5 Tips on What Not to Say in an Interview

When you’re in an interview, it’s important to be mindful of the things you say. In addition to being an opportunity to show off your qualifications, an interview is also a chance for the employer to get to know you as a person. How the interviewer determines whether you’re a good fit for their company and culture comes down to what you say and how you say it in the interview. It’s important to stay positive and enthusiastic throughout the interview, even if you’re feeling nervous. It’s also better to know what not to say so you can avoid any awkward situations which may result in you losing that job you’ve always dreamed of. Remember, the interview is your chance to sell yourself as the ideal candidate, so take a deep breath and focus on putting your best foot forward.

We want to help you get that job so here are 5 tips on what not to say in your next interview:

1. Negativity about your previous job.

Remaining professional and positive during an interview is especially important. The interviewer may ask you questions like “Why are you looking for a new job?” or “What didn’t you like about your previous positions?”. Your ability to answer these questions while avoiding a negative manner about your previous employer or job can show the interviewer that you can remain professional.

Positive answers to these questions can fill the interviewer with confidence that you will be a good addition to their companies’ culture and that you will not say anything negative about them in the future.

2. Don’t only give yes or no answers.

Interviewers will ask you an array of different questions. It’s important to reply as best you can and not just with a simple yes or no answer. If the hiring manager asks you a question you don’t have an answer to, you can ask them to elaborate.

If you are still unsure about what is being asked, then it’s better to tell them you would be happy to answer after you do some follow-up research. This shows that you have an eagerness to learn, which will give a good impression.

 3. “I don’t have any questions.”

At the end of the interview most interviewers will ask if you have any questions. It is important when preparing for an interview to have some meaningful questions prepared to ask the employer, this shows that you have an interest in the company and in the position.

4. Don’t bring up the S word.

If you can help it, don’t be the first one to bring up the S word, salary. If you are too quick to mention money, it might come across to the employer that this is the most important aspect of the job for you. This is an especially mortal sin at the first meeting. When you find out more about the company and your role, you will be able to better determine your salary range.

5. Questions about annual holidays.

It’s better to avoid any questions referring to how many annual holidays the job offers. This information will come in time and it’s more formal to wait until after the first interview or until the interviewer brings this subject up first. You can ask about what benefits the company has to offer when you get through to the 2nd stage of the interview process.

It’s better to be well prepared and as formal and polite as you can be in any interview. If you take note of the above points, then you have more chance of succeeding and you’ll be on your way to that new career you’ve always wanted.