Page 52 - 101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions

Mistakes, Trends, and Resources 45

candidate is very superficial, demonstrating little depth beyond
general answers to some well coached interview questions. He will
probably end up being the “dressed for success” and “coached for
the interview” employee from hell!

19. Appears evasive when asked about possible problems with
background. Gives elusive answers to red flag questions about
poor grades, changes in major, time gaps, and excessive number of
jobs. Such answers raise questions about the interviewee’s honesty,
credibility, sense of responsibility, and overall behavior. Indicates
a possible negative behavior pattern that needs further investiga-
tion. On second thought, don’t waste time investigating such
candidates - they are usually more trouble than they are worth.

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20. Speaks negatively of previous employers and co-workers.
When asked why he left previous employers, usually responds by
bad-mouthing them. Has little good to say about others who
apparently were not as important as this candidate. Indicates a
strong sense of self-esteem but a bad attitude toward most people
he works with. This attitude probably also extends to customers!

2 1. Maintains poor eye contact. At least in North America, eye con-
tact is an indication of trustworthiness and attention. Individuals
with poor eye contact, especially those with “shifty eyes,” are often
judged as untrustworthy - they have something to hide. Having
too little or too much eye contact during the interview gives off
mixed messages about what you are saying. Worst of all, it may
male the interviewee feel uncomfortable in your presence.

22. Offers a limp or overly firm handshake. Interviewers often get
two lunds of handshakes from candidates - the wimps and the
bone-crushers. Your initial handshake may say something about
your personality. Candidates offering a cold, wet, and limp hand-
shake often come across as fishes or corpses! Bone-crushers may
appear too aggressive and well coached.

23. Shows little interest in the company. Indicates he didn’t do
much research, since he knows little about the company and didn’t
have time to check out the company’s website or even read some

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