Top 10 Worst Things to Say in an Interview

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 09:35:28 -0400

This from Military.com is spot-on for some basic interview pointers:

http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/interview-tips/top-10-worst-things-to-say-in-an-interview.html?ESRC=careers.nl

Top 10 Worst Things to Say in an Interview

Interviews can be intimidating situations – one wrong word might kill your chances at getting hired. Don't fret, do research. Business Excellence put together the top 10 worst things to say during an interview which we've compiled for you below. It's easier than you might think to avoid these missteps, just make sure you take them to heart.

1. My greatest weakness is that I'm a perfectionist.

Really? You're greatest weakness is that you want things done well? All employers have heard this one before, and it's disingenuous. Talking about your weaknesses might seem difficult because it's best to avoid negatives during an interview. But, this question necessitates an honest answer. Rather than lying about a positive quality that might sound negative, think of a personal trait that doesn't directly impact the job and is something you've made progress on changing. Employers ask this question to see how honestly you can evaluate yourself and how you handle shortcomings.

2. My previous boss was stupid and I didn't like him.

Professional behavior is one of the most important soft business skills you can display during an interview, and that includes keeping discussions about your previous employer completely civil. You may be right: your old boss could have been a philandering, cold-hearted thief, but that doesn't mean you're in the right to slander them in front of a hiring manager at a different company. If you absolutely must talk about your old boss, try to use the most sterile, non-judgmental terms possible.

3. I want to take your job in five years.

Another typical interview question is, "where do you see yourself in five years?" Employers ask this because common corporate wisdom looks at growth in five year chunks for their business as well as their employers. Five years is enough time to get a promotion, reach a new revenue goal, and more. So, when you think about your own five year plan, do not threaten the interviewer by telling them you're gunning for their seat. It's important to let them know that you want to strive for bigger and better things, but not in a way that makes you look like a snake in the grass.

4. That outfit looks great on you.

It's important to try making a connection with a hiring manager, but complementing them on their appearance or any other personal aspect is the wrong way to do it. Even a simple compliment like, "that's a nice outfit," might send the wrong message. The interviewer is there to gauge whether or not you are a good fit for the company, not whether or not you enjoy their appearance. It's generally okay to touch on topics that don't relate to business such as brief mentions of common interests, but don't let professional boundaries slip.

5. Sorry I'm late.

Nothing undermines your qualifications like showing up late to an interview. This is quite possibly one of the worst things you can do, barring stealing from the office and insulting the interviewer. It is the very first aspect that employers can judge, and it plays a big part in setting the tone. If you arrive late, regardless of the reason, employers won't take you seriously as a candidate. If you can't or won't make sure you arrive on time, why should an employer work around you?

6. I don't know.

There's a very easy way to avoid those fateful words during an interview: research. Research the company, the company's products, who you're talking to, where the company fits in their industry, the industry as a whole, the position you'll be in, other positions similar to what you'll be doing, and what skills you can bring to the new position. It may seem like a lot, but a few hours researching will seriously help your qualifications. No matter what the position is, the more you know about it the more impressed hiring managers will be.

7. I don't have any questions.

Always have questions. If you don't think you'll be able to come up with any on the spot, have a few ready before you go in. Questions demonstrate interest, and no employer wants to hire someone who doesn't seem interested in working for their company. Ask questions that show a willingness to learn about the position and a curiosity about the industry at large. It's okay to talk about subjects that don't directly relate to the position so long as you're thinking about how the company operates and how you'll be a strong contributor to their operations.

8. How much time off do you provide?

Do you want the new job because of the perks, or because you're passionate about the industry and want to work hard and help the company? Employers will not accept the first answer. If there's an appropriate way to have a conversation about benefits without the employer mentioning it first, they are incredibly rare and tricky to pull off. Unless you have a concrete job offer, sidestep bringing this up entirely.

