The job market is not what it used to be. It is now a very competitive place and being asked to conduct a job interview is thus not the last stage; just the beginning of another phase. That is why you have to pick your words carefully if you want to land that position. Here are some things not to say in a job interview if you really hope to see yourself in that position.
1. “What does your company do?”
Before we go on, we have a question for you too – why were you in that seat in the first place if you did not know what the company did? It might sound absurd, but hiring managers have reported getting these kinds of questions… a lot. Before you go for an interview, you are expected to have done your homework on the company.
Here is a list of other things you should take care of before going for an interview.
2. “My last boss was a sh#@$%^”
If you come off as someone who would speak ill of their former boss behind their backs, that shows how you would treat your potential employers when you leave them. We have yet to meet that hiring manager who will hire that person.
3. “I was fired”
Remember how we told you to be completely honest? Well, there’s a way to do it. Telling the hiring manager you were fired from your last job is the truth, just too crude. Instead, you could opt to tell them how you and your former employer had to ‘part ways’ because of a ‘difference in interest.’
You could also come up with better responses by looking at some of our best templates here.
4. “That’s a nice suit”
Being nice has a limit, and you might have just crossed it. Coming off as inappropriate may make your interviewer feel uncomfortable. If you must compliment, keep it professional. As an example, from your research, you may want to mention a recent exploit of the company.
5. “I used to organize the ABCs with DEFs”
If you start a sentence this way, you can be sure you have communicated nothing to the recruiter. Don’t get caught up in industry jargon from your old job. Even if the recruiter may know what you are saying, you should still spell it out.
6. “What benefits come with the position?”
Nothing says “I’m more interested in what you have to offer me than what I can do for you” more than this statement. Seeking out the number of days you get on paid annual leave, bonuses, allowances and the likes is unprofessional at the interview stage. A more appropriate time would be if you get an offer of appointment.
7. “I just want a job”
And that means you are bad for business. In fact, very bad for business. You come off as desperately in need of something to put the next meal on your table, not something you can meaningfully contribute to.
No matter how hard you prepare for an interview, a single one of these statements could rule out your candidacy. Don’t forget to check out other important resources on acing a phone interview, and the things to bring to an interview.