In today’s competitive job market, standing out from other job applicants can be a challenge.
However, one way to make a lasting impression on potential employers is by presenting oneself as a professional and polite candidate during the interview process.
Unfortunately, some job seekers tend to exhibit rude and unprofessional behavior, which can quickly turn off hiring managers and negatively impact their chances of being hired.
That’s also why recruiters and hiring managers exist.
To ensure these behaviors and red flags are noticed before the candidates get hired into the company.
Else, there will be terrible consequences if the candidates are allowed to display their rude and unprofessional behaviors in the working environment of the company.
If we can get a dollar for each red flag and rude behavior seen during our screening process, we will probably be millionaires right now.
In this article, we will explore some of the most common rude and unprofessional things job applicants do and provide tips on how to avoid making these mistakes.
From showing up late to the interview to oversharing personal information, we’ll cover it all.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to present yourself in a positive and professional manner during the job application process, increasing your chances of landing your dream job.
Before we venture further into this article, we like to share who we are and what we do.
About 9cv9
9cv9 is a business tech startup based in Singapore with a strong presence all over the world.
With over six years of startup and business experience, and being highly involved in connecting with thousands of companies and startups, the 9cv9 team has listed some important learning points in this overview of some rude attitudes and behavior displayed by candidates and job seekers.
If you are looking for a job, then we are keen to speak to you. Register and complete your profile here.
If your company needs recruitment and headhunting services, you can use 9cv9 headhunting and recruitment services to hire top talents and candidates. Find out more here, or send over an email to [email protected].
Rude And Unprofessional Things Job Applicants Do
- Showing up Late for the Interview
- Being Unprepared for the Interview
- Being Rude or Disrespectful
- Making Unrealistic Demands or Showing a Lack of Flexibility
- Oversharing Personal Information
- Being Overly Emotional After Being Rejected for a Job Application
1. Showing up Late for the Interview
When it comes to job interviews, first impressions are crucial.
33% of hiring managers claim to know whether or not they would hire a candidate within 30 seconds of meeting them
One of the most common mistakes job applicants make is showing up late for their interview.
Punctuality is not only a sign of professionalism, but it also shows respect for the interviewer’s time.
The impact of showing up late on the interviewer can be significant.
84% of interviewers regard lateness (without forewarning and explanation) as the worst interview offense possible
Hiring managers may see tardiness as a lack of responsibility and commitment, which could lead to doubts about a candidate’s reliability. 60% of employers think that a candidate arriving more than 20 minutes early is a sign of poor time-keeping.
Additionally, being late can disrupt the interviewer’s schedule, causing frustration and irritation, which may make them less inclined to consider the applicant favorably.
To avoid being late for an interview, it’s essential to plan ahead and allow for unexpected delays.
Our recommendation is to be early for the interview by 15-30 minutes. You can read a book while waiting for your interview.
– 9cv9
Some tips to consider include researching the interview location and traffic patterns in advance, leaving earlier than necessary, and factoring in extra time for unexpected circumstances such as traffic or parking issues.
It’s also a good idea to test the route beforehand, especially if it’s an unfamiliar location.
Being punctual is a crucial aspect of making a good impression during a job interview.
By demonstrating professionalism and respect for the interviewer’s time, you can increase your chances of being seen as a responsible and reliable candidate.
2. Being Unprepared for the Interview
Another common mistake that job applicants make is showing up to the interview unprepared.
Being unprepared can have a significant impact on the interviewer’s perception of the candidate’s suitability for the role.
The negative effects of being unprepared can include showing a lack of interest in the position, failing to answer questions effectively, and demonstrating a lack of knowledge about the company or the role.
All of these factors can lead to the interviewer forming a negative impression of the candidate, making it less likely that they will progress to the next stage of the hiring process.
To avoid being unprepared for an interview, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly.
This can involve researching the company and the role, practicing common interview questions, and reviewing the job description to identify key competencies required for the role.
It’s also a good idea to review your resume and be ready to discuss your qualifications and relevant experience.
Demonstrating preparedness to the interviewer can help to alleviate any concerns they may have about your suitability for the role.
Some ways to demonstrate preparedness include asking insightful questions about the company and role, giving specific examples of how your experience and skills align with the job requirements, and showing enthusiasm for the position and the company.
Being unprepared for an interview can have a negative impact on the interviewer’s perception of a candidate.
