10 Things You Shouldn’t Bring to an Interview

Andrew’s recent post (“12 Things to Bring to an Interview”), which contained very useful suggestions, made me think about the opposite - how far interviewing protocol has strayed in the last few years from the “normal” format and dynamic.

Of course there are also the wardrobe malfunctions and stupid responses. A colleague once had a candidate arrive in flip-flops and shorts. When asked about time management skills, she shared, “Wow, I’m not so good in that area – I sometimes play games for 6-10 hours a day!” Nice.

Dress code aside, in case you aren’t sure, here are some items to NOT bring with you on an interview:

1.      Your mother – Even if she is an ace at the collective bargaining table, bringing Mom along in case you have to negotiate salary is not cool.

2.      Food – Even if you offer to share with the interviewer, don’t even bring a “light snack.” Unless it’s Jarlsberg dip and I’m interviewing you.

3.      Your “accessory” pet – Don’t get me started on what a horrible disservice idiot celebrities have done to Chihuahuas and other tiny dogs. Carrying a companion animal around like a fashion accessory should have a jail sentence attached.

4.      Any mobile device that’s turned on – Really? Is there a text, email or V.M. that’s more important than your interviewer’s time?  (“The Worst Interview Blunders” illustrates this beautifully.)

5.      Personal information – Just as there are labor laws prohibiting interviewers from asking certain personal questions in an interview, there should be a law prohibiting oversharing from the interviewee. If you're truly confused about inappropriate topics, here’s a cheat sheet:

Sex, drugs and rock and roll

Invasive medical procedures

Your KKK membership

6.      Your collection of Star Wars figurines – They should NEVER leave your home.

7.      Your invisible friend – He should NEVER leave your home.

8.      Your Bud Light – That isn’t even good beer.

9.      Gum – When I last interviewed someone, I was rather astounded that he was not only chewing gum, but that it was bubble gum.

10.  Concealed weapon – Yeah, it’s cool that you got your conceal/carry license, but did you notice those stickers on the front door with a red slash through a gun?

This post was written by regular Jobacle contributor Nancy LaFever.

Comments

[Amy]

I thought I was a clever wit, hiding an inside joke in my son's resume. On his first job interview, the interviewer asked, "So are you really a Pokemon Master?" I'd forgotten to take it out and he didn't proofread. Kid aced the interview and got the job, but I've been in hot water ever since. Of course, now I don't have to do resumes, so it worked out good for me.

[Nancy]

Amy:

Thanks for contributing a comment. I'm thinking that Pokemon Master skills would serve many people well on the job. Nice move, too. Kind of like some husbands claiming they can't do laundry because they mess it up. I've adopted that stance with many things...