10 Jan 5 Things You Should Never Say In A Job Interview
No two job interviews are the same. Each candidate has their own set of answers, some better than others.
There are lots of possibilities for how you’ll answer the tough questions that come your way, but there are some definite no-nos that any interviewee should avoid.
Here are 5 of the worst things to say in an interview and why you should avoid uttering these words the next time you’re in the hot seat and looking for a new job.
1. “I don’t actually have any experience doing this kind of work.”
The truth is, many successful job applicants don’t have much experience in the role they’re hired to perform, but that often doesn’t matter.
If you aren’t very experienced in the role or industry you’re interviewing for, don’t go out of your way to talk about it.
When asked about your experience, try to list your strengths and responsibilities you’ve had in other jobs that you think will translate into this role.
2. “This position is a little beneath me.”
It’s great to have goals to move up the corporate ladder, but you should show an employer that you’re ready and willing to work hard, no matter what the role is during a job interview.
Talking about how the role is too junior for you or how you really want another job instead will make you come off as pretentious and give off a vibe that you’re too good to put in the work required for the job.
3. “My biggest weakness is being a perfectionist.”
Yawn. This is the most common answer in a job interview to the “what’s your biggest weakness?” question, and your interviewer has heard is hundreds of time.
Saying this makes you look unimaginative and shows a lack of personality and originality. Instead, stand out from the pack by giving a more creative answer and follow it up with ways that you’re working on improvement.
Something like, “I’m not great at public speaking, but I practice speaking up in meetings every chance I get and I’m currently taking a Toastmasters class,” is a great answer that’s more unique and demonstrates that you have the drive to address your weaknesses head on.
4. “I can’t stand my current job/boss.”
No matter how miserable you are in your current role, never slam your employer in an interview.
Speaking poorly of someone shows a lack of respect and class and will make your interviewer wonder if you’re difficult to work with or hard to get along with.
5. “I don’t really know what my career objectives are.”
It’s important to show your interviewer that you have goals and are working towards them.
It’s ok if you don’t know exactly what your dream job is, but you can talk in general terms about wanting a leadership position one day or wanting to work towards a senior level role where you can contribute to the strategic planning of a company.
Take some time before your interview to come up with something to say so you don’t look like you’re just aimlessly drifting from job to job or that you lack motivation and drive.
Ace any interview by demonstrating that you’ve done your homework and that you have an upbeat and professional attitude.
When you show that you’re ready to jump in and join the team, your enthusiasm will be contagious and will capture your interviewer’s attention in a positive way.
