Job Hunting Tips:
Recruiter Turn-Offs

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. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. Other:
   Inappropriate, impolite behaviour
   Poor quality/mistakes on resume or application
   Candidate only practicing interviewing
   Canned responses

For further information please contact Austin Park by phone at (416) 488-9565.