Emily Levine, an experienced recruiter and current Executive Vice President at Career Group Companies, has been interviewing job candidates for over a decade. Throughout her career, she has hired personnel for various sectors, including real estate, consulting, and finance. In a recent interview with CNBC, Levine revealed some of the most bizarre behaviors she has witnessed during job interviews, particularly when interviewing younger candidates from Generation Z.
“Many Gen Z candidates are unfamiliar with interview etiquette,” Levine stated. She recounted an incident where a young candidate conducted an online interview from their bed. When someone asked the candidate a question from off-screen, they responded, “When I’m not feeling lazy, I move to the couch,” all while Levine was present.
Levine emphasizes the importance of maintaining a professional environment during virtual interviews. She recommends conducting interviews at a desk, kitchen table, or any area with a clean, professional background. If this is not possible, she suggests blurring the background or using a pre-set virtual background.
In addition to a professional setting, Levine advises candidates to show enthusiasm during interviews. “It’s important to maintain good eye contact, nod your head at appropriate moments when you agree with the interviewer, and make sure to smile,” she said.
Levine also shared a shocking story about a candidate who attended a Zoom interview wearing only a bathrobe. Even more surprising, she revealed that more than one young candidate has worn an appropriate blouse for work but was “completely naked from the waist down.” These incidents were discovered either through a camera mishap or because a mirror in the room revealed the person’s entire body.
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it is crucial for Generation Z candidates to be mindful of interview etiquette and present themselves professionally, even in virtual settings. By following Levine’s advice and maintaining a clean, appropriate appearance and environment, job seekers can increase their chances of making a positive impression on potential employers.
