7 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make at Your Job Interview
Things You Say or Do at the Job Interview Can Come Back to Haunt You
Do you know that feeling when you say something, and bite your tongue later? Most people will not admit it, but we have all been there. Job interviews are stressful. And stress makes you blabber without thinking. You want to say something, but somehow your brain compels you to speak about other things or in a worst case scenario, the wrong things. You realize that you have firmly put your foot in your mouth.
There is no way you can undo what you said. Words are like a quiver of arrows. Once you have let them go, there is no way you can turn around the destiny of those words. They could make a mark or leave a mark on you forever.
Here are 7 things to avoid saying in your job interview. It will help you to be cautious when you are to put your best foot forward:
- 1.“I really hate my job/boss.”
Sitting in the interview room is your potential boss who is looking for a promising candidate. By blurting out how negatively you feel about your ex-boss or your last job leaves an unsavory taste in the mouth. Whatever you do, don’t speak unfavorably about your previous job. Bad mouthing others reflects poorly on you. Even if you had a really bad experience in the past job, it is best to let bygones be bygones and move on.
- 2.“When are your vacations? Will I get paid vacations?”
Even if you are planning to take a trip to the Bahamas, you don’t ask for vacations while seeking a job. You need to realize that companies have to put all stops when an employee needs to go off on vacation. If you want to take vacation time, don’t mention it. This isn’t the time or place to share your problems or negotiate work arrangements. Asking for paid vacation is like pushing it too far. Save these types of questions until after you have been offered a job.
- 3.“All that you are asking me is already written in my resume.”
Cheeky, huh? When the interviewer asks you a question, you simply answer. There are no two ways about that. The interviewer probably did not have a chance to read your resume. Or he probably wants to hear you speak about yourself. You don’t want your interviewer to think you are one over-smart candidate. So play on because you are the one who needs a job.
- 4.“It’ really hot/cold in here. Can you please crank up/down the air conditioner?”
Keep your personal preferences back at home. At the interview, try to be as accommodating as possible. Your lack of ability to adjust can reflect poorly on you. Bear with the conditions at your office. If you are asked whether you are comfortable, and whether you need anything, you could politely ask for a change of temperature, a glass of water. But stick to bare minimum requirements. You are here for a job interview, not on a casual date.
- 5.“I will do whatever you ask me to do.”
Don’t grovel in front of your interviewer. Even if you are desperate for the job, don’t let that show. It is important that you maintain your dignity, without looking arrogant. Using words like, ‘I’ll do whatever is needed’ is setting up yourself for trouble. Later you may regret having offered your unconditional service. Also, employers value you less when you don’t value yourself.
- 6.“Will my pay increase after one year of working here?”
Talking about a pay hike even before you get the job is a big no-no. You can discuss emoluments, increments, and additional benefits after you get the job. Don’t let the salary become a thorn in the foot.
- 7.“Oh! I…Um…I…Um…Like…Thought ….Like…Um.. You Want….Um..Like…!
It’s annoying to hear someone speak as if they have not made up their mind. If you aren’t sure what you want to say, don’t say anything. Work on your speech, if you have the habit of interspersing your language with filler words such as ‘like’ or ‘um’. Be clear in what you are saying. Structure your thoughts before speaking. If you have a problem with speaking fluently, work on your speech. Take the help of a friend or professional advice on how to speak confidently.
With these basic pointers in mind, you can do much better at your next interview. Make use of our Interview Prep tool too. Good luck!
