10 things you should NEVER say during a job interview
91An Improper Presentation
Your Interview is Calling!
Many job candidates are nervous about participating in a job interview. After much hard work in writing countless resumes, cover letters, and job applications, these individuals hope that they will interview well, impress the hiring officer of the company to which they have applied, and finally get hired. With some practice and preparation, employment interviewing need not be a mystery or a horror. In fact, it can be enjoyable, informative, and even fun. In addition, every interview that you complete will make you more practiced in the art of interviewing. By continuing to interview for jobs, you will learn the range of variety of questions and scenarios that may confront you. Then you will be better prepared to win the job of your dreams!
There are many different things that you should not say during a job interview and there are likely more than 10 things not to say. However, 10 of the worst things to say are listed below. There are also things that your potential employers' representatives should not say to you or ask you. In addition, there are some questions that are simply illegal to ask any job candidate in an interview.
NEVER SAY THESE 10 THINGS
1. How much does the job pay?
Some people ask this question before the interviewer has a chance to even ask THEIR first question and this is a big mistake. It makes it seem as if all you are after is money. As a rule, wages and salaries are not discussed during the first interview. You may have three interviews altogether with one company. If money is discussed, it is up to the interviewer from the company to open up that subject. If they ask you how much money you want, have a range of salaries to give them and not a specific amount. First, research how much the job you want really pays in your town or state and then come up with a range of a yearly salary to request.
Let's say an auto mechanic makes $35,000 a year in your city after working five years. When you apply to become an auto mechanic, state the range of pay you want as $32,000 - 38,000 a year. Or you could use a broader range, like $30,000 - $40,000 a year. Make sure it is a realistic range. For example, if a fast food full-time grillman in your town usually makes $13,000 per year, don't interview at that restaurant and ask for $20,000 - $30,000 per year.
2. What does your company make (or do)?
A job candidate must research the company for which they want to work before going into a job interview with them. Look the company up on the Internet and read as much as you can about it and take notes. Try to find the company's Annual Report and read it. Your local libraries can help you do that.
3. Do not use SLANG words or phrases in your job interview.
The interview is not a casual conversation with friends on a street corner or in a lounge. It is a formal conversation and requires the use of good English grammar. There is not time enough during an interview for the interviewer to figure out what you are talking about. They also should not HAVE to figure it out. On the other hand, even if they do understand you, you are being disrespectful and overly casual in the interview by using slang. You will also sound like you are playing and not serious about doing good work, and the interviewer won't take you seriously. Just don't do it.
4. What can you do for me; what are the benefits like vacations, promotions and bonuses?
Hiring officers and job interviewers like job candidates with self-confidence, but they do not like people who are selfish. The first interview you have with a company is all about what you can do for THEM. You are not doing them a favor by interviewing with them, so keep these questions until the second interview or until the interviewer opens up the subject. The interviewer will ask you why the company should hire you and then you can emphasize your skills, talents and contributions you have to offer them. Be prepared to tell clearly what specific ways you have helped your former employers.
5. No profanity or cursing of any kind.
You must never curse, cuss, or use any kind of profanity in any job interview. That includes the word p_ssed, as in "p_ssed off." That is cursing and profanity. Do not say it. Do not say "damn", "hell", or the F-word or the n-word. In addition, women are women and not "‘hos."
An Improper Greeting
6. No stereotypical language.
Do not refer to people of other genders, sexual orientations, nationalities, ethnicities, races, handicaps, religions or other diversity in any slang terms, slurs, or other denigrating language. Ever.
7. Do not criticize any former employer.
Bashing a former boss, or criticizing them in any way, lets the interviewer know that you will do the same to them if you leave their company. Instead, you can explain that you had a difference of opinion with your former employer in work philosophies or styles. Do not dwell on your answer about an employer where things did not go so well for you, and make it short.
8. If you are asked if you have any questions, don't say "No."
Saying NO says to the interviewer that you are not very interested in the company and not very smart. So be smart. When you research the company before your interview, come up with at least three questions to ask about the company itself during the interview. For example, ask what plans they have to expand in the next 10 years, or ask what new products and services they might be considering. This is not the time to ask about salary and benefits, either.
9. I don't have any weaknesses.
You will likely be asked what strengths and weaknesses you have. If you say you don't have any, the interviewer will believe that you are lying or that you are not thinking. You can say that you don't like to waste time on small talk and are working on being more friendly in the workplace. This is a positive "weakness."
