Ways to “Fail” an Interview

During the past 10 years we have scheduled over 4,000 interviews. The feedback we have received enabled us to compile the following list of ways applicants “Fail” on interviews.

• Poor personal appearance.
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm.
• Emphasis on money.
• Condemnation of past employers.
• Failure to look at the interviewer when conversing.
• Limp handshake.
• Late for the interview.
• Failure to express appreciation for the interviewers' time.
• Asks no questions about the position.
• Vague responses to questions.
• Over aggressive, conceited, with superiority or a "know it all" complex.
• Inability to express self clearly.
• Lack of planning for career.
• Lack of confidence and poise.
• Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavorable factors in record.
• Lack of tact.
• Lack of courtesy, ill-mannered
• Indecisive.
• No knowledge or interest in company or industry.
• Cynical attitude.
• Inability to take criticism.
• High pressure type.
• Passive and indifferent.