The red flags employers look out for that could cost you a dream job

These are the things that interviewees are getting horribly wrong

Sarah Jones
Tuesday 06 December 2016 12:15 EST
Comments
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

According to employers, there are consistent red flags that could cost you your dream job no matter your age, industry or background.

While it might seem a given that you should turn up on time and invest in professionally on-cue ensemble, it turns out these are the things that some interviewees are getting horribly wrong.

A new Reddit thread which asks, “Employers: What are some red flags when it comes to a potential hire?” reveals a horde of serious blunders that will surely see you given the boot.

Failing to research the company, dressing too casually, being critical of current or past employers and arriving late are all likely to damage your chances according to the bosses.

One user said, “'If someone shows up late for an interview with no excuse and no effort made to let me know they were running behind I tell them I am no longer interested in interviewing them.”

While another described one candidate who was 'dressed like she just came out of a crack den' and proceeded to use her phone during the interview, complaining that it was taking far too long. Unsurprisingly, she 'raised pretty much every red flag'.

Aside from being punctual, employers also dislike it when job-seekers talk too much or bring up their personal lives.

One boss wrote, “'Ain't even all the way through the door and you can't separate this place from your personal life? No chance.'

While another added, “Acting like you're a perfect person who never has problems with anything. If I ask you how you would solve a problem and you tell me that you've never had an issue with that and never will, I'm going to think you're a bulls**t liar.”

Some job-seekers don’t even make it to the interview stage though with bosses revealing critical CV bugbears.

“I put ads on all the main job posting sites and the last line said, “Please attach your resume and cover letter as a PDF," said one user.

“I got hundreds of applications.Wanna know how many people included both a resume and cover letter as a PDF? About 20.

“It really made me wonder why the hell it took me so long to find a job after college.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in