If you’ve just landed a job interview, congratulations! You’ve probably already studied the company’s background, researched its needs and how you fit into the picture. Perhaps you’ve done interview rehearsals and prepared all your “answers” to the questions you know they’ll ask.
But, while all your preparation is a very important aspect in actually landing the job, did you know there are things you should not say in a job interview… no matter how “casual” it may be?
It’s true. There are at least ten things you should never say in a job interview.
Now, before we share the top ten things you should not say in a job interview, you’ll need to find your dream job first and get the interview; and FindYourJobNow.com has made finding that dream job a snap.
Simply visit FindYourJobNow.com, use the search bars to discover the hundreds of different jobs that are available to you, right now!
Better yet, sign up for the free job alerts (HERE) and you’ll be emailed new job opportunities that fit your search criteria, the moment they become available.
Once you find your dream job, land an interview, and do all your research and prep work for it, you’ll want to know the 10 things not to say in a job interview.
Here they are:
10: Never say anything negative about previous employers. The interviewer is likely to ask you about why you’re looking for a new job, and why you may be leaving your previous one. However, when you answer these questions, don’t throw your last employer under the bus, even if they deserve it. You’ll come across as bitter. Instead, tell the interviewer that you’ve outgrown the last position/company and are looking to take your skills to the next level.
9: Never bring up salary, benefits, or vacation time. Unless the interviewer broaches the subject, avoid talking about “money” at all costs. You’ll want to stay focused on how you can be a huge benefit to the employer, not the other way around. If you do receive a job offer or are specifically asked about your salary/benefits needs, then it’s time to discuss it. Just don’t be the first to bring it up.
8: Never use “unprofessional” language. No matter what the job entails, or how casual the interview may be, never use unprofessional language. Never. Of course, profanity should always be off the table, but so should slang words and loose language. To keep yourself from going “off script” with your responses, simply take your time when answering questions, and be conscious of the words you’re using.
7: Don’t “refer” to your resume. If you’re asked a question about your skills, your employment history or any other “facts” that are on your resume, don’t tell the interviewer “it’s on my resume.” The interviewer has already reviewed your resume and knows what’s on it. When they ask you questions, answer them clearly and concisely while expanding on the facts that are in your resume. Interviewers want to hear directly from you. Telling them to look at your resume again to find what they’re looking for is a big, lazy no-no.
6: Don’t use clichés or obviously rehearsed answers. While you’ve probably spent time rehearsing answers to questions you know will be asked, it’s important not to answer them in an obviously prepared or robotic manner. Interviewers aren’t only looking at how you answer their questions, but how genuinely you’re answering them. Try to keep your “conversation” and answers to questions as natural as possible.
5: Don’t mention your “lack of experience.” Even if you’re brand new to the jobs market, it’s important not to mention your lack of experience. You’ve landed a job interview for a reason, so focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses. Instead of talking about what you don’t know, you’ll want to highlight your transferrable skills (Read about them HERE) and how you’re a go-getting problem solver who’s ready to tackle anything.
4: Don’t talk “off track.” All your answers to the interviewer’s questions should be focused on the job at hand… getting the job. This means you should center all your responses on how you can benefit the company and how your skills are a perfect fit for them. Never go off track and talk about irrelevant personal information or anecdotes. Unless you’re specifically asked, keep it professional.
3: Don’t ask what the company does. There will be a point in the interview when you’ll be asked if you have any questions. You should have questions, and you should ask them. However, you should never ask what the company does. By doing so, you’re showing you’ve done zero homework on the employer and may not be serious about the job. Do your research. Ask questions about how the company performs, what is needed to make it more efficient, and what their vision for the future is.
2: Speaking of questions, never say “I don’t have any.” If you come into an interview without questions, the employer may see you as uninterested in the company or the position. If you’ve done your research, you’ll certainly have many questions for the interviewer. As long as they’re pertaining to the company, its ethos, and the position, ask them.
1: Never say “I don’t know.” This is a hard one. You may be asked a question that you don’t know the answer to. But saying “I don’t know” is not an answer you should use. Instead, ask the interviewer for more information about the question, and take your time answering it. Chances are, if you’re qualified and take your time, you’ll have the answer, or at least one that shows you’re using your critical thinking skills.
Now that you know the top ten things not to say during a job interview, you’ve put yourself in a far better position to land the job.
But if you’re not at the interview stage yet, and you’re still searching for that perfect job, visit FindYourJobNow.com. Here, you’ll find hundreds of different jobs you can apply for, today!
The employers in the FindYourJobNow.com network are actively searching for candidates. And it could be you they’re looking for!