What Not To Say In A Job Interview

Show A Lack Of Accountability

Avoid blaming others for your mistakes. The interviewer may ask you to discuss a time you made a mistake at work. Don’t say that you have never made a mistake or that your coworkers were the only ones at fault. Instead, take accountability for your actions. Explain what you learned from the mistake and how you would approach the situation now if you were faced with it again.

It Can Be Difficult For Me To Maintain A Healthy Work/life Balance

Finding work/life balance is important to maintain motivation in your job. While it is certainly honorable and shows a strong work ethic to spend your time and energy on work, it is also necessary to prioritize resting, going on vacation, spending time with your family and enjoying hobbies. Doing so can help you feel refreshed when you are at work and can increase motivation, creativity and support a positive outlook.

If this is the weakness you choose to present during your interview, explain the ways you have learned to balance life and work and how you have seen your work improve as a result. You can also explain that work/life balance is something you find important in the role you are applying for.

Before providing this as an example, you should do extensive research about the company culture. If you are interviewing for a position in which it is necessary to have your phone on and available at all times, you might not want to say you turn your phone off at night to achieve work/life balance.

Example:Because I truly love my work and have ambitious career goals, it can be difficult for me to keep a healthy balance between work and my personal life. I have seen a negative impact on my motivation and focus when I ignore my personal needs.

I Could Use More Experience In

Each candidate has areas to improve upon in their expertise. Maybe its something specific like building pivot tables in Excel. Perhaps its a skill like math, writing or public speaking. Whatever the case, sharing something you want to improve upon shows the interviewer that youre self-aware and like to challenge yourself. Be sure, however, that you dont answer with a weakness that is essential to the role.

A few common areas people need experience in include:

• Verbal communication

• Specific programs

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Using Subjective Or Arbitrary Criteria

Rather than “screening out” candidates based on an initial gut feeling or on unpredictive criteria such as GPA, the address on a resume, or the sound of a name, the interviewer should make sure that the evaluation process is as structured, job-specific and objective as possible. This will give them the chance to hire great people they might not have even considered otherwise, said Michael Burtov, founder and CEO of GeoOrbital.

Dont Just Give Yes Or No Answers

Most of the time, interviewers will ask you open-ended questions, but sometimes you’ll get a yes or no question. It’s important to continue to elaborate instead of just saying yes or no and leaving it at that.

If you don’t have an answer for the hiring managers question, you can ask them to elaborate, or if you must, re-word and turn it back around on them .

If they continue to dig for a response, let them know you would be happy to answer after follow up research. This shows your eagerness to learn, which can only help in this situation.

For example:

Interviewer: Do you have the PC troubleshooting experience stated in the job description?

You: I understand that troubleshooting is vital to this role which was stated in the job description, but is there a specific skill you are talking about?

Interviewer: You’ll be asked to help and correct different issues on our company PC’s throughout the office. Have you done that before?

You: No, I haven’t performed any PC troubleshooting tasks in past roles but I’m a quick learner and will have a better grasp on the skill next time we meet!

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Discussions About Your Lack Of Experience

If you are a recent graduate or changing careers, try to focus on the strengths you will bring to the position and how the experience and skills you do have will add value to the company rather than focusing on any weaknesses or lack of experience. When answering questions about relevant experience, make sure you mention transferable skills that will be beneficial to the role, such as strong communication, organization, problem-solving and time-management skills.

Example:”While most of my experience is in customer service, my manager in my last position asked me to act as a new hire coach in which I was able to listen to recorded calls and sit with new customer service associates. In that role, I was able to provide them feedback or tips on how to perform their job duties more efficiently. I am excited to apply this experience to help me be a motivational leader in this customer service supervisor position.”

Dont Say Youre Just In It For Money

Its also not a good idea to talk about why you need a job or to admit that youre just looking for something to pay the bills.

While it may be true, employers want to know what youve accomplished and how youll achieve results for them. The employer is interested in how you can benefit the company and what their ROI will be if they hire you this is not the time to talk about why you need the job.

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I Dont Have Any Weaknesses

In almost ALL interviews, youre going to get this question: What is your biggest weakness?

or at least some variation of it, like What was your biggest struggle at your last job?

Never say nothing!

