HR expert reveals the dos and don'ts of job interviews and the three words you should avoid!
Manage HR Magazine | Monday, August 16, 2021
The CMO of a leading HR software company has revealed the most common mistakes made during pandemic era job interviews, such as consuming a takeaway coffee and having an untidy background during virtual interviews, and what is and isn’t acceptable for interviewers to ask. Research found that the United States unemployment rate was at 5.8%* in June 2021 which is nearly half (11.1%) compared to the same time in 2020 (11.1%), so in response to this, the HR company wanted to offer advice to potential job seekers.
The CMO of a Leading HR and People Operations company, who is also the author of two New York Times People Operations best sellers, has revealed his top interview advice, as well as an interviewee’s rights when it comes to answering certain questions.
Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.
The company, Zenefits, has published the advice in a bid to help job seekers, after research revealed that the employment rate in the United States is at 5.8%* in June, which equates to 19 million Americans who are out of a job.
The full guide can be found here: https://www.zenefits.com/workest/common-job-interview-headaches-during-virtual-interviews/
The most common mistakes made during a job interview according to Zenefits CMO Kevin Marasco:
• Criticising previous employers - whatever the reason for leaving previous employment, criticising a past employer does not give off a good impression. That doesn’t mean job seekers should lie, but changing language to say things such as ‘the company culture wasn’t right for me’, or ‘I believe I would fit in better elsewhere’ is a polite way to address the topic.
• Using buzzwords without meaning - interviewers are time-strapped, and using buzzwords that various candidates before and after have also used isn’t going to make an impactful impression. Words such as ‘motivated’, ‘innovative’ and ‘trustworthy’ are overused. If there’s no examples behind the claims, don’t use those words.
• Consuming food or drink - it might seem natural to turn up with a takeaway coffee to an in-person or virtual interview, but this can look unprofessional. An interviewee doesn’t want to be remembered as the one who spilt coffee down themselves. Additionally, snacking on your lunch or chewing gum does not give a professional first impression.
As well as Kevin’s expertise, Zenefits surveyed over 1,000 hiring managers to delve further into the problems which occurred over the past year.
• 44% reported work gaps between the start of the pandemic and current date, that the interviewee could not explain
• 38% reported excessive noises and interruptions during online interviews
• 18% reported discrepancies between LinkedIn profile work history and their digital resumes
• 10% reported their candidate did not show up on time to their Zoom interview or had trouble with the technology
On the other side of the interview process, the interviewer also needs to follow correct rules, etiquette, and even laws. Kevin Marasco explained that it is illegal for interviewers to ask questions regarding age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or marital status. The list is not exhaustive, but states some of the common topics that interviewees may not realise they don’t have to answer. It is also illegal to ask about previous salary history in some states such as California and Alabama. Kevin suggests that interviewees research the laws and regulations in place in their state prior to an interview, so they are aware of what topics are acceptable.
Zenefits is a platform committed to streamlining People Operations. Their mission of helping small and midsize businesses succeed, from hiring to everyday employee management. Zenefits provides a wide variety of tools – such as streamlined onboarding and benefits management, to org charts and performance reviews.
Kevin Marasco, Editor-in-Chief of Workest at Zenefits, said,
“With the people-first nature of Zenefits, we are always looking for ways we can offer valuable advice to job seekers, employers and employees. We know that job hunting and interviews can be difficult in the best of times, and with remote working thrown in, plus people being out of work for prolonged periods, we wanted to share some advice which will hopefully help people navigate these challenging times!
“Although some of the advice may seem like ‘common sense’, you wouldn’t believe how many people forget these little things. Unfortunately, with job interviews, first impressions really do count, so making sure you are prepared is necessary for success.”
More in News
Chatham, New Jersey – SHIFT HR Compliance Training , an attorney-founded workplace training company, today announced Manager in Minutes, a growing series of short, focused courses designed for the workplace situations managers regularly face. The series helps managers build the judgment to recognize potential risk and make better decisions in the moment.
Manager in Minutes combines training on key compliance responsibilities with the everyday management skills managers need to put that knowledge into practice. The series currently includes FMLA and ADA , with Wage & Hour (FLSA), Interviewing, and Effective Performance Management coming next. Additional topics include Effective Listening , Giving and Receiving Feedback , and Belonging .
