It's a familial scene,we've all been there, crowded waiting room of professionally dressed individuals. Men in their Brooks Brothers, gray wool suit. Woman in their Donna Karen, pinstripe pant suit. Every individual perfectly groomed. I know what your thinking, however, this is not a funeral but waiting candidates for a job interview. Sitting their scanning the other candidates that where called back for an interview, sizing them up one-by-one while you run through all the possible questions that could possible be asked of you. Looking over your resume for the hundredth time to be sure there are no flaws to be scrutinized at your expense. Then the racing of your pulse as the door that leads to the back office opens and the secretary calls out a name, but not your name. Pulse racing faster now you begin to wonder, what are their qualifications? Do they have better reference's then I do? Are they more qualified than I am? In a panic your scan over your resume for the hundredth and one time, we've all been there.

          I can't guarantee you'll be the candidate they pick or even if you'll make a good impression, however, what I can do is tell you some things hiring managers don't want to hear from you as a candidate for their open position. Avoid saying “I'm not wanted in this state...” or “How many young women work here?” also “I didn't steal it; I just borrowed it” and never reply with “You touch somebody and they call it sexual harassment.” Common sense would tell you that these responses are not the best to pull out during an interview, however, according to a group of hiring managers these were some uncommon responses they have received. Now being nerves is understandable and honesty is always the best policy but some things are better left to background checks. Hiring managers were kind enough to share with us some of the answers that you shouldn't give at a job interview.

          Now experts recommend you research the company before any job interview, this shows not only an desire to work for that company but also dedication. A common question often asked in Job interviews is, Why do you want to work for us? This is were your research into the company comes in handy for you can give a educated and knowledgeable answer. Not, “just for the benefits” or "my old boss didn't like me, so one day, I just left and never came back. And here I am." It is alright to decide at the last minute to apply for a job, however, this is not information employers want to know so "I saw the job posted on Twitter and thought, why not?" isn't going to get you any points.

          If your unemployed while looking for your next employment then your already in trouble, odds are they are thinking 'he's unemployed for a reason.' So when your asked, Why are you looking for a job? Be truthful and direct, not, "Cigarettes are getting more expensive, so I need another job" or "My parents told me I need to get a job so that is why I'm here." Chances are if your just there for more money or because your being forced they can tell right away and they will not be impressed.

          When asked about your assets and weaknesses you have to answer carefully, these two questions are the most revealing about you, you have to be confident but not cocky and humble but not self conscious. No one is perfect so when asked, What are your weaknesses? No one is perfect so “Nothing” is always the wrong answer. Other responses to avoid are, "I get angry easily and I went to jail for domestic violence. But I won't get mad at you" or "I often oversleeps and has trouble getting out of bed in the morning." Theres nothing wrong with social activity, however, if you have to list it as a weakness than you have a problem, "I am an alcoholic and do not deserve this job" is not an ideal answer. Times do change along with technology, it can be scary, but you have to be willing to embrace it, not "I'm really not a big learner. You know ... some people love learning and are always picking up new things, but that's just not me. I'd much rather work at a place where the job is pretty stagnant and doesn't change a lot."

          Then just when they thought they heard it all, they've gone over your resume, questioned your work experience, glanced at your reference's, gone over the job description, explained your responsibilities, and maybe given you a brief tour of your work environment. Then comes the final and most important question, “Do you have any questions for me?” This is the point in the interview to really rack up those brownie points by showing them you were paying attention and really have an interest in the company and their functions. However, the hiring managers have once more been floored by some of the inquiries that they have gotten back, such inquiries as "Cross-dressing isn't a problem is it?"

          Right now the job market is slim to none and to get hired is a chore within itself, however, it can be done. Just remember what your read above and before you apply for that wanted add or walk into that interview just remember what they really want out of you, common sense...