HR workers share 'painfully obvious' job interview habit that could see you rejected

Liam Gilliver & Liam Gilliver & Sophie Law
·3-min read
Job interviews are daunting experiences -Credit:Getty Images/iStockphoto
Job interviews are daunting experiences -Credit:Getty Images/iStockphoto


Job interviews are daunting experiences, and the pressure can often cause the nerves to kick in.

From sweaty palms to talking quickly, we've all acted a little differently while trying our best to secure a dream role. But HR have recently been sharing their top deal-breakers when it comes to evaluating job applicants.

Offering tips to boost your chances of securing that coveted position, HR employees took to Reddit to share the no-nos, which range from talking about wild weekends to bringing parents to the interview.

However, there's one specific behaviour that could lead to an immediate 'no'. According to one HR specialist, you should never resort to using AI to respond to interview questions, reports the Mirror.

While tricky to pull off face-to-face, online interviews might tempt some to input questions into platforms like ChatGPT for quick, generated responses.

The HR specialist recounted a bizarre incident on Reddit: "I did a video interview with a lady who, after a few questions, made it painfully obvious that she was just feeding the questions into ChatGPT and reading back the answers.

"Her answers were rambling essays defining a keyword in the question rather than answering it. I asked her about her proudest accomplishment and she said 'some things that people often feel a sense of accomplishment about include'."

We decided to test out what type of responses AI would provide if questioned for a customer service position at Tesco. In reply, AI responded: "I am genuinely passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, and I believe my dedication, skills, and positive attitude make me an ideal candidate for the role of a customer service assistant at Tesco.

"With previous experience in customer-facing roles, I have honed my ability to listen attentively to customers' needs, resolve issues efficiently, and ensure each interaction leaves a lasting positive impression. My communication skills, both verbal and written, allow me to effectively convey information and assist customers in navigating their shopping experience."

ChatGPT remarked: "I thrive in fast-paced environments and remain calm under pressure, enabling me to handle challenging situations with professionalism and grace. Moreover, I am committed to upholding Tesco's values of putting customers first, teamwork, and continuous improvement. I am eager to contribute my energy and enthusiasm to the Tesco team, fostering a welcoming and enjoyable shopping environment for all customers.

"With a genuine passion for customer satisfaction and a strong work ethic, I am confident in my ability to excel in this role and make a valuable contribution to Tesco's success."

So it seems that relying solely on AI during an interview might not be the best approach, as it could come across as rather robotic and impersonal.

In addition to AI-generated responses, another HR professional highlighted body odour as a significant deterrent in the hiring process. "If you stink from across the table, it's an instant 'no' from me," they declared.

Another concurred, noting that even pleasant scents can be overwhelming and off-putting. "One woman had an extremely strong rose perfume," they recalled.

"It hit like a ton of bricks when you were within five feet of her. I couldn't focus on the interview."

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