A job interview is quite unnatural process, both for employers and applicants. Both sides are aware of this meeting being a protocol-based dialogue. However, when it comes to making a good impression, jobseekers are trying too hard and say things that actually do more harm to them than. Check out these 10 things you should never say on a job interview.
1. My previous job was a nightmare ...
Even if you were underpaid, humiliated, deprived of promotion for years, beaten and tortured at your previous workplace, there's no need to mention your misfortunes during a job interview. Unfortunately or fortunately, "an interview is not a natural part of life, but rather a show." Remain neutral and positive! Tell them about all good things you've learned from your past experience (a thorough preparation for this question is highly suggested) and focus on the future. What can you tell if your last job was a nightmare? If a recruiter asks you why you left your last job, you can simply say that you have achieved everything you could there (backed up with facts and figures), that you were looking for new career opportunities within this company, but couldn't find them.
2. My boss was a real tyrant ...
One golden rule: never criticize your previous employer or company. First, the company you worked for wasn't yours and you are not personally responsible for the management applied within this company. You have nothing more to lose, only to gain. If you start criticizing your former employers, your future boss may think that one day you are going to do the same with him or his company, even worse - he may think you are hard to work with.
3. Sorry, I'm very nervous ...
Even if you are nervous, don't declare it. Every company wants to work with people able to demonstrate their confidence in themselves and in company. During an interview, your sincere confession of inability to manage your stress can reduce your chances of getting a job. There are a lot of relaxation techniques that can help you manage your stress. For example, fix your eyes on any object in the room and mentally describe it to yourself. Breathe deeply.Tell an introductory phrase to a recruiter while you are breathing, take your time to find the answer.
4. I would do whatever you ask me to do ...
Employers are looking for applicants matching their set of requirements for a particular job.They are looking for motivated applicants willing to do some jobs. So, even if you need money, don't say you are ready to do whatever they ask you to do, focus on a position for which you are going to apply. Tell them about your interest in this position and how you can benefit from this particular company.
5. I know I have a little experience, but ...
This is the most common mistake that young people or people willing to change careers make. When you apologize for your lack of experience, you say: “I'm not the right person for this job.” That's not true. Even if you have no experience for a particular position, you have a good experience in some other field, and that's can be helpful to demonstrate your ability to learn new things and face new opportunities. Focus on positive aspects of your past experiences.
6. It is stated in my CV.
They perfectly know what is written in your CV, they've read it. However, if they're asking you about some points in your CV, they are most likely to need some additional information about them. Seize this opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills.
7. My main weakness is that I am a perfectionist
Chances are high that this phrase produces the opposite effect of the expected one. All recruiters on the earth have already heard it thousands of times. Secondly, you may appear arrogant by saying you are a perfectionist. This phrase doesn't provide a valuable information neither on you, nor on your skills. When it comes to strengths and weaknesses, just find a small weakness, the one that the majority of people have.
8. I've got the best results in my last job, and I've learned Chinese on my own
Do not praise yourself too much - it's annoying! Notice how successful people talk about their achievements? They are quite humble, sincere, but self-confident. That's the tone you need.
9. My core competence is that I know how to keep my kimono fastened.
Avoid using industry jargon and technical acronyms if you are not sure that the recruiter knows or understands these terms. If you have employed some professional terms, don't miss to explain what they mean in plain English.
10. Hm, I don't know ...
No matter how well you're prepared for an interview, there's always a risk that they will ask you a question that you have no a clue how to respond. However, don't ever say: "Hmm, I don't know ...", better take your time to think (“Hm, let me think …”), relax and answer it. You can honestly say: "What a good question! Let me think ... Well ... ". You can ask a recruiter a little time to think about it.
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