If, as Reader's Digest used to say, laughter is the best medicine, then consider reading the following "worst interview mistakes" as a benefit to your holiday health. Examples cited by human resource folks who responded to an OfficeTeam survey.
1. A guy didn't know what job he was applying for.
2. A candidate fell asleep.
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3. The person was checking his cell phone and chewing gum during the interview.
4. The candidate called the interviewer by the wrong name.
5. One job seeker had lettuce in his teeth when he arrived.
6. A candidate claimed he was late because he got lost, but the receptionist said she saw him hanging out at the coffee shop.
7. One job applicant was caught lying on her resume during the meeting.
8. An interviewee was so nervous she almost fainted.
9. The applicant did a song and dance routine in hopes of getting the job.
10. A candidate brought his pet dog.
11. An applicant showed up in sweatpants.
12. The person was wearing mismatched shoes.
13. One candidate didn't realize his zipper was down.
14. When a woman was asked to tell the interviewer a little about herself, she didn't have anything to say.
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Dan Cook
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.