“Managers are dealing with employment issues every day, often before HR even knows there is an issue,” said Katherin Nukk-Freeman, Co-Founder and President of SHIFT HR Compliance Training. “They don't need to become employment law experts. They need to know how to handle that first conversation and recognize when it's time to bring in HR.”
What starts as a routine conversation can surface issues managers need to be prepared for. An employee asking for time off may say something that raises an FMLA question, or someone may casually mention working after hours. In other situations, a manager may learn something that needs to reach HR even though the employee never intended to make a formal complaint.
“We hear from HR leaders all the time that managers are one of their biggest pressure points,” Nukk-Freeman said. “HR can't be in every conversation. Preparing managers for these everyday moments gives them a better sense of their role and what should happen next.”
Designed to be completed in 15 minutes, each Manager in Minutes course makes practical manager development easier to fit into the workday. Through realistic workplace scenarios, managers have a chance to work through issues before they face them on the job. They can practice how to respond and when to bring HR into the conversation.
The series is part of SHIFT's focus on manager readiness and will continue to expand as new courses are introduced.
“Good manager judgment comes from practice,” Nukk-Freeman said. “When managers have thought through these situations ahead of time, they're better prepared when one actually happens. They know what to pay attention to, how to respond, and when they need to bring in HR.” ...Read more
Employment law compliance forms the foundation of responsible and successful organizations. Laws governing wages, working hours, workplace safety, discrimination, leave, and termination exist to protect both employers and employees. When organizations actively comply with the regulations, they create fair, predictable, and respectful work environments. Compliance goes beyond avoiding penalties; it reflects an organization’s commitment to ethical conduct and sound governance.
In an evolving regulatory landscape, employers face increasing scrutiny from regulators, courts, and the public. Organizations that prioritize compliance reduce uncertainty, manage risk effectively, and establish clear policies that guide daily decision-making. By embedding employment law compliance into operations, businesses build stronger relationships with employees and position themselves for long-term stability and growth.
How Can Risk Be Minimized and Operational Stability Enhanced?
Organizations that adhere to labor regulations can significantly reduce exposure to lawsuits, fines, and regulatory scrutiny. Establishing clear policies on hiring, compensation, overtime, leave, and termination helps minimize misunderstandings that may lead to disputes. When employers consistently document decisions and apply policies uniformly, they strengthen protection against claims of unfair treatment or discrimination. Marshall Workplace Law supports organizations in implementing workforce management strategies that align with regulatory requirements and compliance standards. This approach enables organizations to respond more effectively to audits or complaints by demonstrating adherence to legal obligations.
Operational stability improves when employers align processes with legal requirements. Standardized procedures for onboarding, performance management, and disciplinary actions ensure consistency across departments. The consistency reduces management confusion and prevents costly errors. Compliance supports workforce planning by clarifying obligations related to working hours, benefits, and employee classification. As a result, organizations experience fewer disruptions, improved productivity, and greater confidence in decision-making.
AtWorkCare supports workforce management through solutions that enhance compliance and improve adherence to labor regulations across organizational practices.
How Can Employee Trust Be Enhanced to Increase Long-Term Business Value?
When employees understand their rights and see them respected, they feel valued and secure. Fair pay practices, safe working conditions, and equal opportunity policies demonstrate that the organization treats people with dignity. The trust encourages open communication, reduces workplace conflict, and improves morale. Employees who feel protected and respected are more likely to remain loyal, perform well, and contribute positively to organizational culture.
Compliance enhances an organization’s reputation and long-term business value. Customers, investors, and partners increasingly assess how organizations treat their employees when making decisions. A strong compliance record signals reliability, ethical leadership, and sound governance. It supports employer branding efforts, helping organizations attract high-quality talent in competitive labor markets. By aligning legal obligations with values-driven leadership, organizations create sustainable workplaces that support both people and performance.
Employment law compliance delivers benefits that extend far beyond legal protection. It reduces risk, strengthens operational stability, builds employee trust, and enhances organizational reputation. By embedding compliance into everyday practices, employers create fair, transparent, and resilient workplaces. The commitment protects the organization and supports long-term success through engaged employees, ethical leadership, and sustainable business growth. ...Read more
Tampa, FL - [March 20, 2026] — Mezrah Consulting and its cloud-based plan administration platform mapbenefits announced continued organizational growth through hiring, internal promotions, and expanding professional development.
