- Things to Avoid Saying in an Interview
- Failing to Prepare for Common
Interview Questions - Not Researching the Company Thoroughly
- Overlooking Professional Appearance and Punctuality
- I Really Need a Job
- How Long Are Lunch Breaks?
- Bad Habits
- My Last Boss and I Didn't Get Along
- I Can't Start Until Next Month
- Compensation
- Summary
- Additional Resources
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Landing an interview is a significant accomplishment after months of job searching. The hard work of polishing your resume, and online reputation, and compiling a portfolio of your best work is done. You’ve even splurged on a nice suit, and you’re ready to make a great first impression. But even with the best preparation, it’s easy to let a few ill-chosen words ruin your chances of success.
To ensure that you put your best foot forward during your interview, it’s essential to avoid certain things. Saying the wrong thing can make you come across as unprofessional, uninformed, or uninterested in the job. That’s why we’ve put together a list of things that you should never say to a potential employer. From avoiding salary discussions to steering clear of negative comments about previous employers, our guide will help you make the best impression possible and land the job of your dreams. So, take a deep breath, relax, and read on to ensure you ace your next interview!
Things to Avoid Saying in an Interview
- Don’t ask about salary or benefits too soon
- Don’t speak negatively about a previous employer
- Don’t lie about your qualifications or experience
- Don’t use profanity or inappropriate language
- Don’t appear disinterested or unenthusiastic about the job
- Don’t ask questions that could easily be answered by researching the company
- Don’t reveal personal information that’s not related to the job
- Don’t make demands or requests that seem entitled
- Don’t talk about politics, religion, or controversial topics
- Don’t interrupt the interviewer or talk excessively about yourself.
No Mistakes Interviews…
...will teach you how to:
- Prepare for the interview.
- Identify the company’s primary need.
- Assess your skills as they relate to that need.
- Sell yourself as the solution.
Failing to Prepare for Common Interview Questions
One of the biggest mistakes job candidates make is showing up to an interview unprepared for common questions. Employers frequently ask about your strengths, weaknesses, and specific experiences related to the job you are applying for. Failing to anticipate these questions can lead to hesitation, uncertainty, and unconvincing answers.
Prepare by researching typical interview questions in your industry and practicing concise, well-thought-out responses. This preparation will demonstrate your enthusiasm and professionalism, which can greatly enhance your chances of success. A lack of preparation may cost you the opportunity to showcase your true potential.
Not Researching the Company Thoroughly
Another critical mistake job seekers make is failing to adequately research the company they are interviewing with. Employers want candidates who are knowledgeable about their business, industry trends, and corporate culture. If you arrive at the interview unable to discuss key aspects of the company, you may appear disinterested or underqualified.
Research the company’s mission, values, recent news, and competitors to show you are genuinely interested in contributing to their success. Being well-prepared with insightful questions and comments about the company can leave a strong, positive impression on your interviewer.
Our AI Job Interview Coach is designed to help you train and excel in any job interview from the comfort of your home. With personalized coaching and expert guidance, you'll be confidently prepared to make a lasting impression on your potential employer.
Overlooking Professional Appearance and Punctuality
Your first impression during a
I Really Need a Job
We all need a job, especially when we are unemployed, but saying you really need a job is not a good start. It implies that you need money, you will do anything, and you will work for cheap. No one wants to hire a desperate person. You should be offering reasons why you would be a valuable asset to the company, not whining about your bad luck or thinking that you can guilt-trip them into hiring you (you can’t).
The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to interview questions by discussing the specific Situation, Task, Action, and Result of the situation you are describing. This technique helps you create an easy-to-follow story with a clear conflict and resolution.
How Long Are Lunch Breaks?
Any question that focuses on you (what time can I leave?, Do I get a discount?, etc.) is not a good question (take a look at Tips for Boosting your Confidence for an Interview). There will be time to ask questions about the benefits once you get the job offer. Asking questions such as this, as opposed to any number of legitimate queries about the company you’re hoping will hire you, makes you look petty. The employer is thinking—this is really all he/she is thinking about, the lunch break?
Avoid common interview mistakes that can cost you the job! Learn how to stand out by preparing smart answers, researching the company, and making a strong first impression. #JobInterviewTips #CareerAdvice #InterviewSuccessClick To TweetBad Habits
It’s best to keep certain personal habits to yourself during a job interview. Smoking or nail-biting, for example, can give an employer the wrong impression. Admitting to these habits could suggest that you’ll be taking excessive breaks or setting a bad example for coworkers. Even if you do have these habits, it’s best not to mention them during the interview. Instead, focus on highlighting your qualifications and how you can add value to the company. If you are a smoker, be prepared to minimize or eliminate your smoke breaks, and take steps to control the smell on your clothing and breath.
My Last Boss and I Didn’t Get Along
Avoid talking about past failures in general, especially as they relate to previous jobs. You should also refrain from speaking poorly about your current company, boss, or coworkers. Your new potential employer doesn’t want to get nervous about you during the interview. You should be highlighting your upsides, not talking about your possible downsides. If you got laid off or fired from a previous job, only discuss it if the story relates to an issue of professionalism or procedure that will make you look knowledgeable.
It’s no secret that job interviews are nerve-wracking, especially if you feel the position is a much-needed stepping stone into a fulfilling product management career. Take a look at CareerAlley's interview resources to improve your interview skills and nail your next interview.
I Can’t Start Until Next Month
It’s best not to mention any
Compensation
When going through a
Summary
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Additional Resources
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