10. Don't tell them your life story.
The interviewer will ask you to tell them a little about yourself, but this means where you went to school, what you accomplished in school, where you have worked, and how you have helped your former employers. It can include a little about hobbies and volunteer work, but don't dwell on these things.
Don't tell the employer anything that will lead them to knowing your age, race, gender orientation, religious beliefs, medical conditions, or other personal information. Legally, until they are offering you a job, the employer is not allowed to ask you if you are married, have children, or are planning these things in the future. They CAN ask you what certifications and licenses you have relevant to the position. If they ask you what nationality your last name is, politely answer that you don't know how that is relevant to the job, but that you would like to discuss your qualifications. If they ask you how old you are, tell them that you will gladly provide that information after you are hired. The exception to this is if you need to be at least 18 years old to work for the company in the USA. If you are 21 and look young, you may have to answer this question. Lastly, do not bring up personal problems in a job interview, including divorce, breaking up with a girlfriend, bankruptcy, etc.
IMPORTANT LINKS FOR SUCCESS
An Incorrect Response
Interview Mistakes to Void
Whay Should We Hire You?
Job Interviews in the News
- Don't Shake Off the Handshake: Research Confirms a Firm Grip Is Key to Successful Job Interview (Newswise)
New research by University of Iowa business professor Greg Stewart confirms that a firm, solid handshake is an important part of a successful job interview, while a dead fish can end the interview before it even begins. 3 days ago
- Richmond Police Chief Monroe says he hopes to get Charlotte job (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Richmond Police Chief Rodney Monroe told a North Carolina television station that he hopes he gets the chief's job in Charlotte. In an interview yesterday with WCNC, Charlotte's NBC affiliate, Monroe said, "Anytime you have the opportunity to expand your career, to look at things differently, to be able to engage a different community, and help bring that community together, help solve some of ... 33 hours ago
- 2:22 p.m. - School superintendent interview being at 5:30 p.m. (Pacific Daily News)
2:22 p.m. - The Guam Education Policy Board will begin to interview eight applicants for the job of Guam public School System superintendent tonight. Interviews will start a 5:30 in the GHURA conference room of the GCIC Building in Hagatna. Interviews are expected to last until Saturday evening. 2 days ago
- Tech kids get first job interview (Paragould Daily Press)
Sgt. Daniel Smith of Greene County Tech Junior ROTC interviews eighth-grader Barry Weyer on Tuesday afternoon at Greene County Tech Junior High. It’s never too early to prepare students for the real world. 30 hours ago
- Quotes from AP Interview with Paulson (AP via Yahoo! News)
Quotes from Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's interview Wednesday with The Associated Press: 2 days ago
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Share it! — Rate it: up down [flag this hub]
I give it a big thumbs up.
Very much interesting.
Thanks for the postive feedback!
Interviewees definitely need to heed your advice about avoiding any type of "what's in in for me" comments. When you're interviewing for a job, you need to let the employer know how you can help the company, not how the company can help you!
Thanks for that insight, mgwhite.
Sometimes applicants don't know what to say or not to say; other times they have a sense of entitlement. The world really does not owe anyone a living. A few people believe that they will walk into a company and be given a job and high pay without any duties attached.
well, if you have a lot of interviews with different companies, I don't think it's a bad idea to ask about benefits at the end of the first interview.
Hi chuckbr.
It depends on the comapny, imo. I have experienced interviewers outright refuse to tell me about benefits, while others tell EVERY applicant about benefits in order to avoid discrimination complaints.
Personally, I see a lot of individuals that are badly in need of jobs in order to qualify for healthcare for their families and they really need to know about the benfits.
Cheers!
Most companies these days spell out the salary range and benefits right in the job description when they are looking for applicants so you shouldn't need more detail about that right away.
I once(that I know of) wasn't hired only because I answered a direct question with the truth. I was applying for a night or graveyard shift at a factory and they asked my why I didn't want the day shift. I told them my wife was disabled and that it would be better for me to work when she was less active and therefore requireing less care. I learned later from friends already working there (the same friends that got me the interview in the first place) that the company took my answer to mean that I might not be available if they needed me to fill in on day shift. These same friends also informed me that the guy they hired failed his urinalysis. And so never even got started. Their next runner-up lasted almost a week before he fell asleep on the job, allowing a fiberglass roller to spin unsupervised which gummed up the works pretty good and cost the company a lot of time and money.
