What phrases should you avoid during a job interview?
23 May 2013
Read by 2536 persons
During a job interview, you are obviously stressed and sometimes say unusual or clumsy things. This is understandable. However, some phrases should absolutely be avoided as they could harm your chances of getting hired.
Here are a few:
1 - I forgot...
You are in the interview to briefly explain your background while keeping key points in mind. Therefore, it's out of the question to say this phrase, which discredits you. You must present your past experiences and results, not be evasive or admit a lack of important numbers or the names of key people. An interview also needs preparation at this level.
2 - That's exactly why I resigned...
You are in an interview to show and prove your motivation, certainly not to discuss your personal life in detail. This means you are not supposed to talk about the difficulties that led you to resign, or to complain about your period of unemployment. Prefer to remain vague about these difficulties and strive to think constructively and positively, focusing on what you would like to build for your professional future. This is the right time.
3 - My ex-boss was incompetent...
You are in an interview to convince them that you respect the hierarchy, not to get revenge for the setbacks caused by your former boss. Don't criticize your former superior, even if you feel like it. This shows a negative attitude which recruiters dislike. Instead, highlight the positive aspects of your past collaboration by mentioning your excellent results.
4 - Can you tell me about your company...?
You are in an interview to demonstrate your knowledge of the company, not to bombard your recruiter with questions. It is inappropriate to attend the interview without having first informed yourself about the company that might hire you. The more you know, the more professional you will appear. Before the interview, explore the company website and only ask questions about details that are not visible anywhere.
5 - No, I have no questions to ask...
However, the opposite (not asking any questions) is also detrimental to your application. The recruiter knows that they haven't covered all the topics that interest you in one hour. Be intelligently curious: follow the flow of the conversation and ask your questions at the appropriate and logical time. By asking a few in-depth questions, you give your interviewer the impression that you already feel you are in the role and involved. This can only work in your favor.
Posted on June 12, 2013
Article written by The ReKrute.com team
Here are a few:
1 - I forgot...
You are in the interview to briefly explain your background while keeping key points in mind. Therefore, it's out of the question to say this phrase, which discredits you. You must present your past experiences and results, not be evasive or admit a lack of important numbers or the names of key people. An interview also needs preparation at this level.
2 - That's exactly why I resigned...
You are in an interview to show and prove your motivation, certainly not to discuss your personal life in detail. This means you are not supposed to talk about the difficulties that led you to resign, or to complain about your period of unemployment. Prefer to remain vague about these difficulties and strive to think constructively and positively, focusing on what you would like to build for your professional future. This is the right time.
3 - My ex-boss was incompetent...
You are in an interview to convince them that you respect the hierarchy, not to get revenge for the setbacks caused by your former boss. Don't criticize your former superior, even if you feel like it. This shows a negative attitude which recruiters dislike. Instead, highlight the positive aspects of your past collaboration by mentioning your excellent results.
4 - Can you tell me about your company...?
You are in an interview to demonstrate your knowledge of the company, not to bombard your recruiter with questions. It is inappropriate to attend the interview without having first informed yourself about the company that might hire you. The more you know, the more professional you will appear. Before the interview, explore the company website and only ask questions about details that are not visible anywhere.
5 - No, I have no questions to ask...
However, the opposite (not asking any questions) is also detrimental to your application. The recruiter knows that they haven't covered all the topics that interest you in one hour. Be intelligently curious: follow the flow of the conversation and ask your questions at the appropriate and logical time. By asking a few in-depth questions, you give your interviewer the impression that you already feel you are in the role and involved. This can only work in your favor.
Posted on June 12, 2013
Article written by The ReKrute.com team
