I asked 800 recruiters what they really look for when hiring…the answers shocked even me…

𝗜 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝟴𝟬𝟬 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴…𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗲.

Turns out, it’s not just about having the right degree or skill set.

According to a December 2023 survey by Intelligent.com, where 800 employers were interviewed, here are the top red flags recent grads are showing during job interviews 👇

And don’t worry — I’ve added advice on how to avoid each one.

👀 53% struggle with eye contact
✔️ You don’t have to lock eyes the whole time, but nodding, glancing up, and showing you’re engaged can make a big difference. Practice matters. So does presence.

💰 50% asked for unreasonable compensation
✔️ Do some research before naming a number. Tools like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or actual job posts will help you find a realistic range. Know your worth — and your lane.

👖 47% dressed inappropriately
✔️ You don’t need to show up in a tux, but you do need to look like you want the job. Keep it clean, neutral, and professional.

🗣 27% used inappropriate language
✔️ Save the slang and swears for group chats. Employers want to see you can adapt to a professional environment.

📷 21% refused to turn on the camera during a virtual interview
✔️ Unless there’s a good reason, this feels like hiding. Turning on your camera shows respect, presence, and professionalism — even if your background’s just a blank wall.

👩‍👦 19% brought a parent to their interview
✔️ This one stings. We love supportive parents, but this is your moment. Employers are hiring YOU — not your family. Be independent, even if your mom helped print your resume.

📣 Interviews are high-pressure. But if you can avoid these common missteps, you give yourself a real shot.

It’s exhausting when the basics become barriers — for you and the employer.

Let’s fix that.

Need coaching? Resume help? Practice rounds? I’ve got you. Let’s chat 👉 www.calendly.com/mjwcareers

💰PS – I want you to know that referrals from satisfied clients are the lifeblood of my business, so I greatly appreciate anyone you send my way. As a bonus, for any referrals you send that purchase services from me, I will send you $25 for each! Thanks again for your continued support!

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