While a college professor and later as a Dean of Academic Affairs, I heard too-many stories from students about how their career interview was going along well until… yes, that proverbial pause as the person sitting across from me lunges for an excuse. Anyway, one OOOPS can spoil the moment and potential offer. With this in mind, time to share an actual event in the hopes readers and those preparing for an interview will benefit from. On this note, being a company owner and career coach, I am privileged to experience blunders first hand…this one comes to mind:
Just before the holiday break I was holding interviews for an administrative support specialist. After placing a post for the position, I received the typical 350 responses and quickly filtered those down to a top 10-list. Definitely liked one of the applicants and felt she could be a perfect fit the job. Had a great informational interview and successful initial face-to-face interview and she was to come in for a final interview and offer a few days later…so far, so good.
She arrived in the appropriate five-minute prior to our appointment but seemed to be a bit distracted. Two of my peers escorted the applicant to discuss final terms – again, so far, so good. Five minutes later, a young gentleman (about 23 years old and, for the sake of simplicity, we will name him Mark) wearing short pants, a torn shirt, sandals, and a dangling cigarette tucked behind his ear. With distraction on his mind, he raced in the building and began yelling for “Mary.” Mark kindly used words not gentle to the ear and proceeded to yell for Mary for a good 30 more seconds. Having not the best ear, I was able to gather something about children and alcohol through the chaos, though don’t quote me on it. Mary, several offices down, popped her head out and yelled back to Mark, “not again.” Within seconds, both left the office… so far, not so good.
The next day Mary called and asked if we could simply forget what happened the day before and start all over again. She offered no explanation other than her boyfriend gets wired once in a while and goes off. Needless to say, Mary did not receive the job offer. Leading us to the here and now and what can we learn from this true experience.
Candidates beware: not only are you being evaluated, but your situation (including those bringing you to the interview) is being evaluated. If you need a ride to work, make sure the driver remains out of sight and sound. The rule of thumb is to arrive ten minutes early, enter the office wearing professional attire, behaving professionally, and ensuring all distractions are kept neatly in your back pocket. Not to worry, we’ll get down and dirty with interview etiquette as the year rolls.
Your thought: as a job candidate, how would you react to this type of situation? Do you think it’s fair for the company to disqualify a good candidate based upon one slip?
This site is dedicated to develop each reader’s career skills, making them into a more valuable candidate. One of the ways of doing this is by becoming aware of mistakes via other applicants true events. Another way is to become better educated into the career life-cycle and overall industry expectations. My goal is to provide knowledge, insight, and a medium for this journey.
For those wanting to share interview experiences for all to benefit from, be sure and send them in and we’ll do our best to present for everyone’s progression. For those with specific questions, send those as well… after all, this site is dedicated to YOU and YOUR career.
Danny Huffman, MA,CEIP, CPRW, CPCC, is an author, educator and business owner of Career Services International-Education Career Services. For more information please visit:
www.educationcs.com Student-Centered Career Blog at www.educationcs.wordpress.com
Danny writes for the West Orlando News.
This is a great example of how to take control of your job search ( and your life).
Appreciate your comment and look forward to the journey. With today’s job market, the more informed the candidate is, the greater the degree of success.
It’s nice to see some realistic perspective on the Interview / application process. I know a lot of people who’ve botched their interview by not being properly prepared. This is helpful info. Looking forward to your next post.
Her reaction was “not again” which is a major red flag however could she have done anything to overcome that OOOPS?
Thanks and it is truly a privilege to be in a position to assist job seekers. Keep checking us out as we will be delving into the complete career life cycle (and perhaps back again).
So true, those subtle words mean a great deal…and nothing cuts deeper than words.
This information is invaluable and I am looking forward to your next post
As do i!
There are people who simply need to be educated in the “do’s and don’ts of an interview. In all cases you should be mindful of what company and position you are applying for, but in some cases people are stepping out of their “old” environment into one they have not been in before. This may include some key points the interviewer is looking for in a good candidate, such as: the ability to speak adequately or intelligently in an interview, attire, and again, a requirement for some type of knowledge about the company in which you are applying for.
Being prepared for an interview is essential. I recall one time I really really wanted this position way across town. I was late for the interview. I called before I got there and informed them I was running late, but realized in observation of the interviewer’s sitting position and conversation, it was a “no” – “no way” – “no how”. (I should have listened when I told myself not to even show up, but that would not have been good either.) lol <– Oh, the conflicts we go through…
In this Huffman Report "OOOPS", I probably would have dismissed myself right there if this happened to me. It reads like this girl is trying to "go places" and is caught in unpleasant situations. If you ask me, she needs someone that has the same goals but….At least she called you back! LOL 🙂
This is a mistake anyone can make, I will be so careful when I am interviewing not to let other people possibly mess up my interview. Keep up the tips!!
The “OOOPS” report is invaluable as it gives just a glimmer of perspective to the newly hatched (graduated) job seekers. Advanced education attempts to prepare those to “do” particular jobs, but not necessairly groom them for appropriate etiquette in securing such jobs. This, coupled with the slow decline in societal manners makes Mr. Huffman’s Report (and gems like it) an asset in formulating a game plan to snare that elusive paying position, be it McDonalds or Goldman Sachs.
Great advice Danny! I too have been in situations that call for thinking before speaking. DO not offer up any personal issues and rest assured they can not ask. Keep it professional eh? Love the column and look forward to more!
Keep these articles coming! This is certainly helpful to pass along to others in learning what to do and what NOT to do, as there are so many searching for new opportunities.
WHOA! Are you serious?! haha… what a crazy scene
Brian,
Unfortunately the events are true. It was a crazy scene, to say the least.