Once you've gotten invited to interview for a job, you're only halfway done. How you behave in the interview is the biggest part of landing the job you really want. By now, you should already know that it's important to show up to the interview on time, dressed professionally. It's not a secret that you should avoid acting like an idiot or behaving in a rude or offensive manner, but there are still some things that people say all the time during interviews that make a negative impression and often cost them the job.
What are those things? Well, here are 5 things you shouldn't say:
"My boss is overbearing, (mean, a jerk, or whatever) and I'm looking for a different job" - No matter what happened at your previous job, never, ever, bad mouth your boss. Even if you have a lawsuit pending and have all sorts of justifiable complaints, don't talk about it during the interview. Even if the interviewer commiserates with your situation, you won't earn any brownie points. However, most of the time, the interviewer will assume that you are a problem employee and that you don't understand professional behavior. If you're asked why you are leaving your current job, say that you are looking for new challenges and new opportunities.
"I'm not good at ..." - No one is perfect and you can't be expected to be good at everything. That being said, don't volunteer a weakness. During an interview, never say something negative about yourself without being asked. Of course, if you feel that your weakness is extremely relevant to the hiring manager's decision, you might want to re-think whether or not you are a good fit for the job.
"I love your tie" - Even if it's true and you really like the interviewer's outfit, don't compliment them. Any compliment you give will be viewed as an attempt to suck up. If you want to create a connection and flatter the interviewer, comment on an award or a picture in their office. If they have a degree on the wall, ask about the college. Be very careful not to comment on their appearance or general attractiveness. Not only will it sound insincere, it could even come off as flirty.
"What does the company do?" - If you don't know before you go into the interview, you shouldn't be there. In fact, it's important to show that you have done some research about the company. The best way to do this is to mention something you learned when it's your turn to ask questions.
"I haven't been able to find a job because of the recession." - This makes you sound like someone who is complaining and blaming, which doesn't make a good impression. Although it may be true, you'll want to stay upbeat and positive. When asked about a long job search, it's better to say that you've been focusing on finding the right fit or the right opportunity and although it's been a challenge, it's also exciting. The goal is to suggest that you are intentionally being picky and looking for the perfect job for you.
Have you ever said any of these during an interview? What were your experiences?
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