top of page

Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview!

Updated: Jul 16, 2023



Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with #preparation and practice, you can increase your chances of success. During a job interview, it's important to #present yourself professionally and make a positive impression on the interviewer. It is crucial to avoid making common mistakes that could negatively impact your chances of success. Here are some things you should avoid saying in a job interview:


1. "I have no weaknesses." This assertion could come off as haughty or #conceited. It is preferable to recognize your shortcomings and explain how you are trying to address them. Also, never mention #perfectionism as your weakness. The problem is this, It's unlikely that informing a #hiring manager that perfectionism is your worst problem will surprise them, and it can seem too clichéd. Additionally, it doesn't reveal much about your work style or personality (especially if half the other applicants respond in the same manner).


2. "I need this job so bad." Although, normally, you might be eager to find work, stressing your #urgency might make people wonder about your drive or stability. Instead, concentrate on the value you can add to the organization. Yes, most people would have a great deal of #empathy for someone who has lost their job, is going through a divorce, or is experiencing family conflict. Even though your interviewer is interested in you, he or she can also be #curious about how your personal life will impact your work performance. Therefore, don't discuss your issues and keep the talk on your business life.


3. "I didn't like my former boss or coworkers." You can be asked #questions during the interview like, "Why are you looking for a new job?" or "What about your previous positions ?" Answering in a way that avoids #criticizing your former employer or position might demonstrate your capacity to stay professional and upbeat in any circumstance. Speaking critically about #former bosses or coworkers presents an unfavourable impression of your character and professionalism. It's best to keep a positive attitude and concentrate on the lessons you took away from such encounters.


4."I'm not exactly sure what the company does." Although you should make sure you have questions for the interviewer, you should #aim to steer clear of inquiries concerning the nature of the business. Researching the industry and the position you are applying for will generally yield the answers to this question. Before your interview, try to understand the company's #mission, #vision statement, and what they do to #attain it. You will be able to learn more about the business by doing this. Lack of preparation and attention is evident when one demonstrates ignorance of the company. To demonstrate your interest and suitability for the position, prior #research is crucial.


5. I'm saying, "I don't have any questions." Near the end of the interview, most interviewers will enquire whether you have any questions. You can come across as uninterested or disconnected if you don't ask any queries. To show that you are interested and engaged, prepare #thoughtful questions about the business, the position, or the company culture. Thinking of #insightful questions you may ask the employer that will #demonstrate your interest in the company or the position is a crucial aspect of interview preparation.


For instance: "I can see from the company's mission statement that you aspire to be the sales leader for automobiles. I'm interested in how you define #leadership and how you plan to carry out this purpose.


6. "Um, I may be able to do this." Maintaining your #professionalism throughout the interview is crucial. The best method to achieve this is by speaking in a formal tone. This doesn't imply you have to talk in industrial jargon, but you should attempt to avoid using informal languages, such as slang, profanity, and filler words (such as "like" or "um").


When you take your time, think over your response, and concentrate on #speaking effectively during an interview, you are less likely to use improper language. Practice replacing filler words with a quick pause or a deep breath to help you avoid using them altogether.


7. "What are the vacation and work schedules?" Understanding the job's #criteria and advantages is crucial, but at the initial interview, inquiring mostly about vacation time or working hours can give the appearance that you are more interested in your convenience than the job itself. You can bring up this discussion in passing near the end of the interview rather than directly requesting information regarding #perks, #vacation, or #income. By doing this, you may politely let the interviewer know that you still have questions about the perks the job offers without putting any pressure on them to respond right away.


8. "I've never worked in this industry." While being honest is crucial, it's preferable to highlight your transferrable talents and show that you're #eager to learn. Emphasize relevant experience and demonstrate how it relates to the position. You can be asked a question during the interview that you weren't prepared for or for which you don't have an answer. You may have a wonderful chance to demonstrate your #capacity for critical thought and problem-solving. Furthermore, you might try informing the interviewer that you need a moment to gather your thoughts or asking them for the extra details you require to put up a precise response.


9."I have no inquiries regarding the interview procedure." A lack of #excitement or engagement may be indicated by a candidate who expresses no curiosity or interest in the future stages of the hiring process. To show your interest, inquire about the timetable, #decision-making procedure, or next actions. Never "say" in an interview that you are not enthusiastic about the position. It's not about your words; but your body language and tone of voice. Job applicants frequently say one thing while expressing the opposite through their body language and tone. For instance, speaking in a flat tone and not smiling or making #eye contact while saying, "I'm excited about this role," can damage rapport and trust.


10. " It's on my resume." Even though your resume likely has the answer to the interviewer's question, you should always try to answer in your own words and provide them extra #details. If the interviewer asks you a question and you have already both it on your resume, they probably just want further details. Try to respond to these inquiries by giving concrete instances to support your experience or #abilities or by demonstrating how your #credentials are pertinent to the position.


Example: I graduated from the University of Stanford with a bachelor's degree in legal studies, for instance. To pass all of my major courses, I had to conduct in-depth legal research and write numerous briefs. I proudly kept a high GPA in each of my classes. I learned the proper research techniques to utilize to identify reliable sources and how to write excellent pieces from the significant research and writing work I accomplished in these classes, which helped me prepare for a job in content marketing. I have also been equipped for a speciality business with high marketing standards thanks to the knowledge I gained from my study.



By being aware of these common interview mistakes, you can better prepare yourself to make a positive impression and increase your chances of #success in your job interviews. Remember, it's essential to tailor your responses to each specific interview and company. Being #well-prepared, #professional, and #positive will greatly increase your chances of making a favourable impression. All the best!




By Arya Shaw for Interview Mocks, Published on 10th July 2023.




25 views0 comments

Related Posts

See All

Kommentare


bottom of page