By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating preparedness during the interview, job applicants can increase their chances of being seen as a strong fit for the role.
3. Being Rude or Disrespectful
The biggest turn-off of all.
Being rude or disrespectful to the recruiter is a surefire way to ruin your chances of getting the job.
It’s basically, in recruiting speak – “a career suicide”, i.e., you not only blew your chances at getting hired, but recruiters (being well-connected), will spread your story around the hiring industry.
Do note that recruiters and hiring managers are meant to grill and push you to see how you react under duress, distress, and stress.
You need to act cool and calm in all situations.
Unfortunately, some job applicants still exhibit rude or inappropriate behavior, which can lead to an unfavorable impression.
Examples of rude behavior in a job application process can include verbal abuse to the recruiter as shown below.
Examples of rude behavior in a job interview can include interrupting the recruiter, speaking disrespectfully or condescendingly, using inappropriate language, or demonstrating a lack of interest in the role or the company.
These actions can make the recruiter feel uncomfortable or disrespected, leading to a negative impression of the candidate.
Being rude or disrespectful is a deal-breaker for many employers.
Hiring managers are looking for candidates who not only have the right skills and experience but also have the necessary interpersonal skills and professionalism to work well with others.
By displaying inappropriate behavior during an interview, a candidate shows that they may not be a good fit for the company culture or may have difficulty working collaboratively with others.
To behave professionally during an interview, it’s essential to treat the recruiter with respect and courtesy.
This involves listening carefully to their questions, answering thoughtfully, and avoiding interrupting or speaking disrespectfully.
It’s also essential to show enthusiasm for the role and the company, asking relevant questions and demonstrating an interest in learning more about the position and the organization.
Being rude or disrespectful to the recruiter can have a detrimental impact on a candidate’s chances of being hired.
By demonstrating professionalism, respect, and a positive attitude, job applicants can create a favorable impression and increase their likelihood of securing the job.
Do note also that 9cv9 strives to make our working environment safe and productive for all jobseekers and our employees.
Let us be categorically clear on this:
Rude behaviors will not be tolerated and will be reported to all authorities and other stakeholders, which include the candidate’s current company, and previous companies to notify them of such appalling attitudes.
– 9cv9 Team
9cv9 also keep a blacklist of such candidates to be prevent them from being employed at our clients and companies, hence protecting our clients and companies from harmful employees.
4. Making Unrealistic Demands or Showing a Lack of Flexibility
In a job interview, making unrealistic demands or showing a lack of flexibility can also hinder a candidate’s chances of getting the job.
Employers are looking for candidates who are willing to work collaboratively with others and who have the willingness to be flexible and adaptable when necessary.
Examples of unrealistic demands or lack of flexibility in a job interview can include demanding a specific salary or benefits package without considering the company’s budget or policies, insisting on a rigid work schedule that does not align with the company’s needs, or refusing to consider alternative solutions or compromises.
These actions can make the recruiter feel that the candidate is inflexible or unwilling to work collaboratively, which can lead to a negative impression of the candidate.
Making unrealistic demands or showing a lack of flexibility can have a negative impact on a candidate’s chances of getting the job.
Employers are looking for candidates who can work well with others and who are willing to be flexible and adaptable when necessary.
By demonstrating inflexibility or an unwillingness to compromise, a candidate may give the impression that they will be difficult to work with or may not be a good fit for the company culture.
To demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to compromise during an interview, it’s important to listen carefully to the recruiter’s questions and concerns and to show a willingness to consider alternative solutions.
This may involve being open to negotiating salary or benefits, considering alternative work schedules or arrangements, or showing a willingness to work collaboratively with others to find mutually beneficial solutions.
Making unrealistic demands or showing a lack of flexibility in a job interview can hinder a candidate’s chances of getting the job.
By demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to work collaboratively with others, job applicants can create a favorable impression and increase their likelihood of securing the job.
5. Oversharing Personal Information
During a job interview, it’s important to maintain professional boundaries and avoid oversharing personal information.
While it’s important to show your personality and build rapport with the recruiter, sharing too much personal information can make the recruiter feel uncomfortable or may not be relevant to the job at hand.
Examples of oversharing personal information can include discussing personal or family problems, disclosing personal beliefs or political views, or sharing too much information about your personal life or hobbies.
These actions can make the recruiter feel that the candidate is unprofessional or may not be able to maintain appropriate boundaries in the workplace, which can lead to a negative impression of the candidate.
