Interview Horror Stories - A Lack of Common Sense

One thing a lot of individuals forget when seeking a new career is good old-fashioned 'common sense'.  How many times do you remember your elders telling you to 'stop and think before you speak'.  It is always best when interviewing to put good judgement to work for you.  Do not open your mouth unless you are sure that what is coming out is not: offensive, untrue or insignificant.   Too many times a great career opportunity is lost because the interviewee did not implement any common sense.

Below is an actual scenario as told by a professional recruiter.  In this scenario, you will see the interviewee did not use ANY common sense and obviously did not research the position she was interviewing for. 

*Interviewer:
"At the end of the interview, she told me that she was SURE we'd work out SO well together.  Then, smiling and perky, she said she had to go, because she was parked in one ‘those’ spots and was afraid she was going to get a ticket.  I asked what spots?  She said, 'You know, the ones for the old people.'  She was parked in a handicap spot.

Ironically, she was applying for a job at a company that serves millions of seniors, where we require that our employees show respect to all clients, and are especially sensitive to the needs of our older clients."

Result: Did not get the job
*Source: salary.com

In this case, there are some things just left better unsaid.  So remember to always stop and think before you answer any questions.  Using good old-fashioned common sense could be the very thing that helps you get the career you have always dreamed of.