That made me feel a little bit better.
Hi OneShot! Did you find a good job after that horrible expereience? That particular interviewer and his company came to no good, didn't they?
Great tips kee it up.
Thanks for the encouragement! I think these tips could help a lot of people that may not be aware of them. :)
Prob'ly not something to say in an interview :)
Excellent hub, all the questions not to ask are spot on. You even mention the "positive weakness" idea, which a lot of people miss. Personally, I usually say that I'm too much of a perfectionist (in the kind of work I do, that's actually seen as desirable, so again it's a "positive weakness").
Hi Marisa, that's a good "weakness" to point out.
In one interview I stated that I am not much for socializing when work needs to be done, and the interviewer verbally attacked me about it. First he said i'm inaccessible and then he said it was a strength a not a weakness. The he switched subjects and started discussing pay scales. lol
Great hub. I sit in on many second interviews and we have a manager who routinely speaks in such a way to encourage people to let their guard down and make these mistakes. Once you are comfortable and not so nervous you are more likely to do these things, so this hub is a great way to remind people to stay vigilant when interviewing.
Thanks very much for your comments, H. Irving. I think you are correct in saying we must remain vigilant. I think interviewing can sometimes be too much of a game.
that is awsome of you
to put that up there for us
Thanks cheyenne. I hope lots of people read this, becuase it's hard to learn by trial and error. I found that some interviewers will ask job candidates negative things about ex-employers to trap them! Not good, so we must stay alert. :)
Those are some very important tips. I think everyone can learn something from this article. Good job.
I hate the questions that ask about your former jobs because you arent supposed to say anything bad, but sometimes there's nothing good to say.
Thanks for the comments!
Yes IA - what if, for example, your former employer was committing fraud and you had to testify agasint them? What do you say to future potential employers then? They may think you will put them "under a microscope" to look for things to report!
Good job Patty! I am in fact along the line of an interviewer, and needless to say the interviewee has to put HIS BEST FOOT FORWARD and give me a good and lasting impression. If I have to spend working days with the person, I would want to be pleased and happy I took him in because of his good performance and would not want to regret the day I signed him up for the job. I don't want to feel st_pid. More power!
Thank you very much for your post, observer502. You've brought another dimension to the discussion thread. If people alwsys used best behaviors and were genuine about it, things would be simpler wouldn't they?
Will remeber dese for sure .. :)
Thank you .. Good hub
Taha Ahat, thanks for visiting. I look forward to reading your hubs.
Thanks Patty. I mean it!
One question if you would.
How would you handle abstract questions they might throw at you in order to see how you approach things.
I.E: How many coins in a stack does it take to reach the moon? (to which I said 1 since they didnt specify the size. I think that answer went down the wrong way).
Thanks!
Thoog.
Hmmm. I think I'd answer that I would take the average distance from from the to the moon and divide it by the width of a either quarter or a dollar coin, his choice or both. Then I'd ask the interviewer if I could use a computer to show him how to do it.
Or I would figure how many dollars (coins) it costs for the space shuttle to reach the moon if it were to be launched (including astronaut & crew pay), or how many dollars converted to today's inflation rate that it took Appolo 11, including astronaut & crew training and pay.
What do you think?
Well I thought being clever was the way to go. WRONG. :)
I think offering a plan and clever are different.
It's good to get a sense of the interviewer's style. For some of them, it might be best to say that you don't know, but would be more than willing to look it up.
Yes, thumbs up to this post. Number 1 is the most tempting to ask in a job interview. Well, it matters but at least we know we have to wait for the interviewer to tell it to us. Incentives comes second. We are eager to know the bonuses and how many days paid leaves are. But of course, it's a no-no.
Thanks for the comments crazycat. I've sat interviews in which the HR person started out by telling my about the salary and benefits, along with details about the company culture and goals. Then he asked if I wished a second interview. Perhaps he was using compensation package as a screener.
wow, that was really informative!
Thanks Eileen. It tooka few years to acquire them and I hope others do not have to spend that much time.
lol, I know exactly what you mean!=]
As a recruiter and an interviewer in reall life, I appauld what you have done here! This needs to get out there. Some items may depend on the person doing the interview too, I have some people that we interview together and some of the things they ask people just drive me up the wall....I sometimes "feel" for those being interviewed when they get hit with those crazy questions, there's usually not a right or wrong answer, but put there just to see how the person being interviewed will react.
