Things Not To Do on A Job Interview

							Things Not To Do on A Job Interview
By Chantal Saville

With a New Year starting, some of you may be thinking about changing jobs, careers, or perhaps venturing
out into the world of employment for the first time. We thought we would share some of the tidbits that we
have encountered these last few years, in the hopes that you might take something useful away with you
before you go to your next job interview.

In my past life, when I worked in an office, I didn't realize how tough it could be to be on the other side of
the desk. Suddenly, as a business owner, I am 'management', by default. One of the things that Pierre and I
have to do is interview potential employees. In my past life, I also interviewed for many jobs. I would
always prepare for the interview by researching the company and adapting my resume to the job in
question, highlighting features that would be of interest to the potential employer. I would pick out
professional clothes and show up on time and give my undivided attention to the employer for however
long it took. When it was over, I would go home and send an email or fax to them to thank them for taking
the time to meet with me.

Pierre and I have a definite idea about how an interview should go, from the point of view of the
interviewee, but we never expected some of the things we have seen over the last three years.

• Do not leave your cell phone on.

• Worse still, do not answer it and have an entire conversation in front of the interviewer. Unless someone
you love has been run over or is otherwise in imminent danger, it's really not a good career move.

• As much as you have the freedom to dress how you want, please understand that I have the right to think
that a person covered in visible tattoos and piercings might not make a great image representation for my
company. The only thing a small business has is its name and reputation. That reputation is not improved
by low rise jeans with the bright pink thong sticking up over the top, casually drawing attention to the
butterfly tatoo in the small of one's back. Unless of course that person was applying to work in a tattoo
shop! Don't be surprised if not everyone, particularly those signing the cheques, shares your view on
appropriate work attire.

• Don't bring your entire family to the interview. It gives no confidence to the business owner that you can
find time to work at the job if you can't even show up to an interview without bringing the everyone you
know.

• Please do not chew gum during the interview.

• If you are invited to have the interview in a restaurant or other similar establishment, and you are offered
a drink, please do not proceed to order a second round, point at the interviewer and say ‘It’s on him!’. You
may think you are being hilarious. The interviewer will think that you are a fool.

We have been told some interesting versions of tales from other managers/business owners. Here’s one
that stands out:

“As GM, I was interviewing for an experienced accountant who would also be visible to the public in
certain instances. The first young man came in and I introduced myself and shook his hand greeting him
by name. Unknown to me, the first interview was late and the second interview was early so I talked to this
person for over ten minutes, asking questions before he mustered enough nerve to tell me he wasn't who I
thought he was. At seven thirty, a young man arrived promptly and on time but he had rows of earrings
down each ear, a lip ring and his hair was purple coifed in a row of spikes all about six inches high. He
wore blue jeans and a V neck sweater with no undershirt. I politely asked a few questions but informed him
he did not have the qualifications for the position. He in turn called me a bigot and accused me of being
biased because of his looks. Needless to say, neither person was hired.”
Wow. Well, here’s to hoping we all have better luck in 2007!