In all situations, saying the wrong things at the right time will always have its consequence. Sometimes, it’s not necessarily your fault but anxiousness, eager to impress and more.
Everything you say during a job interview with either help the interviewer know you, your skills, experience and how perfect you are for the job or simply get you thrown out of the interview (literally). The ability to maintain a professional and positive attitude till the end of an interview can be overwhelming but with good practice, knowing what to say and how to say it, composure, your thought process and more will increase your chances with the hiring manager.
One of the thigs you can do to land that job is prepare yourself, know the things you can say without consequences and that’s the reason for this article.
What you should avoid saying and what you should say instead during an interview
Your main focus is to present yourself as that person that is above all other candidates, that person “your” future place of employment needs and pass across a message to the hiring manager that you’re the one for the job. This time it’s not having the right set of skills or great personality or what’s in your CV but communication, you’ll need to make the HR never forgets you.
Before you begin the interview always remember no matter how the interview goes you should remain professional and polite, don’t feel too comfortable so you don’t forget yourself. Avoid trying to be too funny, using casual language or profane words keep your language clean and professional.
- “I’m sorry, I’m a little bit nervous”
Every interview and interviewer want a confident person, every company want to hire a confident person ever when nervous still exudes confidence. Most times they can see the nervousness it’s not for you to mention.
Hiring mangers want to know they are employing a person who can perform their role even under pressure.
- Avoid the “I don’t know” Or “I don’t know how”
Don’t be too quick to answer questions, before answering to avoid the “I don’t know” buy some time to answer, think through it and if you can’t think of a response, asked the question to be rephrased or for clarification. Telling an interviewer, you don’t know how to solve a problem isn’t what they want hear, they want to know that you can find solutions to problems or seek for help, it shows you have problem-solving skills.
- Avoid the ‘I’m a fast learner.’
We’re always so quick to let interviewers know even if we don’t have the experience, we can learn fast on the job. The interviewer has your resume and know what you’re qualified to do, and the skills you already have otherwise, it tells the interviewer there’s a gap in your resume and don’t have the necessary skill. You can use that opportunity to talk about your abilities and how you acquired a new skill at your previous job.
- Avoid the “I really hate my job” or “My boss is the worst” statement
Never bad mouth your previous or current boss or colleague, it doesn’t reflect well on you and sends a negative message to the hiring manager if they hire you. Better to focus on the positive things you tend to gain in this new place and how it’s great fit for your future.
- Avoid saying “I’m applying for this job because it will give me …”
Saying this takes the focus of the company to you which is selfish, rather talk about what you’ll contribute and what you’re bringing.
- “I Can Do That”
Lying about your skill isn’t a good way to start, be completely honest about what you can do.
- Avoid the “I didn’t check”
Remember to visit the company’s website and all social media platforms if they have one, It shows you’re prepared, enthusiastic and interested in the job. These platforms will provide you with information and resources you will need during the interview.
- Avoid telling this “I Want Your Job Someday” to the interviewer
Are you trying to put your interviewer out of a job? This question not only threatens the hiring manager but puts a target on their back. Instead, talk about how you’ll advance within the organization by learning various roles so you’ll be the natural choice when an opportunity opens up.
- Don’t ask about the money
Avoid the salary question during the interview, it makes you look money. Wait till you get to the 2nd round or very close to getting the job. You can as well wait for the employer to bring up money first.
- Ask questions after the interview, if you’re given the opportunity to ask question, ask away, speak up. You should have planned or come ready to ask questions about the company, ideal worker, job expectations.
Ask…
- About training and the opportunity to develop your skills.
- What an average day in your future department looks like.
- The interviewer what they like most about working for the company.
- Anything you deem relevant
Don’t ask …
- Don’t ask on a date or for a drink
- About what they’re wearing
- Don’t talk about how they smell
- Don’t ask about money
- Don’t ask about holidays and vacations
- Never ask ‘How Did I Do?’
- Be confident in your skills before, during and after the interview. You’ll know if you’ve aced and done excellently well in the interview especially when you came prepared, informed and done your homework. Trust yourself and your skill to get you the job.
- For you to leave a lasting impression during and after the interview
- Give the interviewer very good reasons to hire youStay confident
Ask questions