If you say you dont have any weaknesses, you are either:

The other horrible thing to do is answer with a fake weakness, like Im a perfectionist. Cmon. Thats not a real weakness. Your interviewer asks this question because they want to see if you are honest and if the weakness isnt going to be a future problem.

The Solution: Give a REAL weakness you have, but frame it in a way that it wont affect your job performance. For example, you can say something like:

I often get confused if I have to multitask or have many different objectives to complete, so Ive been working on focusing on one thing at a time. So far, it seems to work!

Ill Have The Steak And A Glass Of Cabernet

If your meeting takes place over a meal, take the lead from your interviewers. Casually ask if theyve been to the restaurant before and what they think are good optionshopefully their recommendations will give you a sense of an appropriate price range. If not, try to have your interviewer order first and choose something at that price point . And put down the drink menueven if your interviewer imbibes, you should stay on your best behavior.

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Would You Like To See My References

Interviewing is a lot like dating, says Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter of CareerTrend.net. Its important to entice with your value and attract them to call you for the next date. Offering up your references too soon may hint at desperation. Plus, you dont want to run the risk of overusing your references.

How To Answer Interview Questions About Job Challenges

In an interview, your potential employer’s goal is to assess whether the position is a good fit for you. To determine fit, interviewers will often try to figure out which aspects of the job will be the toughest for you to master.

Interviewers will approach this problem in one of two ways. They might ask you to reflect on what you think are the most challenging aspects of the job. Or they might ask the opposite question: Which part of this job would you find to be the least challenging?

Before you arrive for your interview, you should think about how you will answer the “most” and “least” questions that you may hear.

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So What Exactly Does Your Company Do

When an interviewer asks if you have any questions for them, its an opportunity for you to demonstrate how well-informed you arenot a chance to ask questions that you could have easily figured out on your own with just a few minutes of research.

This question is a dead giveaway that you didnt do any homework on the company or their products, says Elizabeth Becker, client partner and career expert at recruiting firm PROTECH. Instead, use questions as a way to demonstrate you did some homework.

For example, you might do some research on a company and discover that they primarily target small to medium businesses . In that case, you might want to say something like, I found it interesting that your software is targeted to the SMB spacedo you have any plans to launch enterprise solutions as well? Becker suggests.

Why Are Job Interviews Important

Interviews are important because they allow you to meet with members of a company and see if the job you’ve applied for is a good fit. Interviews also provide the company with a chance to check your qualifications and present you with problem-solving opportunities or questions about the job. Preparing for your interview is crucial so you can make an excellent impression and show your suitability for the position. However, there are some behaviors, questions and comments you’ll want to avoid during an interview.

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Based On What I’ve Learned I Believe I Can Do This Job Well

Telling the interviewer that you believe you can meet the expectations discussed in the interview can make them feel that you care about the compatibility of you and the company. This shows that you took everything they said into consideration and only made your decision about your ability once you received all the information.

Then While I Was At Happy Hour

Is your underwear riding up your rear end as you sit in that interview? Did you totally run a red light so that you could be on time? Did your husband lose $15,000 at a craps table in Vegas last weekend? How interestingyet all completely off-limits conversation topics while youre in the interview. Even if youre interviewing for a role within the most free-wheeling, fun-loving organization, the fact remains that you are in an interview. Never, ever get wooed into believing that the casual nature of the environment frees you to enter the TMI zone.

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Whats The Bonus Or Raise Schedule

Now listen, I know pay is important. And you should talk about it.

But this question is impossible for a hiring manager to answer. Why? Because giving a raise all depends on your performance, the profits of the company, etc.

Never ask this question until after you prove your performance.

The Solution: If you NEED an answer to this question, a better way is to ask:

How will I know Im succeeding?

With that question, youll learn how success is noted and celebrated at this company.

‘terrible’ ‘horrible’ ‘awful’ ‘hate’ Etc

You shouldn’t use negative language during your interview especially when you’re talking about your current or previous boss or employer.

“Even if the interviewer invites you to, don’t,” Hoover says. It’s not classy, and it will make you sound bitter and petty. “It also shows that you could bad-mouth any boss or company in the future and it could even be a test to see if you will say anything disparaging.”

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And On My Sixth Trip Around Asia

A bit of small talk and conversation about non-work-related topics is perfectly fine at a job interview. Some interviewers enjoy warming up the conversation this way or winding down with more off-the-cuff conversation.

