7 Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview

Interviews are used by hiring managers to evaluate a candidate’s information as listed in a resume or cv. Suppose you have been scheduled for one, congratulations. You fall in between 28% of job applicants who get called for an interview. 

However appealing the prospect of getting a job is, an interview can be your make or break moment. Many companies have different interview stages, all of which make for a nerve-wracking experience, especially for first-timers.

From the competition with fellow candidates to the lack of a second chance to make a better impression, it is easy to see why interviews can be frightening. Well, the article below will help you know exactly what not to say during your meeting.

And while it is hard to guarantee employment by simply talking, the following tips will increase your chances of getting that job. The tips will also give you a confidence boost as you walk before the panel of interviewers. 

Cursive/ Bad Language or Phrases

Let’s start with the universal rule of thumb; maintain a formal and professional tone during the interview. Talking in a tone different from a formal one could spell disaster for your overall job application. 

It is understandable to be nervous. But you need to hold it together and refrain from accidentally or angrily swearing at your interviewers. This makes you look rude, offensive, and unprofessional.

‘I Work Well Without Supervision’ or ‘I Excel at’ and Other Cliches

An interview presents a prime opportunity for you to ‘sell’ yourself to the interviewer(s). However, there is a fine line between selling yourself and coming off cocky. Additionally, this applies to cliches and overly prepared statements.

Recruiters have the ability to spot a lie. According to a recent survey, about 30% of people have lied or deliberately omitted information to make their story credible. Not only that, but 75% of interviewers caught a lie on a resume. Most interviewers have the ability to spot a lie or ‘cocky’ individuals.

So, instead of making slightly self-centered statements such as, ‘I work well without supervision,’ consider saying ‘I can work well under any management style including one with fairly minimal to no supervision.’ 

For such reasons, you must work on your resume. You will easily get disqualified if your resume is not up to date, has incorrect contact information or grammar errors. Take the time to go through your resume while brushing it up.

If that is not an option, then you should strongly consider asking for help. Using professional resume writing services such as resume writing lab significantly increases your chances of getting that job. 

‘What Does This Company Do?’

As explained below, it is okay to ask your interviewer(s) questions. However, refrain from asking questions relating to what the company does or is involved in. This makes you look like you are not interested in the company at all.

Instead of asking such questions, consider performing a sort of background check on the organization in question. Most companies have websites or online information relating to their operations. 

With this clear understanding, you can now ask intelligent questions about the firm. Not only that, but you could commend the company for their operations, i.e., volunteer work or giving back to the community.

‘I Don’t Know.’

In a different setting, the statement I don’t know could be of great importance and can help you learn. However, in an employment setting, you should strongly avoid answering questions by saying, ‘I don’t know.’ 

The recruiting officers might ask you a question which caught you off guard, and as a result, you might lack the answer. However, this is an excellent opportunity for you to put those critical thinking and problem-solving skills to the test. 

You can ask for a minute to compose yourself, but never tell your potential employers that you don’t know.  

‘My Previous Employer’

One common inquiry that the hiring managers might ask will be about your previous employer. Questions might be about the nature of their work, why you left, and if they met your expectations. 

Although it is possible that your former employer might have been unpleasant, avoid mentioning this to your potential employers. It would be best if you refrained from using negative words about your previous employers or company. 

Discussions About Allowances, Benefits, Leave Days and Pay

An interview presents an ideal opportunity for you to sell yourself as a great candidate and employee. For this reason, avoid starting discussions about your pay, allowances, and other benefits.

Only do this when the interviewer asks about such. And in such an event, do your best to remain modest about this information. Alternatively, you could politely mention this towards the end of the interview. 

‘No, I Don’t Have Questions’

Lastly, avoid telling the recruiting officers that you do not have any questions. It is common for interviewers to ask candidates if they have any questions about the company or the job post.

This is your chance to demonstrate your interest in the company or the job position. Take this chance to ask meaningful questions. As a rule of thumb, consider not leaving the interview without asking at least one question. 

Conclusion

Interviews are an excellent way for candidates to demonstrate their skills and capabilities, as shown in their resume. Additionally, it presents an ideal opportunity for candidates to ‘sell’ themselves to the staffing company. 

However, the process is often rigorous and tough. As a result, candidates tend to feel nervous and afraid, which in turn might make them say things that they shouldn’t say during the interview. 

Fortunately, the article above features 7 of the most dreaded things that you should never say during an interview. Hopefully, these tips will give you a major confidence boost as you go for your interview. 

Nonetheless, remember to remain calm and assertive during the entire process. Besides, you got your foot halfway inside the door, and it’s only a matter of time before you get the other one.