[caconym_]

> And, to be honest, I wouldn't hire this person

So... you wouldn't hire a person who came in prepared and performed well according to your metrics and standards? Or you have no metrics or standards, and just throw the chicken bones to make a decision for each candidate? Or, I guess a third option might be that you do not tell the candidate anything about your interview process before they come in, all but guaranteeing that they cannot do any meaningful preparation?

I'm having trouble seeing why a candidate working hard to prepare for an interview could be considered a negative signal, which seems to be what you're saying. Correct me if I'm wrong, by all means.