You Did WHAT?!?!?!?! - Career Search Killers

Answering Machine Etiquette

While contacting students on behalf of an employer to set up interviews I came across one student who's answering machine message was his impression of a mad cow. It was very rude and obnoxious. I almost hung up. If the employer had been calling directly I'm sure this student's candidacy would have ended right there. Instead I asked him to call me back and while arranging the interview we discussed a more appropriate message.

Computer Skills?

In an interview, a student was making claims about having a certain computer background, but the employers interviewing him were sceptical. When questioned about it, the student seemed surprised by our concern. He said that he had spoken to his brother, who worked for a large computer company, and had every confidence that his brother could and would provide whatever knowledge he needed!

Seeing Double

I was perplexed when I read a truly well written application and yet the student in front of me didn't express himself quite as well as the written document would suggest. I remembered having seen the student in my workshop the week prior and he was quite well spoken at that time. Upon some gentle questioning on my part, he admitted that he had "borrowed" his identical twin brother's information to present as his own since they were in the same program.

A rip-roarin' interview

I was presenting my interview preparation workshop and was talking about the necessity of proper dress and grooming, including wearing something comfortable that wouldn't distract from interview performance when a student volunteered the following story.

He'd attended a wedding in the fall and had bought a new suit that he also planned to wear to job interviews throughout the year as he was a final year student. Some months had gone by since the wedding when he had his first interview. He put the suit on and realized it was a bit snug – he'd put on some weight.

Everything was going well in the rather casual interview until he decided to cross his legs, resting his right ankle on his left knee. A very audible rip was heard and his pants were split along the seam from his knee to his groin.

Beware of stereotypes

A student reported to her interview and was called in by the interviewer upon which she responded "Oh, I'm waiting for Mrs. Takahashi". The lady replied that she was Mrs. Takahashi. Instead of stopping right there the student continued "Oh, I was expecting a Japanese lady". Mrs. Takahashi was kind enough to explain that Takahashi was her married name, and proceeded with the interview process.