If you're unsure what to say during a job interview, at least know what are the taboos you shouldn't utter when sitting in front of the interviewer.
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1. "Could you tell me more about the company you work for?"
Rule number 1 when going for an interview: Do your research beforehand. It's best to show that you're interested in the job and take the time to find out how you could fit in with the company. You should start by going online or finding a current or former employee of the company to get their feedback before the interview day.
2. "Well, my old company..."
No matter how bad your previous job was, you should never speak negatively about your old company in an interview. Maintain a neutral tone and try to appear positive, focusing on what you learned from each experience and your future goals. This is especially important if you are asked about your reasons for leaving your previous job.
3. "I don't get along very well with my boss."
Similarly, you wouldn't want to make negative comments about any of your former colleagues. Even if your old boss was the meanest person in the world, your current interviewer won't know that, and this kind of talk will make them doubt whether you're a difficult person to work with.
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4. "Honestly, I'm really worried."
You might feel like this is the most anxious and panicking moment of your life, but remember, no company wants to hire someone who lacks confidence. “So in this case, honesty isn’t the best option,” says Amy Hoover, president of TalentZoo. “Try to appear completely calm, and you’ll calm down!”
5. "I can do anything!"
Employers are looking for candidates who are passionate about the job and the role they will be taking on. Therefore, saying things like that won't impress. Instead, you should target a specific position and be prepared to demonstrate to the employer why that job is right for you.
6. "I know I don't have much experience, but..."
This is an extremely easy mistake to make, whether you're a recent graduate or have been working for several years. When you apologize for your lack of experience, you're essentially admitting that you're not the best choice for the employer. Don't let that happen in the interview room. Instead of focusing on weaknesses, you should project a positive image, focus on your strengths, and emphasize the skills you can bring to the job, as well as your enthusiasm for the position.
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7. "I wrote that in my CV; you can take a look."
“The point is this: I know that information is in your CV, but if I’ve asked you about a specific job or activity, it means I want you to tell me more than what you’ve written. This is also a way to assess an applicant’s communication skills. Do you pronounce words clearly? Are you someone who can meet with clients, or someone who should only work in an office?” shares Nando Rodriguez, Head of Employment Branding at Ogilvy & Mather. “If the recruiter asks about a particular skill, don’t tell them to read your CV; instead, use this moment to shine.”
8. "Perfectionism is my biggest weakness."
Some candidates think this statement will impress the recruiter. But it's not. The recruiter isn't surprised at all; in fact, they might find it somewhat annoying because it sounds like a familiar, formulaic answer. This type of response also doesn't provide the recruiter with any additional information about your work style or personality (especially if half the other candidates give a similar answer). The advice is to try more honest and sincere answers.
Did these "taboos" surprise you? Have you ever blurted out any of these during a job interview? Remember these points carefully before exploring other unexpected taboo phrases in the following parts of this series!
According to HRC
