Interview Landmine: Don’t Worry – We’re Off The Record

Here’s a fun little interview landmine I’ve seen many people step on. In the process, they’ve blown the legs off the rest of their interview and after the fact they sit there scratching their head as to why they didn’t get a job offer. Hopefully this gentle warning can save you from a similar job search fate.

I’ve mentioned some resume myths that are out there. Let’s assume you debunk those and actually land the interview. Here’s the next place you can blow your chance for a new job.

I was interviewing for a fantastic role. The meeting in the reception area went swimmingly (pro tip: always be nice to the receptionist manning the lobby. More on that later). The receptionist and I had a very pleasant conversation about how wonderful the employer’s city was and how surprised I was by everything in the downtown area.

My first interviewer arrived to bring me back for my day of meetings. The first four sessions of the day went very well. I liked the interviewers and they seemed to like me. The conversations were interesting, pleasant, and stimulating.

It was time for lunch. Another associate from the company met me in the lobby and we headed to the restaurant. After some idle chit chat, we placed our orders. Then he threw out the landmine to see if I’d step on it.

The landmine? He simply stated “So what do you think of your day so far? How have the interviews been? And don’t worry… I know it’s been a long day so far and you still have afternoon interviews. You should just relax here over lunch. This isn’t an interview. It’s a lunch. Kinda like everything we discuss is ‘off the record’ or something.”

We discussed the interviews. I asked questions about the company. I asked what the other associates were like. We had a great lunch conversation. I didn’t however believe the “off the record” comment. It just seemed “off.” Given that gut feel, I treated the conversation the same way I’d treat any interview.

Several years later, I learned my intuition was correct.

I was in a decision meeting where we were discussing the candidates we had interviewed that day. All the interviewers were in the room as was our receptionist.

As we discussed one candidate, all the associates fawned over how great a hire he’d be. At that point, our receptionist piped in. “He was really rude. He actually said ‘how about you grab me a coffee while I’m waiting for my interviewer?’ I would never want that individual to work here.” Needless to say we immediately turned the candidate down. If they thought they were better than someone on our team (regardless of her position in the organization) we didn’t want them working with us. The candidate had clearly stepped on the lobby landmine.

We then discussed a second candidate. Several of us were on the fence over hiring the individual. Their “lunch date” then chimed in.

“I had lunch with him. He seemed a decent enough guy but he started complaining about the interview process. He also didn’t like one of you morning interviewers very much. Said you really aren’t as smart as you think you are. He didn’t say who it was but he ranted on that point for a little while. I’m not sure he’s a fit here.”

He wasn’t a fit. He didn’t get an offer. His “off the record” comments went on record.

Please don’t make these mistakes. The economy and job market are tough enough without you sabotaging your own chances. Realize EVERY interaction you have with your prospective employer is on the record. Whether it’s an email, a phone call, a meal, or a simple “hello” in the lobby, you’re always making an impression. Be sure it’s a good one.

Anyone out there have some good landmine stories to share?

– Mike Figliuolo at thoughtLEADERS, LLC