In hopes that there are still people out there that will learn from others mistakes…
When meeting with a recruiter, some candidates may have the idea that they do not necessarily have to bring their A-game. This is a very, very big oops. In most cases, a recruiter will have a better relationship with the hiring company than you would ever be able to get on your own. If you’re not presenting yourself the way you would when interviewing with the hiring manager, chances are, you’ll never get to the hiring manager.
9:30am interview with a candidate.
This person was referred to me by a mutual contact and from what I knew, they had the perfect qualifications and experience for the job I was recruiting for. This is the perfect scenario. Through networking, we generate referrals for new opportunities. So what went wrong?
The candidate shows up on time. (The first step in a successful interview) However, the very second I laid my eyes on them I was incredibly distracted by the over-sized dress shirt that looked as if it had just been pulled out of a pile of dirty clothes on the floor. This sight subliminally sparked curiosity as to what the rest of this ensemble looked like. The pants would have been presentable if they were pressed. The shoes…there was no hope for these shoes.
Not being able to afford new clothes is one thing. If you need to wear clothes that you’ve had for the last ten years, it’s okay. As long as they are clean, not faded, and pressed. This goes for shoes as well. If you’re shoes are old, at least make sure you clean them! – Shoe polish and new laces do wonders.
This look screams lack of self preservation, self respect and over all self awareness. All qualities that are incredibly important to a recruiter when searching for the best candidates to present to their clients. After all, they are the ones giving us a paycheck.
Being qualified and having the skill set is no longer the only criteria in being “perfect” for a job. Companies are looking for the whole package.
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My latest oops came a few weeks ago, when a production welder candidate I was interviewing actually answered his cell phone during the interview, and proceeded to talk to his banker for about 5 minutes. When he was done, I escorted him to the door.
Yikes. How do people not understand that the cell phone should be turned off during an interview? This guy went as far as answering it?! Is this something I should work into interview coaching? I assumed that was common sense!