Recruiter "Turn-Off's"
Source:
Northwestern University Lindquist-Endicott Report, 1990
Content
issues, such as a lack of knowledge about the company, comprise the largest
turn-off (32%). Other themes include attitude (29%), behaviour (16%),
and appearance (5%).
1.
Arrogance/cockiness
2. Poor oral communication/presentation skills
3. Lack of interest
4. Lack of company/industry knowledge
5. Early questions about salary/benefits
6. Unprepared for interviews
7. Egotism/over-confidence
8. Tardiness for interview
9. Poor eye-contact
10. Abrasive/rude/demanding
11. Dishonest/fabricated answers
12. Poor language/slang/poor grammar
13. No career direction/not knowing self
14. Shallow questions/answers
15. Lack of experience/education/skills/activities
16. Lack of professional appearance
17. Know it all attitude
18. Inappropriate attire
19. Unrealistic goals/career objectives
20. Overly aggressive/hostile/manipulative behaviour
21.
Lack of enthusiasm
22. Poor grooming/hygiene
23. Does not communicate qualifications effectively/ no elaboration
or examples
24. Deficient social skills/ lack of personal skills
25. Lack of professionalism/poise
26. Evasive/vague responses to questions
27. Not listening
28. Loud/talks too much/rambles
29. Unprofessional/poor attitude
30. Extremely shy
31.
Lack of questions at end of interview
32. Racist/prejudiced/sexist remarks
33. No initiative/unassertive/passive
34. Lack of intelligence/poor academic record
35. Unwillingness to relocate
36. Lack of self-confidence/defeatist
37. Condescending/patronizing
38. Uncommunicative/ non-responsive
39. Interested only in what company can do for them
40. Aversive body language/posture/expressions
41.
Lack of energy/tiredness
42. Want interviewer to inform about company
43. Lack of knowledge about company
44. Lack of interest
45. Distracted/not paying attention
46. Immature behaviour/"cutesy"
47. Weak team and leadership evidence
48. Negative comments regarding supervisors
49. Overstating qualifications
50. Extreme nervousness
Other:
Inappropriate, impolite behaviour
Poor quality/mistakes on resume or application
Candidate only practicing interviewing
Canned responses
