In a post I’ve stolen almost completely from his site, Confessions of an Executive Restaurant Recruiter, Carl Chapman reveals:

Top 10 Ways to Blow Getting the Job

Inappropriate dress – showing up for the interview in attire that is not proper for your industry and position.

Not showing desire – not showing the interviewer(s) at every point that you are ready, willing, and able to make a job change and that you want to work for them.

Not exhibiting a “can do” attitude – when asked to provide additional info, take additional tests, go to a different location, or do anything out of the ordinary; hesitating and making it out to be a hardship on you.

Talking badly about your former/current employer – mentioning information with a negative attitude or tone in your voice or really talking derogatorily about your employers.

Discussing your personal life – talking about things in your personal life to such a degree that it could cause negative feelings or outcome with the prospective employer.

Asking for too much money – when negotiating, going beyond the reasonable limits that have been pre-discussed with your recruiter, the hiring authority, or stated in the job ad.

Inflexibility with regard to location – unwillingness to consider relocation or working in a particular location that may require a longer commute than you would enjoy, for some period of time.

History of job hopping – moving from one company to another (more often than not, at the same level) so frequently that you look unstable.

Lack of knowledge – not knowing about your business and profession, and not knowing about the company where you are interviewing.

Poor language skills – inability to communicate effectively, inability to articulate ideas using proper English, using curse words or slang during the interview.

If you’re looking for a job, I’d suggest this is a good starting point.  If you’re hiring others, this is a good list of things to watch out for.

I’d add a few of my own, specifically for the funeral industry:

Ways to NOT Get a Funeral Job

Try to Save the World – No one likes a know-it-all.  Yes, you might be a good addition to the firm, but the funeral home existed before you applied for the job and it’ll keep functioning after they show you the door.

Pursue a Funeral Career on a Whim – I’m not hiring anyone who decided last week or last month to be a funeral director.  Be able to show me that you’ve made the necessary decisions and understand the special requirements (legal and otherwise) to be a funeral professional.  As a plus, this shows your prospective employer that you can formulate a plan and execute it.

Get All Your Funeral Knowledge from TV – Sure, CSI and Six Feet Under are great shows, but they aren’t realistic.  Make sure you know the real industry before you try talking about it with a seasoned pro like me.  Otherwise, you’re going to look stupid and you’ve wasted my time and yours.

Tell Me When You Can Work – This industry is very busy, with some homes open 24/7 and busy times when you’ll go for 24 or 48 hours straight.  While I’d like to accommodate your desire to be off every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, while also giving you every third Monday off to visit your kid’s school, I really need an employee who will go above and beyond at a moment’s notice.  If I haven’t decided that you are the right fit for my firm before you share that you can’t work on Mayan holidays, I’ll decide pretty quickly after that revelation.