Seven things to never say in an interview

Job applicants often make mistakes because they are nervous

From various career forums and our sources, we bring you these strict no-no’s at your first interview when you want to land your dream job.

Some of these pointers may sound like things you’d never do, but the best of us can make mistakes, especially if we’re nervous.

‘I am nervous’

Interviewers may be kind and ask you if you’re nervous, especially if you are tapping your feet incessantly or wringing your hands. Being completely and desperately honest here is not always the smart way to go. Be confident and say this aloud — “I feel great. I am just excited to be here”. Verbal affirmation can help you feel confident and comfortable right then and there.

I hate my job

Yes, we understand the depth of hatred you have for your current job or company but this statement in even a subtle form will put your prospective employer on guard. Bad mouthing your former or current company is never good form.

My boss was the worst

Same as the above; your boss may have been a bad human being and a worse leader or manager, but it is not in your good interests to bring that up. Your interviewer doesn’t know you enough to feel a 100 per cent certain that the difficult person in the relationship was not you.

Salary, please?

While you definitely can talk about your expectations while applying, get into negotiations only after the interviewer has brought it up. Do not be the first one to bring up any money or benefit details, not until you have at least a verbal job offer.

Perfection is my weakness

We are all taught at some point of our job-hunting phase to talk about our strengths as our weaknesses. This is a sure-shot way of making the interviewer lose interest in you. If being or wanting to be a perfectionist is definitely your weakness, word it such that it does not sound like you’re making a fool out of the interviewer. ■ It is OK to have a small weakness, we’re all human. Talk about it and make sure you follow up with how you are already dealing with it, or have dealt with it in the past.

Experience

If you don’t have relevant experience, don’t bring it up in the interview, unless questioned specifically about it. You got an interview call because they believe you have something for the role after reading your resume, focus on that. You can bring it up in case it is something specific to what they need for the role.

Annual leave policy

This is strictly for the list of post job-offer questions. You don’t want to tell them that you can’t wait to be hired so you can go on a vacation.