Southern California Job Market : How to Blow It

What’s most likely to create an unfavorable impression during an interview? The answers come from more than 300 businesses surveyed for the Northwestern Lindquist-Endicott Report.

1. Arrogance, cockiness.

2. Poor oral communication and presentation skills.

3. Lack of interest.

4. Lack of knowledge about the industry.

5. Early discussion or questions about salary or benefits.

6. Being unprepared for an interview and making excuses.

7. Egotism or overconfidence.

8. Lateness or not showing up for the interview.

9. Poor eye contact.

10. Being abrasive, rude or demanding.

11. Dishonesty or fabricating answers in interview or resume.

12. Poor language usage, slang or poor grammar.

13. No career direction or not knowing oneself.

14. Shallow or inappropriate questions or answers.

15. Lack of experience, education, activities or skills.

16. Lack of professional appearance.

17. Know-it-all attitude.

18. Inappropriate attire.

19. Unrealistic goals and career or job expectations.

20. Overly aggressive, hostile or manipulative behavior.