Things Not to Say in an Interview

Avoid saying things in an interview that could cost you the job.

When you interview for a job, you must avoid saying things that could damage your opportunity to get hired. Interviewers are trying to determine from your responses to their questions whether you are a good fit for the job. Not all questions have clear right and wrong answers, but you can gain an advantage by knowing some comments that could cost you the job instantly.

Complaints

Complaining is one of the worst things you can do in a job interview, according to Nathan Newberger in his article "13 Job Interview Mistakes to Avoid" on Work Tree. Newberger advises candidates to avoid bad mouthing anyone, including current and former employers as well as competitors. You might have a valid point of contention, but potential employers are more concerned about how you come across as a complainer and a whiner.

Addressing Weaknesses

Invariably, you will be asked to identify your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview. Listing your strengths is easier for most people. Effectively responding to a question about your weaknesses is more tricky. Business humor columnist Peter Phelan suggests in his Kiplinger article "What Not to Say in a Job Interview" that being honest is most important. Do not say you have no weaknesses. Instead, offer a "non-critical" weakness that you are improving on.

Confidential Information

"One of the biggest mistakes that people commit in an interview is giving out private information when it is not needed, or even when it is simply not asked," according to the Job-Interview-Site. Interviewers are alarmed if you start sharing private and confidential information about other employers, managers or colleagues. This is a serious breach of trust and ethics and is a red flag to a potential employer who must fear the same issues in the future.

Ask Questions

In his CNN Living article "8 worst things to say in an interview," Anthony Balderrama indicates some of the worst things you can say include comments that prove you have not researched the company. One such comment is a response that indicates you know nothing about the company and have not done your homework. Another major interview faux pas is to say "I have no questions." This demonstrates a clear lack of interest in the company and job and reflects poorly on your professionalism.

References

• Work Tree: 13 Job Interview Mistakes to Avoid
• Kiplinger: What Not to Say in a Job Interview
• Job-Interview-Site: What Not to Say in an Interview
• CNN Living: 8 Worst Things to Say in an Interview