Think you're the only one to bungle a recruiter's question? Think again, writes David Wilson.

My Career asked a crack team of recruitment professionals to share some classic fiascos and explain how each candidate should have acted.

Take a walk through the hall of shame that these stories create.

Toxic shock

Gaffe Asked the question: "Tell me about yourself," a candidate told a recruiter:

"You have my CV in front of you – why don't you read it?" The recruiter was "horrified and shocked beyond belief", recounts career management specialist Annemarie Cross.

Moral While the information can be gleaned from a CV, Cross says, the recruiter wants to hear what you have to say. Address the question and exploit the chance to strengthen your candidacy.

Reek of failure

Gaffe Recently, two recruiters told Cross about candidates whose breath smelled of alcohol, resulting in rejection. Whether you drink to calm your nerves or have it lingering as the result of a liquid lunch, it jeopardises your credibility.

Moral "Be mindful of your personal presentation and general hygiene," Cross says. "Remember: first impressions really do count and smelling of alcohol – or cigarettes – at the onset of an interview is going to turn any employer off."

Phone fool

Gaffe During an interview, while the hirer was talking, an applicant drew his mobile phone and dialled, Cross recounts. The interviewer stopped mid-sentence and showed the applicant the door for clearly not being serious about the role.

Moral Never make a phone call in an interview. Turn off your mobile or mute it. "The interviewer should have your undivided attention," says Cross, who also heard of an applicant who asked if it was OK to eat lunch during an interview.

Exit interview

Gaffe A hapless candidate recently arrived at AAAI Group recruitment agency for an interview. The consultant he believed he was due to meet had gone out and had not mentioned any pending interviews, recounts researcher Jo Pike. AAAI unsuccessfully tried to contact the consultant. After 40 minutes, two cups of tea and a newspaper, the candidate left, Pike says. It turned out the candidate had arrived at the wrong agency.
Moral "Do your homework. Be organised. First impressions count," Pike says.

Personality disorder

Gaffe A school leaver applying for an actuarial scholarship was asked to define what actuaries do, reveals a senior human resources director in the finance industry. "Dad says they are accountants with even less personality," the teenager said, blowing the opportunity.

Moral Prepare your children constructively for their first interviews.

Worst practice

Gaffe Asked to talk about best management practice, a candidate claimed never to have worked for a good manager and admitted having issues with anyone who gives instructions.

Moral Think about how your answer might be perceived, says the senior human resources director. The candidate doubtless hoped the answer oozed initiative. In fact, it screams: "I am unmanageable."

Low profile

Gaffe A job seeker rang a hirer to reschedule an appointment owing to illness. Later that day, the hirer logged on to a social media website and saw the candidate's post about a party-induced hangover.

Moral You never know who might stumble across your online profile. Watch what you post. Do you want a hirer to see you dancing on tables?

The fatal errors

You may not have failed miserably but the director of Shortlist Consulting, Russ Jones, singles out some common no-nos:

■Check that your standard cover letter doesn't refer to the previous role you applied for.

■Do not state attention to detail as a strength when your CV is littered with layout and grammatical errors.

■Skip focusing heavily on salary.

■Avoid overanswering questions — the biggest interview blunder. Garrulousness leaves the interviewer stranded, waiting impatiently for the gabble to finish.


Have you messed up at a job interview? Tell us at mycareer.com.au/vote.