Since 2025, Mezrah Consulting and mapbenefits (a team of nearly 40 employees) have added seven team members across the organization. That momentum has continued into this year with one additional hire already joining the team. Reflecting that continued growth, the organization also introduced a new Director of Business Enhancement role to strengthen its market-facing team. The position was developed to help support expanding business needs, strengthen external engagement, and drive initiatives aligned with the company’s long-term growth.
Alongside hiring, the company has seen meaningful internal career advancement. Four team members were promoted last year, followed by six additional promotions this year, reflecting a culture that prioritizes professional growth, training, and recognition of performance.
“These achievements reflect the strength of our people and the culture we are continuing to build,” said Todd Mezrah, CEO of Mezrah Consulting and mapbenefits. “We value commitment, growth, and excellence, and it is important to recognize the people helping move the company forward.”
The recent hiring and promotions reflect both business momentum and strong employee engagement. The milestone underscores a culture where team members are supported in their growth and recognized for their contributions. As a highly differentiated solution platform developed by Mezrah Consulting, mapbenefits represents the next phase of the firm’s long-term vision.
“With the continued development of mapbenefits, we are confident in the position we hold in the market and in the strength of the revolutionary admin platform solution we continue to build,” Mezrah said. “It also reinforces the momentum we are seeing across the business and the long-term value we are creating through the plan administration platform.”
As Mezrah Consulting and mapbenefits continue to expand, the organization remains focused on building a strong team, advancing its technology, and delivering long-term value to clients and partners. ...Read more
Corporate event service continues to evolve as organizations pursue more engaging, efficient, and memorable experiences for attendees. The sector adapts through creative formats, stronger logistical support, and improved planning methods that elevate both in-person and hybrid gatherings. Modern expectations encourage service providers to refine execution, integrate smarter solutions, and deliver tailored experiences that align closely with organizational goals. These advancements create an environment where events feel more cohesive, meaningful, and well-coordinated.
Innovations Elevating Event Planning
Corporate event planning gains new momentum through tools and methods that enhance coordination and strengthen decision-making. Dynamic layout modeling helps planners visualize venue arrangements, test seating options, and adjust flow paths well before final execution. Platforms such as Clover contribute to event planning efficiency by leveraging data-driven insights and coordination tools to improve decision-making processes. These simulations support stronger crowd management, more efficient use of space, and smoother transitions throughout the event.
Digital management platforms streamline planning by centralizing registration, scheduling, vendor coordination, and communication in one system. Automatic updates reduce errors and ensure every stakeholder receives accurate information. This structure minimizes last-minute disruptions and allows planners to maintain consistent oversight of budget, logistics, and timelines.
IPOfferings LLC delivers solutions that enhance coordination and decision-making within structured corporate event planning environments.
Content creation also advances. Interactive presentation formats, immersive stage designs, and adaptable lighting frameworks enhance audience engagement across various event types. Organizers use these elements to shape distinctive experiences that leave stronger impressions. Responsive audiovisual tools support seamless transitions between speakers, breakout sessions, and demonstrations, ensuring that each segment maintains clarity and continuity.
Catering and hospitality services improve through more personalized menu planning and better accommodation of dietary preferences. Flexible serving models allow for quick adjustments based on crowd size, pacing, or theme changes, contributing to a smoother attendee experience.
Enhanced Execution and Attendee Experience
Corporate event service providers strengthen execution through integrated on-site operations that address the needs of diverse audiences. Real-time communication networks help staff manage requests, coordinate movements, and react swiftly to shifts in the schedule. This responsiveness ensures that events maintain a steady flow and remain free from avoidable delays.
Attendee experience becomes more immersive through thoughtfully curated touchpoints. Smart check-in stations accelerate entry, reduce lines, and free staff to focus on higher-value tasks. Detailed signage systems improve navigation and reduce confusion across large venues. Personalized engagement zones, product showcases, and interactive installations encourage participants to explore, connect, and engage more deeply with event content.
Evaluation methods also improve. Post-event feedback systems collect insights on satisfaction, preferences, and overall experience, allowing organizers to refine strategies for future gatherings. These reflections lead to stronger planning cycles and more meaningful outcomes. ...Read more
Be first to read the latest tech news, Industry Leader's Insights, and CIO interviews of medium and large enterprises exclusively from Manage HR Magazine
