CEO shares surprising answer that might get you rejected from a job interview: 'If an interviewee says...'

Gary Shapiro expressed a preference for employees who demonstrate loyalty and professionalism.

Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), recently shared his perspective on a crucial red flag in job interviews: the overly rapid start date proposed by candidates. Shapiro pointed out that candidates who suggest starting within less than two weeks, particularly if they are currently employed, may harm their chances of being hired.

Shapiro, in an interview with CNBC Make It, clarified his reasoning. “If an interviewee says they can start in less than two weeks—and they’re currently employed—they don’t get the job because they’ll treat us the way they treat that former employer.” This response, he indicated, reflects a lack of commitment to an orderly transition, raising concerns about the candidate’s approach to professional obligations.

He expressed a preference for employees who demonstrate loyalty and professionalism, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities, even if they are ready for a new role.

Illustrating this philosophy, Shapiro recalled his conversation with a candidate who eventually became CTA's Chief Operating Officer. When asked about her availability, the candidate explained she would need up to six weeks to transition from her current position. Shapiro found this answer to be a positive indicator of her respect for her employer and her commitment to an organised transition. Her response, he noted, showed a responsible approach to leaving a role without disrupting her team—a quality that ultimately contributed to her successful hire.

According to Shapiro, the way employees exit jobs and maintain relationships reflects their integrity, and he values candidates who depart on positive terms with adequate notice. For Shapiro, this principle also informs his hiring decisions concerning "boomerang" employees who may eventually wish to return to CTA. He believes that a respectful approach to exiting roles benefits both the individual and the employer, which he considers when rehiring former employees.

Gary Shapiro has led CTA for over three decades.