[Harmless Teddy Bear]

He was dismissive to the receptionist. She greeted him and he barely made eye contact. She tried to engage him in conversation. Again, no eye contact, no interest in speaking with her.

Rude is one thing. This is quite another.

Would she have preferred that he spend his time chatting up the receptionist or thinking about his job? Not talking to people is not being dismissive. You may have something on your mind, (like a job interview) and be nervous which leads you to being taciturn.

That is ok. He would not have enjoyed working for her in any case. She wanted a chatty cathy.

[gitmo]

Would she have preferred that he spend his time chatting up the receptionist or thinking about his job?

That might depend on what the position is for. If it involves interacting with the public, it would be an important factor.