Your Step-By-Step Guide on How to Get Kicked Out of an Interview Room

After 13 years in the employment services sector, we have seen it all (or at least, that's what we always think) - from school leavers who will only accept managerial posts to managers that expect a hefty salary whilst cultivating some other interest. If you need him, call him on his mobile type.

However, most people we met were genuine, honest and ready to work hard. Their only fault is that no one has bothered to show them how to deal with interview situations.

This is the first in a series of 3 articles, where you will find tips and tricks on what to do during an interview - If you don't want the job, that is!

1. Poor personal appearance

With the summer right behind the corner, use the trip to the interview as a jogging session. The interviewer will really appreciate your healthy life-style.

2. Lack of interest and enthusiasm

Passive and indifferent. You're a rock! Nothing moves you, nothing bothers you.

3. Over emphasis on money

Interested only in best dollar offer. For me, the only thing more important than "How much are you gonna pay me?", is "How soon are you gonna do it?".

4. Condemnation of past employers?

Trash your past employers. Tell all those embarrassing jokes about them. Make your interviewer wonder, "If they were such idiots to begin with, what does it say about the fact that they hired YOU?".

5. Failure to look at the interviewer when conversing

During conversation, twirl your thumbs, look at them and count how many circles you can make before you hear the almighty phrase, "We'll let you know!".

6. Limp, fishy handshake

Many people (including me!) will judge you by your handshake. Use it, and use it properly.

7. Unwillingness to go where sent

Don't loose the chance of getting a job because of a 5-minute bus ride. Your small effort will pay off.

8. Late to interview

Be late, at least 20 mins, and don't even dare inform your interviewer. After all, it's trendy to be fashionably late.

9. Failure to express appreciation for interviewer's time

Who cares if the interviewer took 30min from his/her time, so they can meet me. These managers have nothing better to do anyways.

10. Ask no questions about the job

Who cares about a future career, duties, office environment and what is expected of me. I come in at 8:00am, finish at 05:00pm and try to fill the space in between with whatever comes along.

11. Indefinite response to questions

Answer all questions posed to you vaguely.

12. Overbearing, over aggressive, conceited with superiority or "know it all complex"

Ohmigosh!!! We sure don't want to pass as normal human beings, that have faults and are willing and able to learn new things.

13. Inability to express self clearly: Poor voice dictation, grammar

The interviewer is out there to get you. He wants you to be nervous, have sweaty hands and no clue of what you're talking about.

14. Lack of planning for career: no purpose or goals

Make sure you don't show your interviewer that you have any future plans. After all, the only reason you want this job is to fill-in the day with something.

15. Lack of confidence and poise: nervous, ill at ease

Don't you dare try to feel comfortable and confident during an interview. Your future employer does not want that, he wants someone with a low self esteem and who can't fit in.

16. Unwilling to start at the bottom - expects too much too soon

Make sure he/she understands you could take their job anytime. As long as you get a better company car!

17. Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavourable factors in record

Be careful not to let those skeletons out of the closet. After all, you're the only one who ever took a wrong turn somewhere along their career.

18. Lack of tact

Don't even bother to try to be intuitive on what is fitting in that particular situation, or with a particular person. After all, what's the worst that can happen if your interviewer gets offended.

19. Lack of courtesy: ill mannered

Pass on one of your surefire pick-up lines to the secretary on your way in to the interview room.

20. Lack of maturity

If I could only remember what job I applied for??!!

21. Lack of vitality

What's up with all these questions, so early in the morning?!!

22. Sloppy application

We've had people come in for interviews, and when filling out the application form they would leave all the contact details out!!

23. Merely shopping around

Oh no, I don't really WANT the job. I'm just researching the market to see what's available!

24. Wants job for short time

I would really love to work for your company. Just for a short while though, till I find something that I enjoy doing.

25. No interest in company

Turnover??!! What's that? What does it have to do with me anyways?

26. Intolerant: Strong prejudices

I was brought up a Catholic, meaning - I don't share the same office with non-Catholics or non-Caucasians.

27. High pressure type

An interview is a two-way conversation not an interrogation.

28. Inability to take criticism

What does this guy know, telling me I should not wear torn jeans for an interview??!!

29. Lazy

Why is the lunch break so short? Do I really have to come on time in the morning? Can't I leave a bit early in the evening, say 4 times a week? Can't your find me a job that starts at 10am and I'm home by 2pm??!!

Article prepared by Commercial Services Bureau (CSB) Ltd.

Since 1987, CSB Ltd. has been servicing the local and international business community with its range of employment/recruitment related services. It has helped thousands of employees improve their job conditions and careers, and employers obtain the ideal staff for their organisations.