The quickest way to be eliminated from any new job consideration is to make the ultimate blunder on your job interview – namely foot-in-mouth disease.
Every year there are polls and surveys published about crazy things job candidates say or do in job interviews so it stands to reason that people still haven’t gotten the message that what you say in an interview counts! Not only what you say but how you say it.
Here are the top 10 words/phrases you should never say in a job interview:
I’m so nervous
Honesty is not the best policy when it comes to telling the job interviewer just how nervous you are – even if your hands are shaking – sit on them or do something with them – just don’t show them that you lack confidence in your abilities.
Money (in any of its forms)
Discussing salary at the beginning of your first interview is a big NO NO! This will raise a red flag quickly with a potential employer who will automatically think you’re only there for the money. Negotiations should always be done at the end of the interview phase.
Mistakes – Weaknesses
Unless you’re asked, never divulge your biggest weakness and automatically bring up mistakes you’ve made at your current or previous jobs – unless – you can show them how you’ve made major improvements so they do not repeat themselves.
I need
It’s not about you – repeat – it’s not about you. If all you talk about is what you need, you will be flagged as a needy, high-maintenance person to work with. And never say “I really need this job.” Employers are looking for someone seeking a long-term career – not just a temporary job.
What are the perks of the job
If in the first five minutes of your interview you have already touched on the topic of perks or benefits of the job, you will create the image that you’re only there for the bennies – not becoming part of the team and ultimately your employer’s success.
My boss is terrible
Negative language in a job interview – especially when it’s your current boss – is a BIG red flag for employers. It shows that you’re okay with bad-mouthing any company (including theirs) and some interviewers throw this question out there just to test you for that very reason.
I’m fine
If the job interview says, “How are you?” how do you respond? Stating that you’re ‘fine’ is so vague, not to mention way overused and it can come off as dishonest or being dismissive. Use another word to describe how you really are. Nothing negative!
Foul language
Even though this sounds pretty obvious, there are still those that just don’t get that using curse words or slang terms in an interview gives the impression that you are a poor communicator. Even if your interview is over drinks and the atmosphere is very laid back – don’t use foul language.
I’m sorry
This has become another filler word i.e. ‘um’ ‘like’ ‘just’ or ‘so’ and makes you look indecisive or too passive as well as lacking confidence.
What about time off
When you bring up this topic in the first interview, you immediately give the impression that you’re already contemplating missing work. This is a subject best left for the final interview.
Source: AOL.com
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