Oversharing personal information can have a negative impact on a candidate’s chances of getting the job.
Employers are looking for candidates who can maintain a professional demeanor and who are able to separate their personal life from their work life.
By demonstrating an inability to maintain professional boundaries or by sharing personal information that is irrelevant to the job, a candidate may give the impression that they are not a good fit for the company culture.
To avoid oversharing personal information in a job interview, it’s important to focus on discussing relevant information that pertains to the job.
This may involve discussing your relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as showing enthusiasm for the role and the company.
It’s also important to listen carefully to the recruiter’s questions and to avoid providing more information than is necessary to answer the question.
Oversharing personal information in a job interview can hinder a candidate’s chances of getting the job.
By maintaining professional boundaries and focusing on relevant information, job applicants can create a favorable impression and increase their likelihood of securing the job.
6. Being Overly Emotional After Being Rejected for a Job Application
Hey, we all know what rejections feel like.
It feels like the worst day of your life and yes we all have been rejected at some point in time but here’s what you should not do.
You should be rude to the recruiter who rejected you for the job. There are no benefits, but only costs.
– 9cv9
For each job opening, there are on average more than around 100 or more applicants for the job.
And if the job hires 1 applicant, the other 99 (at least) applicants will no doubt feel rejected, sad, angry, and have a whole gamut of negative emotions.
Let’s analyze this from a practical view.
Assume you get all emotional and fiery and you know, utter all sorts of vulgarities at the recruiter.
What do you think will happen next? There is a reversal of fortune and you will get hired?
Of course not.
The only outcome is that the recruiter will blacklist you from all further job opportunities. Some recruiters will also share about your “nasty character” and “convulsive emotional fits” with other recruiters and hiring managers.
– 9cv9
Which, at the end of the day, means your probability of getting a job and being hired will drop.
Zero Benefit. High Cost.
Practically speaking, why would you want to do that?
Hence, it is critical to keep your emotions in check and not to reveal that to the recruiters.
Here are some real-life examples of candidates, who after being rejected for the role, have shot back angrily at us.
(To be honest, these are not for the faint-hearted and really, question our belief in humanity sometimes)
So there you go, people are naturally angry, and emotional after being rejected for a job.
(We do face that all the time as recruiters of the biggest HRtech company in Asia)
We do appreciate jobseekers who can take rejection stoically and move on.
Job openings do happen from time to time and we always like to reach back to great candidates who previously failed our screening and assessment stages.
So, all in all, if you are being rejected, never show your negative emotions and unpleasantries to recruiters.
Just be cool, calm, and professional.
Thank your recruiters nicely and move on. Who knows, you might be greeted with another job opening in a few day’s time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s crucial for job applicants to be aware of their behavior during a job application and avoid rude or unprofessional actions.
Being punctual, prepared, respectful, and flexible can all make a positive impression on the recruiter and increase the chances of securing the job.
Showing up late for the interview can make a negative first impression on the recruiter and may imply a lack of respect for their time.
On the other hand, being prepared and demonstrating knowledge of the company and the role can show that the candidate is serious about the position and willing to put in the effort.
Being rude or disrespectful to the recruiter can be a deal-breaker, as it can demonstrate a lack of professionalism and poor communication skills.
Instead, job applicants should aim to be polite, courteous, and engage in active listening.
Making unrealistic demands or showing a lack of flexibility can give the impression that the candidate is difficult to work with and may not be a good fit for the company culture.
It’s important for job applicants to be open to compromise and demonstrate a willingness to work collaboratively with their colleagues.
Lastly, oversharing personal information can make the recruiter feel uncomfortable and may not be relevant to the job at hand.
Instead, job applicants should focus on discussing relevant information that pertains to the role and avoid sharing personal details that are not relevant.
By avoiding these rude and unprofessional behaviors during a job interview, job applicants can make a positive impression on the recruiter and increase their chances of securing the job.
Remember to always be punctual, prepared, respectful, flexible, and professional in your behavior and communication during a job interview.
Note that 9cv9 keeps an internal list of blacklist candidates and we regularly share news and opinions on candidates with other recruiters and hiring managers in the industry.
We also do not tolerate rude and abusive behaviors from job applicants to our employees and will take full action against offenders.
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We, at the 9cv9 Research Team, strive to bring the latest and most meaningful data, guides, and statistics to your doorstep.
