Interviewers have to deal with people from all walks of life, all of whom are trying to get the job. This leads to a lot of crazy stories. A nationwide poll conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder interviewed more than 2,500 hiring and human resource managers about their interviewing experiences. The answers were very enlightening, and some were very funny too.
The respondents were asked to share the biggest mistakes or most unusual activities they saw interviewees do. Among the responses, one candidate said that her main job was a psychic and tried to read the interviewer’s palm despite protests. Another candidate sang her responses to questions. And another one tried to feel the interviewer’s chest to find a heartbeat so they could “connect heart to heart.” It’s pretty obvious to say that none of these people got the job.
But the survey wasn’t all about gossipy stories. They also measured how long it takes for interviewers to reach a decision on average. About half of employers know whether a candidate is a good fit within the first five minutes. We’re all told to smile during interviews, and that’s important, but making eye contact is even more important. And bad news for the Millennials, but answering a cell call or text during the interview is just under being caught lying as a way to ruin an interview, and so is appearing arrogant or entitled.
Read the whole story on CareerBuilder for more statistics and more funny stories.
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