When interviewing for a job, it’s important to say the right things and even more important to refrain from saying the wrong things.
Here are the most common interview mistakes ruining job seeker interviews.
Questions Answered
- What not to say in an interview (common mistakes)
- How to avoid these mistakes
- What to say in an interview instead
Have you ever thought, “I blew it!” after an interview?
Then, days later, you get an email that says, “Thank you for your interest in (insert company), but we’ve decided to go with another applicant at this time.” Maybe you felt confident.
Although while it’s never pleasant to get passed over for a job, it may be particularly upsetting when you leave an interview feeling confident only to learn that things weren’t nearly as good as you had hoped.
You’d be surprised at how frequently this situation occurs.
I’ve seen firsthand what goes wrong during candidate interviews and would like to share with you so you do not make errors.
Knowing what to say (or what not to say) is just as crucial as having the right skill set, dressing the role, and shaking hands firmly.
A typical interview lasts little more than an hour, but according to the findings of a survey of 2,000 hiring managers, 33% of them made up their minds about who they would hire in the first 90 seconds.
Making first impressions and saying the right thing extremely important!.
What Not To Say In An Interview (Common Mistakes To Avoid)
1. Don’t Say “Just”
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve used the word “just” in emails and conversations. It’s one of those words that sneaks into our speech without our even realizing it.
But, employing it devalues and weakens what comes after. So don’t do it if you want to sound authoritative and confident.
2. Try your possible best not to Say “Like, Um, Err”
The majority of the time, these filler words are ignored in casual interactions.
We all use them to break up the stillness while we are thinking. They serve as a sign that we haven’t completed talking as well as habitual speech tics.
In informal discussion, they don’t matter much, but in a formal environment like an interview, they’re not ideal.
The truth is that there’s nothing wrong with calm pauses in a conversation; nevertheless, filling them with something silly like, ummmm, or errrr undermines any indication of confidence. Ask the interviewer to elaborate if you need some time to consider.
If you omit these filler words, your writing will immediately sound more formal.
3. Don’t Just Give Yes or No Answers
You will mostly be asked open-ended questions during interviews, but occasionally you will be asked a yes-or-no question. It’s critical to continue to elaborate rather than simply responding “yes” or “no” and stopping there.
If the hiring manager asks a question and you don’t know the answer, you can ask them to elaborate or, if necessary, rephrase it and put the onus back on them (without tiptoeing around an answer).
Let them know that you would be pleased to respond after conducting additional research if they keep looking for an answer. This demonstrates you want to learn, which can only be advantageous in this circumstance.
For example:
- Interviewer: Do you have the PC troubleshooting experience mentioned in the job description
You: I recognize that troubleshooting is essential to this work, as stated in the job description, but are you referring to a particular skill?
- Interviewer: You will be asked to assist and resolve various problems on our company PCs located throughout the office. Have you ever carried that out?
You: No, I haven’t worked on PC troubleshooting chores in previous positions, but I’m a quick learner, so the next time we speak, I’ll be more knowledgeable about the subject.
4. Don’t Use Slang Words
Avoid using slang when interviewing. Slang phrases like cool, wicked, OMG, whatever, and others won’t do.
The recruiting manager will get disinterested, they sound unprofessional, and they frequently undermine credibility. Respectfully communicate with the recruiting manager to avoid any unfavorable outcomes.
After all, you’re speaking to a professional, not your girlfriend.
5. Don’t Only Use “We”
The pro and con of using the word “we” are equally present.
I enjoy learning about your successes in a group or organizational context as the interviewer. But, if you only discuss a group’s successes, it may come across as you are unwilling to discuss your particular role.
Making vague statements regarding your specific activities or accomplishments in previous employment during interviews is a common interview error.
As an interviewer, what I truly want to know is how YOU contributed to the group and what YOU accomplished on your own. Tell the manager what “we” did first, then go into depth about what “I” did.
Additional Things You Should Never Say In An Interview
- “I don’t know”
- “I’m typically not late”
- “I’m very nervous”
- “It’s on my resume”
- “I don’t have that kind of experience”
- “I need this job really bad”
- “How much do you make” (Step Brothers style!)
- “I don’t really have a weakness”
- “I’m a hard worker”
- “Do you have unlimited vacation time”
- “No, I don’t have any questions”
- “Do you know how long this will take”
- “My old boss is terrible”
- “Do you mind if I text back quick”
- “My work schedule has to be….”
- “This job isn’t my first choice”
- “OMG, I’m so excited to hear back”
- “I can’t work with…type of people”
- “Do you have a company happy hour”
- “My last employer was the worst”
- “I’ll be out the first 2 weeks for a vacation”
- “I don’t have any references”
- “I’m going through a difficult time right now”
- “This is just a temporary thing”
- “I’m an outside the box thinker”
Other Notable Interview Mistakes
- Mentioning how terrible your old boss and coworkers were. Just keep them out of the conversation!
- Talking about what you hate or dislike about your career field. Keep it positive!
- Asking about how soon you can get a raise. There will be a day for this!
- Not knowing much about the company you are interviewing for. Do your research!
- Not having any questions for the interviewer at the end of the conversation. You can even write these down if needed!
How Do You Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Before your interview, prepare. See which of your abilities are a fit for the position by reading the job description and learning about the firm.
- Make eye contact and extend a firm handshake to them. These items immediately convey the idea that you are self-assured and reliable.
- Be punctual!
- Keep specific details regarding your personal life private.
- Put your phone on quiet and leave it in your bag or briefcase or leave it in the car.
What You SHOULD Mention Instead
- ring up details about the company so they know you’ve done your research.
- Make it well known that you are very excited for the job opportunity (and appreciate them taking time out of their day to chat).
- Bring up your work history and experience. Look to match the details you provide with the specific skills they are trying to find in a candidate.
- Mention your ability to work within large teams and that you are also able to work well alone.
- Make sure the hiring manager is aware that you are looking to stay for the long haul (building your career within the company).
CONCLUSION: What Not to Say in An Interview
Although most interviews are easy and comparable in style, candidates frequently struggle with their answers.
While mistakes may occur, you can lessen your chance of saying anything incorrect by practicing professional and sincere responses. Maintain your composure, don’t rush your responses, and just be you.
To recap our list of the worst words to use:
- Use “but” instead of “just”
- Avoid using unnecessary words (like, umm, etc.)
- Never respond to a question by saying “Yes” or “No.”
- Avoid using slang and unfamiliar terminology.
- Describe “Us,” but also describe “Me.”
Best of luck out there! Please share this article on your socials.
