Six Things You Must Never Say in a Job Interview

“We’re sorry but you weren’t selected” These words can bring down anyone’s confidence. After a job interview, your resume was not impressive and you did all the research. The question that lingers in your mind for hours after is “What could have gone wrong?”

Rejection can also be caused by inexperience or low qualifications. It’s easy to say things that shouldn’t be said during a job interview, whether you know it or not. These words can make it difficult to get selected. These six ‘forbidden’ phrases are an absolute NO at any job interview.

 

1. My current employer is a real pain

When asked why they would like to change jobs, this is a common answer. It is a deal-breaker. Do not say anything negative about your employer. No one wants to hire someone who blames others. Interviewers might be skeptical of your credibility if you mention that you don’t have good relations with your current employer.

The first assumption is that you do not fit into the current work environment. The interview panel will be jittery because you might also not love the current environment. You pass for a toxic employee. They assume that you might pass the same toxicity to the current crop of employees.

The trick is to turn the issue in your favor. Do not let the interviewer know that you do not love your current job, the workplace, or employees. Instead, indicate the desire to embrace new challenges. You should also praise the interviewing organization as a place you would love to work.

You may also attach personal and geographical reasons. For instance, you may indicate the desire to be closer to your family or home. You are even allowed to confess love for the weather in the area. Any reason is welcome as long as your employer does not view you as a toxic employee.

Referring to an employer as pain or in any other derogatory language will cost you a good reputation. It shows an ungrateful spirit that had an opportunity to work but was choosy or dismissive. Show humility and appreciation when addressing past employers. It shows that you can fit into any other work environment.

2. No, I won’t do it

My blunt “NO” response to a question about extra hours almost cost me my job interview. It’s okay to disagree with the interviewer. You may not agree with everything they say. However, it is not a sign that you are a good candidate if you get too involved in the disagreement. To increase your chances of being selected, be flexible and learn to adapt.

Every company has pressure moments. For instance, orders for flowers and gifts during holidays or major celebrations push delivery companies to work overtime. Accounting departments work overnight when closing accounting years. Every business or organization desires to have employees who can stand with the brand during such moments. Such are the times and sacrifices that make employees reliable members of organizations.

Luckily, such incidences do not happen often. It could be one day or weekend in several months. You may even get the chance to work from home over the weekend or during a holiday to complete an assignment. Show the willingness to take the fall for the company. Since such incidences happen everywhere and every time, you are expected to adjust.

Take the chance to inquire about compensation for going the extra mile. Companies provide room for overtime allowance, meaning that your inconvenience will be compensated. Contracts also provide a limit for the overtime hours you can take in a month or year. Anything beyond these hours warrants a review.

Prepare to take the hit for the company because you also require a favor at a time during your work years. A flexible employee is considered an asset to any company.

3. I’ll be able to find out more

Let’s try to understand this better. It’s better to hear about the candidate’s ability to learn and her desire for growth than to focus on the candidate’s shortcomings. Wouldn’t it be great to hear what would benefit the organization’s growth? Your recruiter will be hiring for the benefit of the company. So, focus on that and speak about how you can contribute to the improvement.

It is a delicate issue because you might not possess the perfect skills they could be looking for. However, take attention from such deficiency. Paint a picture of a competent employee who will begin work immediately. Employers do not want to train you for months. They believe a few orientation hours will be enough.

It is unnatural to claim to know everything. You pass for a cheat and might not get the call to report to work. It is the path you take to demonstrate your willingness to learn that will shape their perception of you. Focus more on your competence and the skills you are bringing to the organization. Let the interviewers see an employee who is ready to begin work.

One of the ways to avoid such a line of questioning is to know the responsibilities you will be interviewed for. Prepare to respond to every requirement indicated in the advert. You may even ask about the role from a person within your network who is serving the same position. The interview is a chance to demonstrate your competence and not weakness.

 

4. I don’t have any weaknesses!

After the interview was over, it came down to the question “What are your weaknesses?” Do not just shrug your shoulders and say that you don’t have any. Everybody has weaknesses, even the person who is taking your interview. Let the recruiter know about your weaknesses and how you plan on overcoming them. It is good to know your weaknesses, and the recruiter will be well aware.

But what weaknesses should you reveal? They will earn you the position or cause you to lose a lifetime chance. No employer wants to hire a worker with too many or glaring weaknesses. However, they also understand that no human is perfect.

Choose weaknesses that can be flipped to feel like strengths. For instance, you may claim to pay all attention to work such that you do not notice the time. You may also claim to be a perfectionist such that nothing wrong should be approved. Such weaknesses are understandable and easily perceived as positives.

The positive weaknesses must be demonstrated in your results. For instance, if you claim to pursue excellence, you must demonstrate knowledge of the latest skills. Avoid generic answers that make you appear mundane and uncreative. At the same time, do not give weaknesses that compromise your chances of getting the job.

 

5. What is the salary scale?

Although this is a common question for job seekers, recruiters are less concerned about it. They are primarily interested in finding a candidate who is passionate about what they offer. Tell them what you want. After you have made sure the recruiter is ready to hire you, inquire about the pay structure.

It does not mean avoiding the salary discussion altogether. It would be naïve and self-defeating to ignore the question of salary. After all, you will be working for the salary.

The salary scale is mostly indicated in the advert. Where it is absent, you have a right to ask, only that it calls for caution. It should be among the last questions you ask when given an opportunity towards the end of the interview.

How do you approach the salary issue? Begin by researching the rates for professionals performing similar duties in the organization or the industry. It gives you an idea of the salary to ask for. The description provided during the interview could also cause you to ask for more money. Your skills also determine your salary scale. Consider all these factors before fixing a salary.

A probation period is also recommended when negotiating. You may take a slightly lower salary scale than you expected but leave room for negotiation once you understand the role after two to three months. It also gives the organization a chance to evaluate your competence. By the time you settle down to discuss long-term salary, there will be a consensus.

 

6. Sorry, I’m late…

Remember the first rule in job interviews: “NEVER be late”. Even if it is necessary to leave home at the cracking of dawn, you should try to get to the site by the appointed time. Don’t be embarrassed to tell the recruiter about traffic and difficulties in getting to the location.

Find the quickest route to get to your interview destination. Have options in case one route has traffic or you encounter a mishap along the way. Purpose to get to the interview venue as much as 45 minutes before the scheduled time. It gives you time to acclimatize beyond providing a cushion in case of a mishap.

Your words during an interview will make or break your chances. Avoid any negative comment or attribute that may compromise your chances. When at a fix, turn the situation in your favor. Always appear to be the strongest candidate for the position, regardless of the weaknesses you may conceal beneath.

Author Bio

Dora Miller is passionate about preparing students in college for life after graduation. He is a freelance writer at My Paper Writer where he helps students with assignments. He guides students on ways to maximize their potential while still in college.