AUTHOR: Saad Muzaffar
Walking into a job interview can be nerve-wracking, but knowing what not to say is half the battle. Some phrases can instantly ruin your chances, even if your resume shines. We've listed 10 things you should absolutely avoid mentioning to keep the interview on the right track and make the best impression possible.
Table of Contents
- 1. Avoid Saying Negative Things
- 2. Don't Vent About Work Drama
- 3. Don't Say You're an Expert Unless You Are
- 4. It's All Right To Say You Dont Know
- 5. Avoid Word Jargon
- 6. Don't Start Rambling
- 7. Don't Make Self-Deprecating Jokes
- 8. Don't Make Anything Up
- 9. Don't Tell Them You Dont Know What They Do
- 10. Avoid Telling Them Your Previous Salary
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1. Avoid Saying Negative Things
As mundane as it sounds, saying negative things will make a terrible impression on the interviewer. When you're complaining and whining too much, the interviewer may think you'll be doing the same thing once you get hired, so it's best to try to maintain a cheerful facade until you're handed your offer letter.
Even when you need to talk about something like terrible work culture, you should try to put it in a way that doesn't come off as hostile.
2. Don't Vent About Work Drama
One of the worst things you can do to sabotage your interview is to start rambling about your previous or current place of employment. While everyone knows drama at work is inevitable, it's important not to air out your dirty laundry to your future employer.
3. Don't Say You're an Expert Unless You Are
You're encouraged to talk yourself up, however, knowing your boundaries and limitations is equally important. If you're bragging about how you're a professional who's adept at the skills they require, make sure you can back it up, because if you're lying, chances are, they'll catch you, and you'll lose your chance at the job.
4. It's All Right To Say You Dont Know
If you're asked a question and you have no clue what the answer might be, it's a strategic move to say that you don't know but are willing to learn once you're hired. Admitting to not being aware of something might just end up getting you brownie points for your honest response.
5. Avoid Word Jargon
Sometimes, we try to sound more professional by using technical terms to impress the interviewer. However, this doesn't really achieve your goal. Instead of appearing intelligent, you might get caught in a pickle since the other person is an expert and will call you out when you slip up.
6. Don't Start Rambling
Anxiety can cause people to say too much, which is a significant indicator that you're scared. If you keep talking about yourself and don't allow the interviewer to speak, you'll just annoy the person on the other side. Saying less is more sometimes.
7. Don't Make Self-Deprecating Jokes
While I mentioned not over-selling yourself, you should also avoid under-selling your skills. Making self-depreciating jokes might be your way of coping with your insecurities, but when in a professional environment, it's not appropriate. Just don't do it.
8. Don't Make Anything Up
Picture this: your employer asks you something you do not know about, and you come up with a quick response that makes no sense. This makes you sound incompetent, but it's also a signal you're willing to lie your way to the top, which isn't something any company wants.
Additionally, they already know the answer to what they're asking, so you'll get caught red-handed. It's best to come clean and give an open-ended answer that isn't obviously wrong or right.
9. Don't Tell Them You Dont Know What They Do
Do your research before you step into that room. Find out what the company does, their products or services, and something about the company culture. The absolute worst thing you can do to sink your chance at the job is be ignorant about what the company actually does.
10. Avoid Telling Them Your Previous Salary
If your interviewer asks you outright what your previous salary was, you may not have a choice but to answer honestly. However, if they don't, it's best to avoid it entirely. When you give them a figure, even if they were willing to pay more, they might try to hire you at the same rate as your last job, or just go slightly higher. Never reveal your hand unless you're forced to.
Source: Reddit
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