What not to say during a job interview
You’ve landed the job interview you’ve been waiting for, and now it’s time to let your skills and personality shine. You’ve prepared answers to common interview questions, and nerves might be settling in. To be prepared, it’s important to know everything you should say, as well as everything you shouldn’t. Here are some things you should avoid saying in an interview.
“I hate my job.”
Even if this is true, don’t say it. There are many valid reasons to look for new employment, but you should dig a little deeper when explaining why you’re in the market for a different position. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of your job, consider pinpointing exactly what you learned from it or professionally explain why it wasn’t the right fit for you without speaking negatively about your current employer. This shows that you can learn from difficult situations and apply them to new positions.
Using curse words during a job interview
Never curse during a job interview. It demonstrates a lack of respect and can be incredibly offensive to the hiring manager. Speak respectfully and answer each question professionally.
“What is the pay?”
You have every right to know what an employer is willing to pay you, but wait until you get the job offer to discuss this point. As you work through the negotiations, you’ll have a better understanding on if this position is going to pay what you want. However, speaking about it too soon can turn a potential employer off and prevent you from moving forward in the interview process.
“Sorry, I’m late.”
Avoid arriving late for an interview. If your first words to a hiring manager are an apology for your tardiness, you might not get a second interview. Show up on time and be prepared to answer questions that showcase your experience and skills.
“It’s on the resume.”
Your interviewer will likely ask questions that can be answered from your resume. Never tell them to find the answer themselves. They are trying to get a feel for your personality and want to hear directly from you about your skills and experience. This is also a great time to explain in more detail some of the things you’ve done and provide more insight than what’s on a one-page resume.
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