A personal interview is your chance to underpin your strengths and convince your counterpart to take a chance on you. On average only 5 out of 250 applicants are invited for an interview. But how not to mess up this great opportunity?
Nervousness can lead to ill-considered sentences that not only put you in a bad light but also could cost you the job opportunity. Just as you prepare for what you want to say, you should also know what NOT to say. Here are 20 things you should definitely avoid during your job interview:
1.“What exactly does your company do?”
Do your homework and gain information about the company. This question not only shows your low interest in the company but also reflects your bad preparation. The recruiter wants to see that you thought about your role in the team.
2. “How much does this job pay?”
As long as your recruiter doesn’t mention the salary, you shouldn’t do it.
3. “My last job was ****”
No matter how bad your last job experience was, never talk negatively about it. Keep these thoughts for yourself. The recruiter is looking for a positive person to hire. A negative attitude leaves a bad impression.
4. “I didn’t like my last supervisor/colleagues”
Similar to the above mentioned bad talks about your last job, you shouldn’t do it neither over your boss or colleagues. The recruiter doesn’t know how the situation was — he could think that the problem lies in you.
5. “Sorry, I’m so nervous”
Regarding your self-confidence, the following motto should be your mantra: “fake it ’til you make it”.
6. “My biggest weakness is perfectionism”
Recruiters like to know about your personal strengths and weaknesses. Perfectionism is a rehearsed standard response the recruiter has heard a thousand times. Think of something more authentic.
7. “No, I got no questions”
Sounds like you are not really interested in the job. A good preparation is reflected in questions that have come to your mind. They are also a good basis to turn an interview into a dialogue.
8. “Sorry, I’m late”
Just be punctual. Unless it’s a real emergency.
9. “When do I get a vacation?”
Don’t ask about benefits until you get offered the job.
10. “It’s on my resume”
Yes, the recruiter knows, but he wants to hear it from you. If he is asking about a particular job or experience, he wants to know more beyond the written word. Use this moment to shine and highlight your certain skill.
11.“What the hell!”
Never swear — keep it professional.
12.“I switched my jobs several times. I haven’t found the right job yet.”
That can be an honest answer, but it’ll leave you in a bad light. It raises the question: will you get the right job now?
13.“I’m an expert in…”
Don’t boast about your achievements. Rather say that you’re passionate about what you do.
14.“As a manager, I achieved a lot on my own”
This statement makes the HR Manager doubt your capacity for teamwork. Managers are best if they can work well with everyone. While mentioning your achievements, don’t forget that a good team is part of the success.
15. “Ugh…I don’t know”
There’s always a better response to a question you are unsure of. Furthermore, it’ll show off your communications skills.
16.“I haven’t updated my blog since a year”
If you have other projects, they may be worth mentioning at some points in the interview. But it is important that your projects are somehow successful, relevant or at least current. Otherwise, the recruiter won’t see the creativity or engagement in your project, but a lack in your perseverance.
17.“You look great!”
Trying to flirt with your counterpart is a No-Go. Do you want to say something nice? Compliment the interviewer with something work-related or talk about a move the company made that you like.
18.“I’ll just take this call”
It’s not okay to take a call during an interview. It’s best to turn off your phone for the interview and don’t let it interrupt you.
19.“I really want the job!”
Don’t sound like you’re begging for the job. Instead, give the recruiter the feeling that he wants you.
20.“I’ll do everything”
This statement doesn’t show your openness regarding the job. It’s showing off that you lack a specific passion for the work of the company. Moreover, it reflects a lack of awareness of what role you could best play. Target your unique qualifications and sell them to your counterpart, specifically.
To gain further insights, Business Insider gives practical examples from HR managers’ experiences, outlining which interview statements greatly reduce your chances for the job. To sum up, prepare well for the interview, research the company and show interest. At the same time, stay confident and prevent a negative attitude — rather bring a smile! Keep the focus on your skills and abilities needed for the job.
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