Hi Toyia - I am irritated by "crazy" questions. I don't have patience for them any more, because they impress me as game playing - like from control freaks and such. Is that a bad attitude?
If it's a bad attitude, well than I have one too!
Hey, thanks for that!
Good advice, I'll be keeping it in mind.
In one interview, I said I did not have any weaknesses, but it was a terchnicality that I be interviewed and my superviors thought it was funny and I did not appreciate it.
I was already working in the position and the company was required to post it and interview other applicants. Fine. That's even good. They interviewed me last and with a smirk, asked me the interview questions I had already taught several classes of adults how to answer - the interviewers had heard the class material before recently. By the way, it was a dysfunctional company and out of compliance with law, I learned in the next year after I was hired permanently, and the rest of the staff was all laid off except for the security guard -- and me.
Otherwise, I think the tips and advice in this article work pretty well. There are exeptions and you just have to feel them out. If you run up on a strange company ---maybe don't work for them!
Patty :)
Scholars and Readers!
Thank you to everyone that visits here, but please do not post any more SPAM for expensive items people don't need. Thank you ever so much
Love and Peace,
Patty
Solid advice. Very useful for fresh and undergrads trying out jobs. :)
Thanks for visiting and commenting, imarketing4s.
You've put together a great list of 'what not tos', many of which point to the incredible power that language has in representing the person we are.
There are a couple of other things to consider as well during interviews. First, avoid references that might indicate your political point of view -- "that son of a gun president we have' may not go over too well if the interviewer doesn't share your perspective. Obviously if you've spent the last two years on the campaign trail for a candidate, that might be on your resume to indicate both what you've been involved with and skills that you have -- but that's different than making a negative aside about a public figure. And, be cognizant that 'how not to sound!' is as important as "what not to say.' If you're feeling defensive, arrogant, angry or have any other 'negative emotion,' that'll come across in your tone of voice, even if you've guarded the words you've used. Our best bet during an interview is to maintain equanimity, unless of course, we're being trapped with a trick question to tease out where we really stand or what it is that might provoke us.
Thank you for these astute observations! Your website might be useful to many of our readers. I hope you will post on HubPages.
1 think u should also never say is taht you are a 4 year old on stilts.
Yes indeed, not unless you are breaking in a circus act. :) Or maybe ChildStar Idol.
It makes a lasting impression to be articulate and well spoken.Even if you don't know the job employers are more willing to invest the needed training time on a person who's teachable!!!! Your advice on "no slang" is right on target..If you can't learn to express yourself well in a variety of conditions then what will they imagine you teachability is at anything. ( show yourself to be learned and willing to learn more!!!!!!
Nice comments, Eric-a-lot! So true. Teachability may be one of the most important qualities on the job! Thank you so much for conmmenting.
I don't think one could go wrong following this advice. A really good book about finding a job is called Ask the Headhunter.
Thanks for the tip on the book!
Good advice!
Thank you Ralph; I value your opinion!
This is a wonderful hub, I learned a lot, THANKS.
I am glad it helped!
Solid down to earth advice for job seekers. Great article!
Thank you very much for the comment. These tips may not be what everyone wants to hear, but they have proven to be correct in the world of work for most occupations.
Thanx for the tips! But I prefer being a boss rather than an employee even if I have to earn less. No compromise with my working hours and freedom. Anyways I am a spiritual person and rather focus on self growth than material growth. Though I know both are vital, but I Just am a handicap working under someone. But anyways nice tips. It will surely help the employees I would get in the future!
Exactly right! -- some people are meant to lead and not waste away under someone else's "rule", so to speak. Thanks for adding that gem, Cleanclover!
Another bit of advice. A pretty funny situation at the time..I was in charge of HR for a busy outpatient radiology clinic and had an applicant on the phone. After talking with her for a few moments she said, "You don't do TOO MANY exams, do you?" She didn't get the interview!
sandifaist! - LOL, that was kind of an absurd question, wasn't it? I often wonder form such questions - do people want to work ot not? Thanks for contributing!
When it comes to weaknesses, I use things that have nothing to do with the job at hand. I often say math is a weakness, which is true. But I'm a writer, and math has nothing to do with my job. People interviewing me for a writing position aren't concerned about whether or not I can do algebra.
Thanks, Chelle From Texas! That sounds like it works very well for you and can for others too. I look forward to your Hubs!
