5 Things NOT to do in an Interview  

secret_lade 49F
14128 posts
1/18/2022 10:33 pm
5 Things NOT to do in an Interview


1. Don't talk about your messy divorce. If in doubt, that shit should remain a mystery!

2. When you are asked why you chose to leave your previous employment, don't ask "Which time?" Really??

3. An interview is *not* a meet-cute. It is not the time, nor the place, to ask the interviewer if she's from the area, what her hobbies are, or if she likes to snowmobile while she's asking you questions about your customer<b> service </font></b>skills. Pro Tip - She can't date you even if she wanted to!

4. Don't overstay your welcome. When the interview is over, leave!

5. Last, but not least.... At no point, during an interview, is it EVER a good time to ask your interviewer if she's single. EVER!


I learn a lot about people during the course of an interview.

For the most part, when I conduct an interview, I am kind and welcoming. I talk soft and present a smiling face while I ask open ended questions like....

Can you give me an example of how you were able to build a relationship with someone who is different from you?

For the most part, the applicants happily reply with answers like....

I don't understand the question.

Different how?

I'm married, I don't build relationships with others.


Ugh.... Diversity and inclusion, people.... Diversity and inclusion.

I don't hold it against the applicants when they don't quite know how to answer those questions, I use an interview guide that was provided to me by corporate minds in our HR department.

These people have four year degrees, or more, and spend their time in offices looking over legal and coming up with policy.

It's been a long time since they've been an Average Joe....

With Average Joe verbiage.

I had three interviews scheduled for today, and all three interviews spanned the whole gambit of my interview pet peeves.

Interview #1 was the sparse talker.

Getting answers from the sparse talker is like pulling teeth. They provide you with responses like, there's not much to tell, and provide limited detail answers that really give you no true insight to them.

"My best friend is Mexican. We have stuff in common so we are friends."

The sparse talker is my least favorite applicant. The interview is awkward and cumbersome and never leaves a good taste in your mouth.

Do I think you would be a good fit for the position?

Who the hell knows!?!

Interview #2 was the lonely single guy.

Interviews with the lonely single guy are the worst. Always having to get back on track as he's always going off on a tangent about some element of his personal life.

How, exactly, does your cheating ex-wife fit into the question about good customer<b> service </font></b>skills?

I get it.

I understand 100%.

It sucks being single.

But, this isn't happy hour on a singles cruise! You're here trying to find gainful employment! You are not here to pick up the nerdy office lady who is conducting your interview!

Interview #3 was the candidate with no hope.

You can tell from the moment of introduction they will not be hired. As you glean the information picked up from your open ended questions it only cements that decision.

"I'm working at KFC right now, I've been there since October. I was working at McDonald's before that but they fired me because my dad had a heart attack. I didn't think they could fire you if you were still in the ninety day period. Before that I was working assisted living but I had to quit because I got COVID."

That was just 2021.....

The hardest part about this candidate is they usually come to you with so much hope.

This time it will be different!!

I usually feel bad for this applicant because I don't job offer them. They are not a good fit for the company, to job offer them would be setting them up for failure. Another job to add to their list of past employment debacles....

And, on that note, I'll conclude my interview lesson for today.

Happy Tuesday!

Solmich45 69M

2/9/2022 8:29 pm

As a HR manager I nterviewed a civilian lady to become one of my office manager when I was in the military, lord and behold higher up changed the structure of military and civilian ratio...I became the office manager and she the overall manager...luckily she was an impeccable person.


lonlyforlove2 81M
32704 posts
1/21/2022 12:55 pm

    Quoting secret_lade:
    It's really, very terrible. Sometimes, I can't help but feel sorry for these people. I asked one of my applicants today how many jobs he'd had in the past 2 years. He told me 4. I asked him why he'd left each job and he proceeded to tell me a different excuse each time. Didn't bat an eye, wasn't embarrassed in the least, it was like this was a normal thing. I went on to tell him we were looking for employees who are looking for longevity in a job, we want to be able to invest in our team members and have them succeed.

    Blank stare.
And they think this list of jobs makes for a good resume...They can't understand what the real world is and when it gets time to retire, they will have nothing to show for all that job listings on the "resume"..
It reminds me of how low the "claimed " unemployment is today, with "help wanted" signs in every window. People don't to work, or they want that top job that most will never qualify for, much less get.. People have to pay their dues, unless you were born into a lot of money!!
Light flurries and 32 degs here, just a messy day in GA.

