Top 10 Objections to Hiring Job Candidates

1. Negative or noncommittal attitude.

Be open, cheerful, and polite. Provide a firm handshake, good posture, and good eye contact.

2. Vague or nonexistent job goals. (i.e., "I need a job, any job" or "Any job will do.")

Have specific job goals for yourself and communicate them clearly. Tell the interviewer what you can bring to the company instead of asking what they can do for you. Remember these lines from JFK's inaugural speech: "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

Lack of specific job qualifications. Read job vacancy ads completely and apply to the jobs for which you

have the exact education, training, and certifications or licenses that are required. Some of these are required by law and cannot be excused. If you are not qualified for a specific position, have some sort of a plan ready for gaining the skills necessary, such as schooling, distance learning, or requesting on the job training (OJT).

3. Bad communication.

Use proper English grammar and good pronunciation with a clear voice and good eye contact. Maintain that good eye contact without staring harshly. Never say anything negative about a former company, boss, or coworker. Aggressive instead of assertive; a "know it all." Let the interviewer direct the conversation. However, but ask questions (with god grammar) about things that you need to know.

4. Inattentiveness during an interview (not interested in the job or the interviewer).

It is best to be enthusiastic, cooperative, and responsive to all questions. Don't answer too quickly, however, and remain calm. Ask good questions yourself.

5. Poor or inappropriate appearance.

Be well groomed and suitably dressed.

6. Application not completed correctly.

Read the application first, follow all directions exactly, and write legibly. Take a written copy of your work history and references, or your resume, to use as a guide. You will likely be required to complete an application, even though you may have been called in for an interview based on your resume and cover letter.

7. Unprepared for the interview or arrives late.

Learn about the company through Internet research, have a specific job or jobs in mind when you apply and know their duty requirements. Be prepared to answer questions about your work history, education, interests, and talents. Be prepared to ask questions about the company and the job. Be on time for your interview. Get good directions and go the day on a test run before to make sure you can find the building. Being on time respects the company's time and shows you are interested in the job. If you are going to be late, call the interviewer immediately.

8. No references. Ask your former employers for written references from supervisors and coworkers.

No explanation for employment gaps. Job hopping, quitting without notice. Be prepared to explain employment gaps. You may have been in school or may have produced your own income by providing personal service or odd jobs on your own. You may have been a freelancer.

9. No telephone number.

Have a clear plan how an employer could reach you. For instance, before going to the interview you could ask a family member or neighbor if they would be willing to help you by acting as a point of contact for the employer.

10. No transportation of your own and no alternative means of getting to work if your ride fails you.

Plan ahead about how you would commute to work if your ride no-showed or your car broke down (public transportation, car pooling) to show the employer that you accept responsibility to get yourself to work. Further, in order to receive certain job promotions, employees need to have their own reliable cars and use them for traveling out of town on business.