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Things not to do/ask during an interview

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   Vice Presidents and personnel directors of the one hundred largest
   corporations were asked to describe their most unusual experience
   interviewing prospective employees.
     * A job applicant challenged the interviewer to an arm wrestle.
     * Interviewee wore a Walkman, explaining that she could listen to
       the interviewer and the music at the same time.
     * Candidate fell and broke arm during interview.
     * Candidate announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat a
       hamburger and french fies in the interviewers office.
     * Candidate explained that her long-term goals was to replace the
       interviewer.
     * Candidate said he never finished high school because he was
       kidnapped and kept in a closet in Mexico.
     * Balding Candidate excused himself and returned to the office a few
       minutes later wearing a headpiece.
     * Applicant said if he was hired he would demonstrate his loyalty by
       having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm.
     * Applicant interrupted interview to phone her therapist for advice
       on how to answer specific interview questions.
     * Candidate brought large dog to interview.
     * Applicant refused to sit down and insisted on being interviewed
       standing up.
     * Candidate dozed off during interview.
       
   The employers were also asked to list the "most unusual" questions
   that have been asked by job candidates.
     * "What is it that you people do at this company?"
     * "What is the company motto?"
     * "Why aren't you in a more interesting business?"
     * "What are the zodiac signs of all the board members?"
     * "Why do you want references?"
     * "Do I have to dress for the next interview?"
     * "I know this is off the subject, but will you marry me?"
     * "Will the company move my rock collection from California to
       maryland?"
     * "Will the company pay to relocate my horse?"
     * "Does your health insurance cover pets?"
     * "Would it be a problem if I'm angry most of the time?"
     * "Does your company have a policy regarding concealed weapons?"
     * "Do you think the company would be willing to lower my pay?"
     * "Why am I here?"
       
   Also included are a number of unusual statement made by candidates
   during the interview process.
     * I have no difficulty in starting or holding my bowel movement.
     * At times I have the strong urge to do something harmful or
       shocking.
     * I feel uneasy indoors.
     * Sometimes I feel like smashing things.
     * Women should not be allowed to drink in cocktail bars.
     * I think that Lincoln was greater than Washington.
     * I get excited very easily.
     * Once a week, I usually feel hot all over.
     * I am fascinated by fire.
     * I like tall women.
     * Whenever a man is with a woman he is usually thinking about sex.
     * People are always watching me.
     * If I get too much change in a store, I always give it back.
     * Almost everyone is guilty of bad sexual conduct.
     * I must admit that I am a pretty fair talker.
     * I never get hungry.
     * I know who is responsible for most of my troubles.
     * If the pay was right, I'd travel with the carnival.
     * I would have been more successful if nobody would have snitched on
       me.
     * My legs are really hairy.
     * I think I'm going to throw-up.
       
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    pjf@cts.com