Job Interviews can instigate anxiety making it difficult for you to maintain your cool and say things you should avoid saying.
While we are talking about what we should avoid saying in a job interview, do you recall that blunder you made in your last interview by saying something you should have avoided?
The list is never-ending, depending on the person. However, there are certain common things most job seekers say in an interview due to anxiety and nervousness.
We have curated those things, sentences or phrases below you should avoid and say something positive and productive to secure your job.
1. I hated my previous job (or boss)
Criticising your previous employer or bad-mouthing anything about your last company or job can negatively impact your image in front of the interviewer. Therefore, avoid speaking negatively about your former employer.
Even if you had to deal with a toxic job or boss, your potential employer and recruiter do not know about that. So, try to keep your tone neutral-positive for experiences like these, and frame your answers in such a way that sounds positive. This approach will help you leave a good impression on your hiring manager and company. Ensure that you will never say anything bad about the company during your employment and even after leaving the company.
2. What does your company do? Can you repeat the job title, please?
Never go for an interview unprepared. Your potential employer needs to know that you are a qualified and prepared individual who takes the initiative. Do a thorough research about the company and position you are applying for. You can use the internet to know everything about the company.
Go to their official website to know about what they do. Read the job description carefully to understand the roles and responsibilities associated with the position you have applied for. By showing that you are analytical and research-oriented, you can improve your chances of getting selected for the interview.
3. Never say, I’m sorry, I’m really Nervous.. In a Job Interview
Don’t say you are nervous, even if you are in your job interview. Instead say you are excited (and confident), or at least show it on your face. The recruiters are trying to look the same. It will not only help you get through the situation but also send a positive message to the recruiter.
Also, saying that you are excited, will automatically change your inner talks at that moment. Therefore, you can feel the excitement and forget the nervousness. Just don’t overdo it.
4. I will do anything! Like anything!
Most of the time hiring managers want to hire passionate individuals for their company. However, if you are not sure about the role you have applied for, or showing them that you are overly desperate to get the job, may indicate to the recruiter that you are not truly invested in the role.
Saying things like this may fire back on you and the interviewer may think that you have never been in a specific role in your previous companies or lack the skills and qualifications for a particular role.
5. I don’t have much experience, but…
This is one of the easiest mistakes you can make, especially if you are a recent graduate or switching your career path. By saying this phrase means you are telling the recruiter that you are not a great hire or the right fit for the role. It will take you to square one from where you have started your job search journey.
Instead divert their attention from your weaknesses by saying positive things about yourself focusing on your strengths, and transferable skills irresistible zeal for the role.
6. Discussing salary and benefits, vacations, and so…
Asking direct questions about your salary and benefits may hint to the employer that you are there for the money not for the work. Therefore, they can assume that you haven’t researched about the compensation you deserve, and they may get the chance to scale down your salary.
Therefore, it is better to do your due diligence regarding the salary and other benefits as per market standards. Calculate how much compensation you deserve for a specific role, and keep it aside. When your recruiter starts the salary negotiation, it’s your time to put the ball in your court.
7. It’s on my resume!
The first thing is – it sounds very unprofessional and rude. The second point is, your interviewer already knows it’s there on your resume. However, they want to understand more about the specific role you were at your previous organisation. They might evaluate your communication and social skills, by which they can consider where to put you as per your performance. Should they make you the face of the company or keep you backstage doing autonomous tasks?
This is another chance to see how beautifully and intelligently you can answer their question. You can win the job interview by explaining more about those bullet points from your resume.
8. I will start my own business very soon.
No employer wants to hear this answer or to feel like they are just another stepping stone for your next job or career. Employers want to hire individuals willing to stay in the company for long.
Therefore, you should strictly avoid saying such things. Instead, show them you are interested and committed to the position you are getting interviewed for.
9. Umm, I don’t know…
Really? It’s quite obvious that, how much you prepare for the interview, you always encounter a question that may seem out of the box, and that’s okay. But saying you don’t know, is not the right thing to do here.
You can turn this situation from negative to positive by re-asserting the question slowly before answering, i.e., “As I can understand, it is a great question, and I would say that…” Still blank? Ask your recruiter for a glass of water, pen, paper, or anything you want to buy some time to think about the possible answer to that question.
10. I don’t have any questions for you right now…
The interview is not only for answering the questions asked by the recruiter. Not asking questions shows that you are not genuinely interested in the position or working in the company. Interviewers look for individuals to initiate meaningful engagement with the company..
Asking questions related to the vision and future plans of the organization shows that you are prepared, ready to initiate discussions, and care about the company and the job you have applied for.
Conclusion: It’s time to self-evaluate things and win the job interview
While reading this blog, did you remember something you said in your previous job interview that fire backed you? We understand that. Now that you have come this far, we hope you will use these insights to prepare for your next job interview. We at Remark Jobs help individuals get their dream job irrespective of their experience levels. Hence, if you are trying to get a job, you can try Remark Jobs.