9. Excuse me, I need to take this call for just a second.

Your future is, in a lot ways, on the line during an interview. You might desperately need a new job, or it's in an industry you've always wanted to be a part of, or it may just offer a better quality of life. With so much at stake, a job interview is not the appropriate time or place to take calls or answer texts. Unless there is a grave emergency that requires your immediate attention, keep your phone out of your hands. Stalling an interview for a quick chat is another way of saying, "hey, this isn't really important to me and I don't care about how you spend your time. Where's the door?"

10. I thought you had a copy of my CV?

Always bring extra copies of important documents. This will usually mean just your CV, but it includes anything else that could be relevant. It's a small step to take, but it's better to have a copy on hand than not.

Interviews can be intimidating situations – one wrong word might kill your chances at getting hired. Don't fret, do research.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 11 at 2014 1:37 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 01:37:57 -0400

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member I am saving this to my desktop. Thank you very much sir. The hunt continues............

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Sep 11 at 2014 1:48 AM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 01:48:23 -0400

Good advice sir. IT is so easy to sabotage yourself if you are not careful.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 11 at 2014 8:32 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 08:32:41 -0400

Good article. It's too hard these days to even get an interview only to sabotage yourself during the interview!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 10:54 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 10:54:19 -0400

Great advice. Thanks for sharing.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 10:59 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 10:59:04 -0400

I've made that mistake in #1 and still have a hard time imagining how to answer it. I have also found it challenging WRT #7 - because I usually engage quite a bit during interviews. The drawback to that is that you may have gotten all your questions answered before they ask you if you have any more. Best to keep one or two in the pocket.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Oct 29 at 2014 10:47 AM

MAJ Dallas D. — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 10:47:32 -0400

How about adding - "Do you validate parking?" :o)

Response by SSgt Bruce Franklin made Feb 24 at 2015 6:41 PM

SSgt Bruce Franklin — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 18:41:54 -0500

The article is helpful. 9 times out of 10 the decision is made on intangibles that may have nothing to do with the position being discussed. There are more variables than may be calculated. The bottom line is, it is a numbers game coupled with being in the right place at the right time. Be able to tell your professional career story in a dynamic confident manner, giving statistical examples if exemplary behavior. Good Luck.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 7:53 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 19:53:37 -0500

Let me add a couple more...

-"I am terrible at interviews but just give me a chance" - this comes off as a desperate plea and no one wants desperate...hungry and confident but not desperate.

-"I am sure I can figure it out" when asked about the job you are interviewing for - this is arrogant and lazy, do the research and have a few things in mind to improve the organization from that position or that you would like to brainstorm with the team once you are there

Reference questions from you---
former headhunter tip to me- ALWAYS ask about the timing on the hiring and ALWAYS ask if further interviews will be expected "Assuming the positive, how long do you think the hiring process will take?" "Again if you find I meet your qualifications will there be other interviews before the hiring decision is made?"
Another possible question - "how many others are being considered for this position?"

She also told me the interview is made or broken in the first 30 seconds in your appearance and handshake and how you greet those preparing to interview you.

My advice to anyone (and that I intend to take when it is my turn) is take any interview offered to you...even the ones you don't get will provide you valuable experience for the next time. Also "Google" top questions asked at interviews and wargame them before the interview...write down the answers and think about variations the questions might take. Never "wing it" ...as I have witnessed someone who did this and they went down in flames quickly.

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made Feb 24 at 2015 8:00 PM

MSgt Michelle Mondia — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 20:00:35 -0500

"We're interviewing as team..." -
That interview in the movie Stepbrothers was pure comedy.

Response by SPC Christopher Green made Feb 24 at 2015 9:14 PM

SPC Christopher Green — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 21:14:49 -0500

What's your policy on Monday and Friday absenteeism?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 10:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 10:48:05 -0500

I like this response but might not go over well in a non-veteran business...

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Apr 20 at 2016 11:38 AM

Maj Mike Sciales — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 11:38:50 -0400

"Say, you don't sweat much for a fat lady/guy"