Comedians Tripp and Tyler Parody Best Practices
Unemployment may be low, but so, too, is the behavior of some job applicants. A new survey by Express Employment Professionals of business leaders reveals the shocking and bizarre behaviors witnessed during job interviews.
“On the way, without asking, he grabbed a donut, brought it into my office and proceeded to eat it during the interview.”
“A person wanted to show me they could do the splits and a back handspring.”
“A lady showed up wearing bunny slippers.”
Certainly, such behavior is the exception, not the rule. But there are plenty of unprofessional behaviors that interviewers witness regularly.
Express asked respondents, “Which of these behaviors have you witnessed from a job candidate during an interview?” Respondents were able to choose multiple answers.
- 85% report a job candidate “showing up late.”
- 83% report a job candidate with “inappropriate clothing.”
- ·49% report a job candidate with “inappropriate language.”
- 48% report a job candidate “eating or chewing gum.”
- 39% report a job candidate “responding to text messages.”
- 37% report a job candidate “answering a phone call.”
- 31% report a job candidate “bringing a child into the interview.”
- 31% report a job candidate “bringing a friend into the interview.”
- 26% report a job candidate “bringing a parent into the interview.”
- 24% report a job candidate being “under the influence” of drugs or alcohol.
Comedians Tripp and Tyler parody how to improve interviewing for jobs on behalf of Express, but these tips aren’t just applicable for job seekers. Shocking interview behavior is a two-way street. Express also surveyed job applicants, and they report some surprising behaviors from interviewers as well. Respondents were also able to choose multiple answers.
- 63% report an interviewer “showing up late.”
- 58% report having an interviewer with a “lack of preparation.”
- 51% report an interviewer “answering a phone call.”
- 39% report an interviewer “oversharing.”
- 30% report an interviewer “asking discriminatory questions.”
- 28% report an interviewer “wearing inappropriate clothing.”
Express experts have witnessed many of these behaviors in their careers.
Express experts offer a few basic and simple rules for job applicants to present themselves professionally during a job interview, including: showing up early, dressing appropriately, doing some research on the employer and turning off your cell phone.
Also, a simple follow-up after an interview, whether an email or a call, can help a job applicant stand out and show an employer they really want the job. Further, preparing and tailoring answers for the specific job is important.
Job seekers need to be aware that the interview starts the minute you enter the building or call the office, so treat everyone professionally and with respect.
Job applicants—and interviewers—must remember that in an interview, everything will be scrutinized. Express provides Job Genius, a free video-based program for students, to help the future workforce with everything from interviewing etiquette to soft skills for career success.
“An interview is an opportunity to show your future employer your full potential,” said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express. “If you don’t show you care about the interview or respect the time and influence of the person who will hire you, no one will believe you’ll care about doing a good job. If you answer a phone call during an interview, you might as well tell the caller you didn’t get the job—because it’s a pretty safe bet you won’t. Interviewers need to be self-aware, too. In this tight labor market, the smallest thing could turn off a qualified candidate, and that’s not something you can afford.”
The survey of 310 business leaders and decision makers was conducted in June 2019 through the Express Refresh Leadership blog. The survey of 212 job seekers was conducted in June 2019 through the Express Job Journey blog.
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The Durango Express office is located at 321 So Camino Del Rio and serves the Four Corners. Local businesses and applicants are encouraged to stop by, visit Expresspros.com or call (970) 403-8780.