I recently worked with a client to rewrite his resume and coach him on effective interviewing techniques. I got a copy of his resume and met with him to learn more about what kinds of jobs he was interested in. What I learned from that meeting was a lot more than just his career plans and previous experience. It made me realize that how you say things in an interview is just as important as what you say.
This person was very knowledgeable, but came across as a “know-it-all” by the way he spoke. Not an attractive impression to give a prospective employer. Here are six ways that your speech can ruin an interview.
- Begin every sentence with “I.” Wait a minute…isn’t the interview about what “I” have done at my last job and what “I” can do in the new position? Well, yes. But if every sentence starts with the word “I,” you come across as the Lone Ranger, riding on his horse to save the day without any assistance whatsoever. This is the world of “we.” Collaboration. Teams. Working together. No one does a job on his or her own. The ability to successfully work with others and sharing the spotlight is a valuable skill in today’s collaborative work environment.
- “This is the way we did things at…” I made the mistake of using that phrase a lot as a new employee, followed by our methods at my last job. I thought everyone would be thrilled to learn
- the “right” way to do things. I came across as a snobby know-it-all, discounting their efforts as inferior to mine. You can come across as set in your ways and closed to new ideas instead of someone who wants to learn.
- “No, it’s not…” No one wants to hear the word “no.” Not customers, or bosses or future employers. No is so final…no room for negotiation or consideration. Employers like people who are flexible, adaptable and easy to work with. There may be times when “no” is the only answer, like “Would you ever consider stealing from the company?” That question aside, remain open and flexible.
- “I don’t know.” Interviewers like to throw out tough questions. When you get one that stumps you, “…That’s an interesting question” is a much better response. It validates the interviewer and gives you some time to consider your answer or ask clarifying questions. When you say “I don’t know,” you give the impression you’re giving up.
- Channeling the Swedish Chef. One of my favorite characters from The Muppet Show was the Swedish Chef. He talked a lot but you never understood a word he said because he mumbled his words in a sing-song manner with a thick accent. Speak slowly and distinctly. Enunciate your words. Be conversational and relaxed. Speak up. If your interviewer keeps leaning forward with a puzzled look on her face, she probably can’t hear all the wonderful things you have to say.
- “Like it’s totally, awesomely cool. Great!” Expand your vocabulary. A question that starts with, “…tell me about…” requires a specific answer relating a particular incident, project or experience, not just a string of jargon. If an experience was great, what made it so? Was it the challenge you faced, the problem that needed solving or the people you met? This kind of open-ended question requires details.
What other ways can you ruin an interview? Share your observations or blunders with other readers in the Comments section below.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for communicationsjobs.net. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at communicationsjobsblog.com and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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