Good job Patty! I agree very much with the last point - no life story. It sounds funny, but the amount of people that do it is astounding. Not only is a life story often boring for the interviewer, it's also unprofessional.
Thanks for all these tips, I'll keep them in mind for my next interview (although hopefully, it won't be anytime soon because I like my job!)
It is fantastically good that you love yoru job, Andy Xie! I wish you every success in your career. Thanks for reading and posting enlightening comments. :)
Very informative hub... I am glad that you touched basis on not asksing about what the company does. When i worked in HR, if someone asked me that, the interview was virtually over! i mean, every candidate should research the company ahead of time. That was a red flag.. a very good indication as to this individual's work ethic!
Oh, and the not telling the life story! GOOD TIP! you dont know how many people dig themselves out of a job with that one!
Thanks for the information, I enjoyed it tremendously!
Thanks Kay! Very insightful comments form real life HR work. I appreciate it. :)
Thanks, I really enjoy reading your job interview advices
Thank you very much solarshingles! This material has certainly helped a lot of my clients and recent graduates as well.
Best regards.
Someone interviewed at my job one time. Before the interview even started he said something to the effect of "it doesn't matter if I get the job or not, you just need to sign this so my parole officer knows I'm looking for a job." Haha, probably not the best way to start an interview!
Oh No!
You're right - not a thing to say.
I actually hope HR did not sign the form. Even if it were true, the person could have done the interview, for practice at least, and received the signature. Just my opinion. Thanks for sharing that story!
PAtty
Nice find. Thanks for the heads up
What do you recommend when hiring managers ask you how much you want to earn? I find that question annoying, because benefits are part of the whole package. I used to make less than I do now. I knew my salary was low for my field but I had an extremely flexible schedule and 4 weeks of vacation, so I put up with it.
seamus, it's good to investigate the website of the company to see iof they list salary ranges. Even call HR and ask. OR, go to DOL.gov and research salary ranges in your field of work and then choose a salary range slightly higher than that and quote that to the Interviewer. You can also let them know that you expect to work towards consistent promotions.
In fact, some of the current workforce general advice being given now is that if you are not promoted within 4 years, you likley won't be and should move on.
Best regards!
Decrescendo - thanks for the cooment!
Good tips and in most cases candidates failed in item 7 above. As HR Practitioner, the body language and level of confidence will tell what type of candidates you are facing in the interview
Wow, that is some fantastic advice! Thanks Patty
Thanks mkgjunior and DJ Funktual! Body language is very important, to be sure.
DJ - hope you're doing well.
Fantastic! You should develop this into a how-to book,
I think I am just about ready to do just that, bluerabbit. Thansk very much for the encouragement. It means a lot.
Very Informative and useful Hub! I also have made 1-2 mistakes you have listed out here. Thanks a lot for the info and a 'thumbs up' to you.
Hi Anamika S! I hacvwe made a few of the mistakes listed in this Hub as well, before I was taught not to make them. LOL. Thanks very much for reading and commenting.
It's really helpful. it opens my mind to some forgotten bad habits.
the links which you have mentoned under the heading links to success are not working. please fix them.
yilorco - Thanks so much for the comment.
greathub - Thanks for letting me know! - I've corrected them.
Yet another commenter who wishes he'd read your tips before interviewing! Thanks for the hub and I'm going to pass it on to a couple of people.
I hope this Hub helps you and your contacts a whole lot of success, Gems4Friends!
cool tips for interview
"What does your company make" I can't agree more.And for this one "How much does the job pay?" this one is not a must too but instead you should tell the amount when you were ask how much the salary you are expecting
Hi clickbankformula! Thanks for contributing a good comment.
Before the Internet became popular, a staffnig agency sent me to interview for a job. I asked the agency about the employer and my staffing counseliong said they did not know anything about them (Oh no!). No time to go to the library, because the interview was immediately. I went to the intervew and was embarrassed by asking what the company did or made. The interviewer was very nice about it, and I was not qualified for the job. But it was all good experience for learning about interviews.
Great hub Patty. I would add to #9 that not only should you share a weakness (or "opportunity") but you would do well to explain how you are coping with that weakness and/or what you're doing to leverage it with a strength.
Very good advice, WC! Thanks for adding it here.
working
Richard says:
13 months ago
Very interesting. I wish someone had taught me all of this in high school. Thanks!