Job interviews: Recruiters reveal the weirdest things candidates have done

From stealing family photos to trying to read the interviewer's fortune against their will - these are the candidates who stood out for all the wrong reasons

One candidate tried to read the interviewer's fortune - and refused to take no for an answer (REX Features)

There are fewer things more nerve-racking than a job interview but spare a thought for these poor candidates who have stuck out in their potential employer’s minds - and for all the wrong reasons.

According to a nationwide survey of HR managers in the US by recruitment company CareerBuilder, has found some of the weirdest things they’ve ever had happened to them during a job interview.

From theft to attempting to read the interviewer’s fortune against their will, these are some thing not to do in a job interview:

1. Candidate took a family photo off of interviewer's desk and put it into her purse.

2. Candidate started screaming that the interview was taking too long.

3. Candidate said her main job was being a psychic/medium and tried to read interviewer's palm, despite interviewer's attempts to decline the offer.

4. When asked what his ideal job was, the candidate said "painter of birdhouses." (Company was hiring for a data entry clerk.)

5. Candidate sang her responses to questions.

6. Candidate put lotion on his feet during the interview.

7. When asked why he wanted the position, candidate replied, "My wife wants me to get a job."

8. Candidate started feeling interviewer's chest to find a heartbeat so they could "connect heart to heart."

9. Candidate had a pet bird in his/her shirt.

10. Candidate took phone interview in the bathroom – and flushed.

The survey also found failing to make eye contact, not smiling and being caught in a lie were the biggest - and most common - mistakes candidates could make.

Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer for CareerBuilder, said: "Preparing for an interview takes a lot more than Googling answers to common interview questions.

"Candidates have to make a great first impression appearance-wise, have a solid understanding of the target company, know exactly how to convey that they're the perfect fit for the job and control their body language."