But when you start going into detail about your personal life and aspirations that have nothing to do with the job, youre going to lose the interest of most hiring managers and recruiters.

Start slow when youre sharing information about a hobby or experience thats unrelated to the job. Gauge the interviewers interest and go from there.

Dont Say: How Much Time Will I Have Off

This one is all about timing and how you frame the question. In the wake of the pandemic, a lot of employers are trying to figure out the optimum balance between working from home and going into the office. There is also a bigger focus on mental health. So, its not that you cant ask about PTO, but be strategic about it. If you ask the person who is going to be your boss in your first interaction, it may come across that youre not serious about working, Salemi explains.

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Id Like To Start My Own Business As Soon As Possible

Entrepreneurial ambitions are greatbut if youre applying for a job to work for someone else, you probably want to downplay the fact that youre trying to get funding for your burgeoning startup. Most employers want to hire people who are going to be around for a while, and if theres any suspicion that youre just collecting a paycheck until you can do your own thing, you probably wont get the job.

What To Say Instead: What Are The Next Steps

Essentially, what youre looking to hear when you ask, How did I do? is whether or not they see you as a viable candidate. Instead of positioning yourself as needy, the better thing to do is ask for next steps, so you can adjust your expectations accordingly. Leave it open-ended and assume you did well, urges Salemi. Its common to leave an interview wondering how you did, but always stay in the moment. Focus on the next step rather than something that you may have missed.

Oh, and its okay to ask for feedback after youve been rejected. Sometimes its not necessarily about your qualifications, but other circumstances . In that case, you can ask the interviewer to keep in touch and consider you for similar positions in the future.

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Here Are 5 Things You Should Mention Instead

• Bring up details about the company so they know youve done your research.

• Make it well known that you are very excited for the job opportunity .

• Bring up your work history and experience. Look to match the details you provide with the specific skills they are trying to find in a candidate.

• Mention your ability to work within large teams and that you are also able to work well alone.

• Make sure the hiring manager is aware that you are looking to stay for the long haul .

Dont Speak Negatively About A Former Or Current Employer

The last thing your potential employer wants to hear is you complain about your current environment. Remain professional and keep the commentary to a minimum.

When asked why you are looking to leave your current job, site the key reasons that you want to leave. These should include self-development, an opportunity for growth, a new experience.

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Tips For Sending A Letter Declining A Job Interview Invitation

Be Sure: Once you’ve declined the job interview, you can’t change your mind. So before you send the letter turning down the interview, be sure about your decision. You won’t be able to say yes to this interview opportunity after you’ve said no. Change your mind, and you’ll risk coming off as unreliable, flaky, indecisive, or worse.

Respond Quickly: While you need to be sure about your decision not to go forward with the interview, you should also respond to an employer’s invitation as quickly as possible. This is especially true if you’ve already made solid plans for a formal interview. Here’s how to cancel the interview, if you’ve already scheduled a meeting. Be respectful of the hiring manager’s time and priorities.

If you’re not going to go forward with the interview process, it’s important to step aside as soon as possible so that an interested candidate can take your place.

Be Courteous: Be polite and gracious in your email to avoid burning any bridges. After all, you may want to apply for open positions at the company in the future. Most industries are small worlds, and hiring managers do network with human resources personnel at other companies to identify and help place qualified job candidates. Be rude in your communications with the hiring manager, and you might wind up shut out of other jobs that are more in line with your goals. You most likely would lose a chance for employment with their organization in the future.

Don’t Use Your Cellphone

Using your cellphone during an interview can make it seem like you’re disinterested in the job you’ve applied for. It may also leave the impression that you’d rather be doing something else or that you have somewhere else to be.

In addition, fidgeting with your mobile device in the waiting room and during your interview makes you lose your focus. If you have your phone out, the hiring manager could catch you off guard if they suddenly walk up to you ready to start the interview.

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Curse Words Or Potentially Offensive/inappropriate Jokes Of Any Kind

While cursing or joking around may be part of your personality or common among your friends, its imperative that you not swear or insult the hiring manager during an interview . Infusing a bit of your sense of humor into the interview process is fineyou should be yourself, after allbut be sure you never, ever cross the line. Its highly unprofessional.

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