Have you ever rejected a candidate because they talked too much? I recently posted this discussion in several networking groups and received an overwhelming response. It turns out that I’m not the only one that has dealt with a “verbal over indulger” – as one respondent described it.

Talking too much is definitely a subjective topic. Is this person is a talker by nature or just nervous? The length of time a candidate talks during an interview can certainly be seen as talking too much when they ramble on with no real point, monopolize the conversation, talk over the interviewer and/or interjects inappropriate topics or comments. On the other hand, if the applicant gives short and abrupt answers, they may be perceived negatively as well.

Managers, keep these questions in mind when interviewing...

• Is the candidate qualified for the job?
• Did the candidate have a coherent thought process?
• Was the candidate able to organize and articulate information?
• Although the responses were long, where they clear and effective?
• Were there any inappropriate comments?
• Did the candidate seem pushy or arrogant?
• Was the candidate an active listener or did he/she dominate the conversation and talk over others?
• Does the candidate have good job stability?

If the answers to these questions are favorable, and the candidate has all the appropriate knowledge and credentials, perhaps a little constructive coaching is all the candidate needs in order to have a smooth transition into the organization. On the last point, if a candidate has good job stability, there is a higher chance that their rambling is just a way of interviewing and not necessarily an indication of unusual behavior. The best solution is to check references.

Candidates, keep these key points in mind when interviewing...

• Follow the 80/20 rule: let the interviewer talk 80 percent of the time.
• Do not give too much information.
• Do not discuss controversial topics like religion or politics.
• Be clear and precise with your replies without limiting your responses to short and choppy answers.
• Being long-winded can sometimes be difficult for the interviewers to stay engaged and can give the impression that you are a poor listener.
• Do not talk over interviewers!

So, can a candidate really talk them selves out of a job? Yes, it happens all the time! Even after pre-interview coaching, some of my more verbal candidates have been passed over because they simply “talked too much!”

Ultimately, some people are born talkers and natural tendencies will always shine through. The candidate may just not be a fit for the organization, and all the coaching in the world is not going to be of benefit if there is some sort of resistance. However, after it’s all over, should you pass up a qualified candidate because they can’t shut up?

Have you ever rejected a candidate because they talked too much? …or are you the candidate that lost the opportunity…?

Written by Bridgette Dipboye, PHR, Director of Marketing & Research at RadSciences Group www.radsciences.com.  You can contact Bridgette at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it -or- 800-804-2345