Stop by at lonlyforlove2
also see Lunch with Lonly , we get snow tomorrow
Check my blog on New Community, "A photo of my big Pecker"
also, " My Sunday afternoon with the kids'


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/20/2022 4:01 pm

    Quoting citizen4722:
    Job interviews can be daunting but you can't just sit and play dumb, be a bum or ask for your mum.
I hate doing interviews. Hate, hate, hate it.


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/20/2022 4:00 pm

    Quoting pagancountrygirl:
    I really don't like interviews. I also don't think I'd have a clue how to answer that question about " how you were able to build a relationship with someone who is different from you?" Everyone is different from me! I'm unique. Ummm...just like everyone else. lol
That's a fantastic answer! My last interview of today told me that same thing, and I was impressed. Not going to lie, I offered her a job because I liked that answer.


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/20/2022 3:57 pm

    Quoting 69ereatwetpussy:
    Guess he wasn't there for a job just a date with you.
Well, he didn't get one. Maybe he'll hit it off with the mail order husband lady.... She's going to be doing his training.


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/20/2022 3:56 pm

    Quoting lonlyforlove2:
    Young Lady. I understand completely, some of my past work left me with the job of hiring employees. The work I I needed help for was always some technical position, electrical, mechanical or Supervisory personal for Industrial maintenance. The company had their set of interview tools , test and so forth, after the person made it through these, I always had one more, I always needed people that could do the job as expected, I.E follow simple instructions. The test was a very complicated looking booklet Nicely done with 50 questions all of which were multiple choice. But in the instructions at the top of the first page, second sentence it read, "Please close this booklet, the test is finished. Do not speak! Just sit" . I had very few people that would do as the written test ask, they would just dig in to the test with the supplied answer sheet and do their thing, some would even pass it!! But when further discussion they were not the people we needed. People when they look for a job are funny, one extreme to the other.
    I am glad some others see the same as I did.. I did hire a fellow once, and within 4 days He caused so much issues , that I paid him an extra week to look for a job.
    So glad that is in my past, You young people have it in your hands now!!!
It's really, very terrible. Sometimes, I can't help but feel sorry for these people. I asked one of my applicants today how many jobs he'd had in the past 2 years. He told me 4. I asked him why he'd left each job and he proceeded to tell me a different excuse each time. Didn't bat an eye, wasn't embarrassed in the least, it was like this was a normal thing. I went on to tell him we were looking for employees who are looking for longevity in a job, we want to be able to invest in our team members and have them succeed.

Blank stare.


lonlyforlove2 81M
32704 posts
1/19/2022 7:53 pm

Young Lady. I understand completely, some of my past work left me with the job of hiring employees. The work I I needed help for was always some technical position, electrical, mechanical or Supervisory personal for Industrial maintenance. The company had their set of interview tools , test and so forth, after the person made it through these, I always had one more, I always needed people that could do the job as expected, I.E follow simple instructions. The test was a very complicated looking booklet Nicely done with 50 questions all of which were multiple choice. But in the instructions at the top of the first page, second sentence it read, "Please close this booklet, the test is finished. Do not speak! Just sit" . I had very few people that would do as the written test ask, they would just dig in to the test with the supplied answer sheet and do their thing, some would even pass it!! But when further discussion they were not the people we needed. People when they look for a job are funny, one extreme to the other.
I am glad some others see the same as I did.. I did hire a fellow once, and within 4 days He caused so much issues , that I paid him an extra week to look for a job.
So glad that is in my past, You young people have it in your hands now!!!

Stop by at lonlyforlove2
also see Lunch with Lonly , we get snow tomorrow
Check my blog on New Community, "A photo of my big Pecker"
also, " My Sunday afternoon with the kids'


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/19/2022 4:41 pm

    Quoting New2Midlo:
    Being an interviewer can suck it big time and it's even worse when hiring entry level personnel. I've only hired for one such position and it was painful. Fortunately, I had a shining star walk through the door.

