we got along really well, and I was genuinely interested in the company. At some point it was more of a tech discussion and he showed me new technologies they were working on, and we talked about it. It was amazing. Then I had to explain my university dissertation. It involved me hacking into a company's network. He was impressed but I think I scared him off. Bottom line -- small company, not a strong security team: too much to lose. He probably thought i would go all joker (batman) on the company's ass. LOL.

—Guest Jay

Glad We Didn't Hire Him!

We were just interviewing for a position at work. After reviewing some resumes we picked a few people to interview. For the people that we felt were not qualified we sent a nice email stating we appreciate their interest but they were not chosen to interview. About an hour later I got this response, in 72 font, "I think you must have your head up your butt hole." Umm, if we were even going to reconsider and interview more people, he would not be one of them. Plus, we are a religious organization.

—Guest KB

No Wonder You Did Not Get the Job

I do not understand why an applicant would wear casual clothing to a professional site for an interview. I do not understand why an applicant would "load up" on food and water before an interview.

—Guest WTF

Never Use Profanity in an Interview...

When I was younger, I accidentally dropped the F bomb during an interview. Surprisingly, I got the job anyway! Years later, while having drinks with the same 2 people whom I interviewed with, they both said, if he has the balls to say that in an interview, he is REAL - to this day they say that. In hindsight, and after years of maturing, I realize I was lucky - plus it was a construction company. I would never repeat that ever again, nor would I encourage anyone else to do the same. Again, I was just lucky to be interviewed by 2 very down to earth and funny people. Here are a few things I have learned in these most recent years. Always show up at least, but no more than, 10 minutes before the scheduled appointment. Showing up too early makes you look too eager, and when salespeople show up unannounced, it's the same annoying feeling - managers and HR people have schedules too - an arriving late is NEVER an option either. Do whatever it takes to be on TIME! And smile naturally!!

—mikeinchgo

Same Word 3 Times

After taking a 3 hour test on a very old, poor quality monitor that hurt my eyes, they pulled everybody in for a very short interview. The lady asked for three words that my friends would use to describe me. I started out by saying conscientious, meticulous, and then finished by saying detail-oriented. As soon as I finished saying detail-oriented, I wanted to punch myself, but my mind was blank so I just said that I didn't mean to say detail-oriented again and then added analytical. I hate interviews. Such an unnatural environment. And after having so many and feeling that even if you do great in them that it doesn't necessarily get you the job, I can't help but go into them with a bad attitude. It's like taking a test and making an A every time and the teacher still stamping fail on it. At some point, you start to project those feelings on the interview and interviewer... I got the job, but only because they literally hired everybody that passed the test.

—Guest Done

Lost.

They said to me that they could picture me working in their company and within five months I'd pick up a lot. Iwas so comfident and positive I walked out so happy..I said "I hope to hear from you ssoon"..she said "we will definitely call u and dont worry. .u have nothing to worry about". They even told me my hours. And I didn't get the job. I'm feeling so low but I still got faith that one day someone will like me. :(

—Guest StillagGotFaith

Sealed the Envelope

I had a panel interview where I was asked to fill out a background check form and put it inside an envelope that I had self-addressed. If I was selected, the background check would be sent in. If I wasn't, it would be mailed back to the address I wrote on the envelope. Well, I placed the paperwork in the envelope and sealed it---by licking the envelope. I can't believe I actually did that! I think it's gross, and it probably sealed my chances of getting the job. Oops! Always follow directions.

—Guest Kate

Phone rang off

It was in my teen years. I must have been in grade 12 and I was having an interview but forgot to turn my phone off. Boo

—Guest kim

Did I Do it Wrong??

My first interview was a couple days ago... sadly I've never been taught what your interviewer will ask for. When I filled out my application for Mcdonalds online I wasnt asked for references.. It will be my first job so other than my teachers I don't have any. When she asked me for them I was so nervous and unprepared for that question. I'm pretty sure only one out of the three refrences have the correct contact info. I was just so nevous. will this make her not hire me? Should I call and confess my mistake?

—Guest Tatyana

Bad mouthing Past Employers

When asked about my last job, I described my supervisor being annoying and strict.

—Guest Me

Just Too many...

1) My first face-to-face interview ever, I was asked what I would do if I get something urgent 20min before the end of the day. I used to work in a place where NO overtime was tolerated without approval since all overtime needed to be paid. I answered 'Well, I would try to do the most I could in the time set'...where they expected me to say i would do overtime. 2) I said during an interview that I'm always ready to learn whatever I need to learn and that I learned fast. At the end of the interview, one interviewer said: 'Does it mean you just want the experience to leave?' At least the other 2 interviewers reacted badly to this question too. But in the end I got the 'after deliberating, though you were one of the best candidates, we decided on someone else'... I already knew 1 interviewer didn't like me... thanks... 3) I drove 5h to an interview to be asked in 5 different ways why I would like that job since it's so far... God! Doesn't driving 5h proves I'm THAT interested?

—Guest Way to go

Fumbled

I recently went to an interview and was asked to walk the group through my resume. I just talked about my recent job. Did that cost me the job, I wonder?

—Kinjoma

Amazingly Rude Interviewer

I just had an interview with three people yesterday. I had already had a brief interview over the phone with one of them and he seemed very nice. The COO was there and made comments the entire time that I had no idea how to respond to. "I like to give my people a lot of leeway, a lot of rope. You'll either know what to do with it, or you'll hang yourself." "You screw up here, you won't last." (On asking my definition of a term): my definition is profit. Revenue. That's okay though. If I hire you my definition will become your definition." And at the end of the interview: "This may be the last time I see you. What do you want to leave me with?" After each comment he laughed for a few seconds and then became very serious again. I was so flabbergasted that when he asked if I still wanted the job after the interview was finished, I nearly said "no thanks". I think this is the first interview I've ever had where Ill probably tell them no if they call back.

—Guest silverwolf

Got Too Comfortable... oops

I went to interview at a hospital for a Administrative Asst position. I have been out from work for one year due to a lay off. However, when I was in my interview I felt a very positive connection, and by mistake I called her hun, oops! She said don't call me that. How embarrassing..however, interview went so well that she took me to the director's office and they were impressed with me. By the way, the interview lasted over and an hour, then the doctor called me to tell me that I am brilliant and they can use someone like me with humor!:-):-) Oh yeah, the one who I called hun was a Manager..and I apologized..

—Guest New Yorker Female

Losing Faith in Employers

I have lost faith in employers who say they will let you know either way and never call or email. I have lost faith in employers who value experience over education and don't give new grads an opportunity. I have lost faith in employers who say one thing and change their mind or have not followed through. Makes me wonder if they are telling the truth. I have lost faith in employers who ingenuinely comment "Good luck with their job search." I have lost faith in employers who expect perfection but don't even proofread their job advertisements. I have lost faith in employers who would rather hire someone already with a job then one without, labelling the others as lazy or unemployable. However, I don't go in with this attitude at each interview. I try to be positive as possible, because it is tough out there.

—Guest Angry Annoyed