Over 100 employers were surveyed for an answer to this question: "Aft
er you interviewed a job applicant, 
why did you not hire him or her?"  Here is a summary of employers’ answers in order of importance:
1.  First impression was not good.  For example: Sloppy appearance.  Not dre
ssed for job.  Hair looked 
dirty.  Slouched in chair.  Smelled of smoke.
2.  Applicant read text messages while I was talking about the job.
3.  Came to job interview with friends tagging along - or - Came to intervie
w with mom, dad, or children.
4.  Did not have a good reason why the job was needed.  Job applicant said t
hat mom wanted him or her to 
work to make some money.  That means that any job would do, and our store was not special!
5.  Did not know about our store and our products when asked.  Clueless abou
t our company!
6.  Appeared to have bad attitude.  Did not smile.  Said negative things abo
ut coworkers at last job.
7.  Did not speak clearly.  Did not use correct English.  Chewed gum while talking so speech was 
slurred.
8.  Did not seem to want a job.  Late for the interview.  Carried water bottle into interview.
9.  Did not show persistence.  Did not return to check back in two weeks lik
e told to do.
10.  Fired from last job.  Applicant did not explain how he or she changed so it will not happen ag
ain.
11.  Did not show confidence.  Weak handshake.  No eye contact.  Did not seem to enjoy talking to me.
12.  Did not take the drug test at the appointed time.
13.  Did not have good answers to interview questions.  Sometimes said, "I do
n't know." 
14.  Could not explain his or her skills and strengths.
15.  Did not have paid or volunteer work experience.  
QUICK CHECK:
1. a) What was the first reason given by employers for not hiring a job applicant?  b) In your opinion, is 
this a good reason not to hire somebody?  c) Give a reason for your ans
wer.
2.  a) What was second reason given by employers?  b) Why do you think texting offends an employer?
3.  a) What was the third reason given by employers for not hiring a job applicant?  b) Why do you think 
that employers prefer an applicant who comes to the interview alone?
4.  a) What was the fourth reason given by employers for not hiring a job applicant?  b) Why do you think 
  employers want to hear a good reason from the applicant for needing the job?  c) Fifth reason:  Why do 
you think employers like applicants who say something good about the sto
re and its products? 
5.  a) Sixth reason:  What 2 things made the employer think the applicant had a bad attitude?  b) Eighth 
reason:  What 2 things did the applicant do that made the employer think that the job was not wanted? 
6.  What do employers want to hear if an applicant was fired from the last job?
7.  What do you think an employer thinks if an applicant does not show up to take the drug test?
8.  Why do you think it is a good idea to practice answers to interview questions before the interview?
9.  Make a list of 5 tips you need to remember to do when interviewing for a
 job opening.	
Why I Did Not Hire You
U.S. Work World
CAREER mini-lesson
College & Career Publishing. Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.