    Interviewing candidates for higher level positions has it's own challenges. My most recent experience had a raft of candidates who couldn't stop saying "we". "We did this", "we accomplished that"... I'm hiring an individual contributor, so tell me what YOU accomplished and how YOU would do the job. Interviews represent one the the rare instances where blatant self-promotion is socially acceptable, so do it.
Thankfully the higher level positions fall on someone else's shoulders. I would be way too picky and judgy. I have high expectations when it comes to the leadership staff. Did she just say 'supposably'?? That'll be a HARD pass!


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/19/2022 4:32 pm

    Quoting MyBaffies:
    Why would an applicants marital status need to be discussed in an interview anyway?
It doesn't, I'm not allowed to even bring it up. You can't always control what's going to come out of an applicant's mouth.


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/19/2022 4:30 pm

    Quoting  :

Three jobs in 10 years is fantastic! I have several applicants who've had 3 jobs in the past year. I, myself, have had 3 jobs in my last 10 years. Money and health benefits are a powerful motivator.


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/19/2022 4:23 pm

    Quoting  :

Ha ha ha ha.... Truth!


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/19/2022 4:22 pm

    Quoting benard69:
    Man I am so thankful not to have to go back to the interview days...
Ugh... You are lucky!


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/19/2022 4:21 pm

    Quoting lickeyzsplit:
    Wow ! Don't envy someone in HR in todays world. Mind you some of the interviews must be just about hilarious to think back on ! I know from looking thru resumes and what is put down for work experience can be quite interesting Creative would be a better way to put it ! Hope your Wednesday is a good one !! Enjoy your day ! xoxo
It kinda sucks, to be honest. You have to watch what you say, what you do, be mindful of diversity and inclusion, all the while respecting personal life choices. Ugh!


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/19/2022 4:17 pm

    Quoting HughJardon62:
    Fortunately, (for me) I've only had to give interviews for technical jobs. There was very little emphasis on interpersonal relationships. I surely don't envy your position!

    Interview days probably make you appreciate living out in the country a whole bunch!
I hate my interview days. You never know what you're walking into..... Every person different with different levels of intellect. The know-it-all's are just as bad as the dimwits.


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/19/2022 4:13 pm

you're welcome!


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/19/2022 4:13 pm

    Quoting  :

Most of the interview questions are the same from place to place. It shouldn't be that hard. Yet, I still have people who tell me they've never had a bad customer service experience anywhere. Really??? You've NEVER had a shitty waitress? A cashier that was rude? An impatient receptionist at the doctor's office?

Now, I know that isn't true.


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/19/2022 4:08 pm

    Quoting staci_19702:
    🤣🤣
    Oh the interviews I’ve done. I’m amazed some people made it through to become an adult, by law. I dread it. Currently I’m trying to find unskilled labor to fill spots in our manufacturing facility. Whew. I dread every interview.
I hate doing interviews, myself. I've noticed that a lot of the younger generation totally assume that, because they've done an interview, they get the job. I can't even tell you how many times I've had an applicant call me and say... "Hey. I did an interview last week, I'm trying to find out when I start." Yah..... If you were going to start, you would have had a start date when you left the interview.


69ereatwetpussy 61M
6774 posts
1/19/2022 3:59 pm

Guess he wasn't there for a job just a date with you.


pagancountrygirl 66F
6466 posts
1/19/2022 3:00 pm

I really don't like interviews. I also don't think I'd have a clue how to answer that question about " how you were able to build a relationship with someone who is different from you?" Everyone is different from me! I'm unique. Ummm...just like everyone else. lol

Pagan
Hmmmm....I know I left that wand around here somewhere!


citizen4722 66M  
74582 posts
1/19/2022 12:37 pm

Job interviews can be daunting but you can't just sit and play dumb, be a bum or ask for your mum.


New2Midlo 54M
1075 posts
1/19/2022 9:54 am

Being an interviewer can suck it big time and it's even worse when hiring entry level personnel. I've only hired for one such position and it was painful. Fortunately, I had a shining star walk through the door.

Interviewing candidates for higher level positions has it's own challenges. My most recent experience had a raft of candidates who couldn't stop saying "we". "We did this", "we accomplished that"... I'm hiring an individual contributor, so tell me what YOU accomplished and how YOU would do the job. Interviews represent one the the rare instances where blatant self-promotion is socially acceptable, so do it.


MyBaffies 54M
4983 posts
1/19/2022 7:57 am

Why would an applicants marital status need to be discussed in an interview anyway?

