Apprentice candidates show how not to handle an interview

The final five candidates in BBCís ëThe Apprenticeí had their gruelling interviews last week, but their interview techniques left much to be desired says finance recruitment specialist Nigel Lynn.

Swearing, winking and lying were just some of the things that the candidates did in their meetings with some of Alan Sugarís toughest advisors. ìInterviews are a vital piece of the recruitment processî says Rhonda Lusty from Nigel Lynn, ìbut these candidates made a lot of mistakes. Helene swore quite a few times, and Lee not only winked at his interviewer but also lied about his education on his CV. This made them both look very unprofessional and in normal circumstances would have damaged their chances of securing the job. Itís the sort of behaviour that can turn a front runner into an also ran ñ you need to trust the skills and attributes you do have (rather than trying to pretend youíre something that youíre not) and portray them in a professional ñ and honest way.î

The interviewers described former model Alex as ìblandî and ìlooking half asleepî. He also became very defensive and even sarcastic; saying ëthank youí when told his CV was boring. This behaviour resulted in some rather bad interviews for the sales manager. ìAlthough you want to come across in a professional manner, itís also important to be enthusiastic and show the interviewer that you have a personality that will fit in well with the teamî comments Lusty. ìAlex should have smiled and showed he did have some character, and he needed to stop getting so stressed ñ his defensiveness was verging on rude.î

Other downfalls that the candidates made were major spelling and grammatical errors on their CV, putting fluency in their native language as a skill on their CV, talking too much and not answering the questions asked. ìInterviews can be hard but a lot of these mistakes can be easily avoidedî adds Lusty. ìThe golden rule is to remain professional but be yourself and let your talent shine through!î