Field Guide to Annoying Interviewers and Interviewees: The Swearer

The Swearer (cursus damnerii)

Class: None.

Description: Generally male; female swearers are uncommon but not rare. Swearers are difficult to spot as their plumage is often identical to others. Swearers are more common in interviewees; finding a Swearer as an interviewer is exceedingly rare.

Call: The call is what distinguishes the Swearer from other species. The general speech patterns are interlaced with foul language; common words include sh** and f**k, other words are less commonly used, and range from the more mild d**n to the very offensive (especially to females) ****. As Swearers mature, the level of offensiveness often resides, and more mature Swearers often do not use the identifying language at all, making older swearers difficult to spot.

Notes: Don't. Just don't. However, people who swear often do this as a part of their every day speech patterns and don't realize they are swearing until a word slips out. Unfortunately, at this point, it's often too late. When a Swearer is preparing for an interview, it would be prudent to get someone to monitor the language, or to self-monitor. In the days leading up to the interview, get out of the habit of swearing. The interview is a place where you shouldn't say anything you wouldn't say to your Grandmother (unless she's a Swearer, too).

Spotted an annoying habit in an interviewer or an interviewee? Send your observation to dave (at) officejobs (dot) com