Some studies tell us that an employer has decided whether or not to hire you within the first minute or of meeting you for an interview. And while it’s important to recognize that although first impressions mean a lot, so does the content of your interview. Yes, greeting the employer with a big beaming smile and a good handshake leads you off to a great start, but the interview has to be good too.
There’s plenty to be said on the things you do need to include in your interview. You can check out this blog post by Dana Hasan on what body language techniques to use in order to increase your confidence in job interviews, or this blog post on how to answer the most frequently asked interview questions. So, it’s safe to say that there’s a lot out there letting you know exactly what to say and how to say it, but what about the things that you should not say in a job interview? The things that could hinder your chances of success, and even cut the interview short. Those are really good to know about too, so you really do have the very best chance at getting that all-important callback after your interview.
And on that note, let’s take a look at 10 things you should NEVER say during a job interview:
The words “I don’t know” are sometimes great. It’s OK to be honest, and it should be valued in certain circumstances. However, it isn’t ideal in a job interview because it cuts off the conversation and either makes you sound incompetent, lacking in knowledge, or flustered (or all three). Instead, try saying “what I can tell you is” - and then do your best to answer the question.
Remember, you don’t have to be always right, but you do have to be seen as willing to give something in response to any question.
Unfortunately saying negative things about a previous employer only makes you look unprofessional, even if you’re telling the truth. It leaves the interviewer wondering if you will be badmouthing them in the future also. Instead, list all the positive things you can say about the employer and workplace and if pushed, explain why the job you are applying for offers you more or better than you had previously in your last position, while you remain professional and respectful.
Asking about your compensation during the initial interview stages without being shortlisted yet, suggests that your priorities are only financially focused, rather than feeling you have something to offer the company. Instead, ask any salary and compensation-related questions during the application process on the phone (when enquiring) or when you have a solid job offer, or if the interviewer directs the discussion to the topic of pay.
If you are asked questions that have already been asked, it is important not to mention that you have already answered those questions. And that’s because the person asking may be different from people you have spoken to before, or they may want to hear you say something you have written down, or it could just be something they have to ask again in an interview. Stating that you are repeating yourself can sound passive-aggressive and like you feel you don’t owe the interviewers any more of your time. Instead, think about this as a second chance to formulate your answer and wow your future employer, so smile and answer the question again.
It goes without saying, but offensive remarks, unprofessional language and swear words, do not belong in an interview setting, EVER. They are rude, disrespectful and they make you look extremely unprofessional. Instead, practice your answers and overall conduct, and focus on wording your answers concisely and professionally, and avoid filler words such as “umm” and “like”.
The word “no” should not be used in an interview unless it is used in a positive way such as a response to a question like:
“Do you have any issues working extra hours?”
Having said that, it is also helpful to follow it up with positive wording like - “no, that would be great” or “no, I am fine with that”.
Generally speaking, the word “no” should be completely avoided if you are asked a question and the answer is a negative one. Perhaps the interviewer asks if you have experience in an area, you don’t have experience in, or they ask if you know more about their company. It is about offering more than a negative dead end when asked a question so that you seem more positive and open. Similar to the “I don’t know'' advice mentioned above, you should redirect your answer and plump it up, rather than just saying no. For example:
“I don’t have any experience in that particular area, but I would love to learn...”
Or
“I haven’t done a lot of detailed research, but I do know that your company has a great reputation and that is why I applied for an opportunity to work here.”
Oversharing personal information about yourself when it is not warranted or helpful can leave the person who’s interviewing you, with a negative perception of you. This could include a sly comment about somebody you know, sidetracking about how you love a certain TV show is all content to avoid in an interview. The only reason you should use personal information is when it applies to a question such as one about your hobbies, or experiences in life that have led you to be a better person.
It seems outrageous to think anybody would attend an interview and say something like this, but it happens. Some people may not realize it, but this question comes across as though you really don’t care enough about the job to do some research. Others may think it makes them appear confident and self-assured for example; I am an asset to anyone I don’t need to do any preparation. Rest assured it can only make you look like you don’t value the job and the chance to interview there when you say this, so do your research so that you don’t even have reason to say it in the first place.
Although this sentence can endear you to some people, it mostly suggests you lack confidence, which can be off-putting to a potential employer. Try to practice mindfulness and breathing techniques before your interview to calm your nerves and even if you are nervous, don’t say that you are, just do your best. They probably won’t even be able to tell.
You might say something like this because you are willing to do any job at the company to earn money. This is a great work ethic, but the employer doesn’t want to hear this. Instead, they want to know that the role you are applying for is the one you want. They want to know why that job role matters to you, and why you think you can do it. Try to show willingness in a specific way that relates to the job roles and the skills needed, rather than a general willingness to apply yourself to any task going.
Certain areas of the job market are offering more jobs than ever before as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic fallout. However, the fact is that there is still a lot of competition out there for the best jobs, which is why your interview skills have to be sharp. By knowing what not to say as well as what to say, you can make sure the content of your interview is only going to impress potential employers.
