Human resource managers reveal their worst interviews and why you didn’t get the job

WE’VE all missed out on jobs, but what went wrong? Human resources managers from Australia’s biggest companies reveal why you didn’t get hired.

What do you mean I need to work on my communication skills?!

MISSING out on a job is tough. But whether it’s nerves, inexperience or overconfidence, it’s often difficult to tell exactly what went wrong.

Now a survey of human resource (HR) managers from some of Australia’s biggest companies — including Woolworths, Toll Group, Telstra, Spotless, Rio Tinto, Leighton Holdings, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and News Corp Australia reveals what they’re really thinking.

The anonymous results — commissioned as part of a the Generation Success campaign — asked HR managers about what not to do when looking for work.

Here are the worst job interview crimes:

• Turning up under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Refusing to answer certain questions

• Acting arrogant or as if the world owes you something

• Being overly emotional

• Talking too much, not engaging in a two-way conversation

• Failing to prepare and research the company or industry

• Badmouthing previous bosses

• Swearing and being abusive

News_Image_File: Definitely not the best state for an interview.

One recalled a candidate clearly under the influence of alcohol or drugs, who refused to answer questions about their work history and became overly emotional during the interview.

Another said they had a prospective employee slouch in the chair before slagging off his boss and explaining why he was perfect for the role.

“He was arrogant and disregarded his own team, explaining how he was an expert in everything and had been the sole reason that his company had success in his area of the organisation.”

MORE: The 17 things you should never say to your boss

Another manager said a terrible interviewee lost track of the questions and needed to have things repeated multiple times.

“When asked to describe a difficult situation and how he dealt with it, he told the interviewer of a difficult manager he had previously and the way he dealt with it was by telling her to ‘**** off!’ which resulted in his termination.

“When asked if he thought he could have handled the situation differently the candidate responded ‘no’ and then in effect, told the interviewers the same,” the HR manager said.

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News_Module: NND Generation Success Multipromo

Woolworths HR director David Guise said too often people forget a job interview is all about the conversation.

“It’s tough to have a good conversation if only one person is talking. I remember one interview lasting an hour where I only asked three questions and the second and third ones were when I rudely interrupted the monologue,” he said.

MORE: 10 things your boss won’t tell you

Other interview crimes included failure to plan and answer the questions at hand. Being unable to think of clear examples, arrogance and being negative about previous employers also left a black mark next to candidates.

News_Image_File: Maybe I shouldn’t have said that last part...

Australian Human Resources Institute chairman Peter Wilson said the worst thing people can do is act disrespectfully or as if the world owes them a living. However the main reason people miss out on jobs is tough competition.

“I am amazed at the quality of applicants these days. So the best approach is to really think about what the job requires and to make sure you leverage yourself and your experience in the best way you can against the requirements of the role,” he said.

HR managers agreed a standout job hunter has excellent communication skills and shows signs they’re interested in the industry, with strong examples of team work and collaboration.

One manager said the best interview they ever had was with a well-dressed candidate who was honest and open to discussion.

“It was evident he had prepared for the role — hadn’t previously worked in the industry, but had taken the time to try to understand. [He] came prepared with questions to seek clarification about the role versus his perception.

“In the candidates question time, he asked for a clear understanding of the leader’s expectations for the role and the successful person. [He] had realistic monetary expectations and sought this information prior to interview.”

News_Image_File: HR managers agreed doing good research beforehand is a big bonus.

Once at the interview, expect questions about experience, technical skills and career aspirations.

Mr Wilson said the main thing to remember is that companies want someone positive and professional. The secret to an HR manager’s heart is often asking good questions at the end of the interview which show they’ve thought about the role.

“This form of initiative can impress employers and make up for any deficiencies in your work experience. HR managers look for two things — ability to do the job now, and potential for promotion later. Applicants often underestimate the second,” he said.

Other tips for the first day on the job include:

• Arrive on time

• Ask valuable questions and take note of the answers

• Dress appropriately

• Re-read the job description and come prepared

• Taking a friendly and positive approach to those around

A good CV should outline:

• Relevant experience, skills and qualifications

• Key achievements and interests

• Evidence of personal development and learning

• Stability in previous jobs

• Have a clear format and attention to detail

The survey was undertaken as part of Generation Success, a joint endeavour by News Corp Australia, Woolworths, and some of the country’s biggest employers Leighton Holdings, National Australia Bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Toll, Spotless and Telstra to focus on youth employment.