Worst Things You Can Say in an Interview

Entering an interview means you will have questions thrown your way. How you answer the questions will play a large role in the impression you leave behind. So, make sure you think about what you say before saying it.

It’s easy to get overly comfortable in discussion as though you are speaking with a friend, but by no means is an interview an ordinary conversation with a friend. Everything you say in an interview is being interpreted to define how your character is appropriate for a position and company. So, even when a question is asked lightly, return a professional response that says something to complement your candidacy.

Watch out for the following questions and responses that may turn your prospect for the job in the wrong direction.

• Question: Why are you looking to leave your current employer?
Answer: I hate my boss.
What this question is really trying to ask is why this job and the company the right fit for you.

• Question: How much do you know about the company?
Answer: I don’t know anything about the company.
What this question is really trying to ask is why you are interested in working with them.

• Question: Do you have any questions for me?
Answer: No.
What this question is really trying to ask is how interested are you in this company and position.

• Question: What are your weaknesses?
Answer: I don’t have any.
What this question is really trying to determine is whether you are overconfident and if you have the capabilities to handle certain challenges.

• Question: You’ve worked at many places, why have you had so many jobs within the past few years?
Answer: I get bored of work easily. I need change.
What this question is really trying to ask is if you are a candidate who can settle in to a job and succeed, as well as advance.

• Question: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: I would like your job.
Managers don’t want to be worried about being stabbed in the back so telling them that you are competing for their job does not make them comfortable hiring you. What the question is really trying to ask is do you fit in to the company’s long term plan and why does this position fit in with your career goals.

• Question: Why do you want to work here?
Answer: I heard the company has a play room and there are free afternoon snacks.
What the question is asking is how your experience and skills apply to this company. While it’s okay to appreciate the benefits offered to employees, don’t simply provide an answer of benefits to yourself and not provide information on how you would contribute to the company.

Sometimes it’s also about what you don’t say that can turn an interview downhill. Show that you are engaged in the conversation and ask questions that demonstrate you are interested in the company and position.

Another bit of advice: don’t lie, especially in the case of your previous salary or the skills you have. The truth will come out on these matters, so there’s no sense in hiding.

An interview can be a nerve-racking experience, but don’t let your nerves rush you into saying things that don’t add value to your character. Listen to questions carefully and think ahead about how you would address certain questions to impress the employer.

Don Goodman President of About Jobs is a nationally recognized Resume Writer and Career Expert, featured on 3 of the Top 5 career portals, and quoted hundreds of times in print, TV and radio. A graduate of the Wharton School of Business and Stanford University's Executive Program, Don has helped thousands of people secure their next job and can be reached at 800-909-0109 or dgoodman@GotTheJob.com