Baffies

Link to my blog: MyBaffies


benard69 66M/66F  

1/19/2022 7:05 am

Man I am so thankful not to have to go back to the interview days...


lickeyzsplit 61M
1516 posts
1/19/2022 5:54 am

Wow ! Don't envy someone in HR in todays world. Mind you some of the interviews must be just about hilarious to think back on ! I know from looking thru resumes and what is put down for work experience can be quite interesting Creative would be a better way to put it ! Hope your Wednesday is a good one !! Enjoy your day ! xoxo


HughJardon62 61M

1/19/2022 5:38 am

Fortunately, (for me) I've only had to give interviews for technical jobs. There was very little emphasis on interpersonal relationships. I surely don't envy your position!

Interview days probably make you appreciate living out in the country a whole bunch!

I'm a standard member, so normal messaging doesn't work.
But we can chat on my blog, "We Can Talk Here"


notsure1949 74M
10657 posts
1/19/2022 4:55 am

well written, thank you


staci_19702 53T
3767 posts
1/19/2022 3:31 am

🤣🤣
Oh the interviews I’ve done. I’m amazed some people made it through to become an adult, by law. I dread it. Currently I’m trying to find unskilled labor to fill spots in our manufacturing facility. Whew. I dread every interview.

Have a great day! 💋
Staci


secret_lade 49F
9227 posts
1/18/2022 10:34 pm

1. Don't talk about your messy divorce. If in doubt, that shit should remain a mystery!

2. When you are asked why you chose to leave your previous employment, don't ask "Which time?" Really??

3. An interview is *not* a meet-cute. It is not the time, nor the place, to ask the interviewer if she's from the area, what her hobbies are, or if she likes to snowmobile while she's asking you questions about your customer service skills. Pro Tip - She can't date you even if she wanted to!

4. Don't overstay your welcome. When the interview is over, leave!

5. Last, but not least.... At no point, during an interview, is it EVER a good time to ask your interviewer if she's single. EVER!

I learn a lot about people during the course of an interview.

For the most part, when I conduct an interview, I am kind and welcoming. I talk soft and present a smiling face while I ask open ended questions like....

Can you give me an example of how you were able to build a relationship with someone who is different from you?

For the most part, the applicants happily reply with answers like....

I don't understand the question.

Different how?

I'm married, I don't build relationships with others.

Ugh.... Diversity and inclusion, people.... Diversity and inclusion.

I don't hold it against the applicants when they don't quite know how to answer those questions, I use an interview guide that was provided to me by corporate minds in our HR department.

These people have four year degrees, or more, and spend their time in offices looking over legal and coming up with policy.

It's been a long time since they've been an Average Joe....

With Average Joe verbiage.

I had three interviews scheduled for today, and all three interviews spanned the whole gambit of my interview pet peeves.

Interview #1 was the sparse talker.

Getting answers from the sparse talker is like pulling teeth. They provide you with responses like, there's not much to tell, and provide limited detail answers that really give you no true insight to them.

"My best friend is Mexican. We have stuff in common so we are friends."

The sparse talker is my least favorite applicant. The interview is awkward and cumbersome and never leaves a good taste in your mouth.

Do I think you would be a good fit for the position?

Who the hell knows!?!

Interview #2 was the lonely single guy.

Interviews with the lonely single guy are the worst. Always having to get back on track as he's always going off on a tangent about some element of his personal life.

How, exactly, does your cheating ex-wife fit into the question about good customer service skills?

I get it.

I understand 100%.

It sucks being single.

But, this isn't happy hour on a singles cruise! You're here trying to find gainful employment! You are not here to pick up the nerdy office lady who is conducting your interview!

Interview #3 was the candidate with no hope.

You can tell from the moment of introduction they will not be hired. As you glean the information picked up from your open ended questions it only cements that decision.

"I'm working at KFC right now, I've been there since October. I was working at McDonald's before that but they fired me because my dad had a heart attack. I didn't think they could fire you if you were still in the ninety day period. Before that I was working assisted living but I had to quit because I got COVID."

That was just 2021.....

The hardest part about this candidate is they usually come to you with so much hope.

This time it will be different!!

I usually feel bad for this applicant because I don't job offer them. They are not a good fit for the company, to job offer them would be setting them up for failure. Another job to add to their list of past employment debacles....

And, on that note, I'll conclude my interview lesson for today.

Happy Tuesday!


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