The subject of job interviews is broad; there is so much to talk about on the subject. Generally, when anyone prepares for a job interview they do some study into questions to expect and model appropriate responses. You would think that since interviews have been around for a very long time people would ace their interviews. Well, you still find interviewees failing and often time it is due to them saying things that cost them. In this article, I want to look at just 6 of them that one should never say (or do) in an interview.

Castigating Your Former Employer

One of the biggest causes of employee turnover is usually tied to issues involving a boss. Thus it is understandably common that one looks for another job to get rid of some problematic bosses. However, as tempting it might be, do not castigate your former bosses during an interview. You can make things awkward for the interviewer(s) since there could be an intersection between your former and now would bosses. After all, badmouthing someone, no matter how seemingly justified it can be, reflects badly on you.

This whole issue comes to the fore when you are probably asked why you left your previous job. Rather than berate your former bosses, focus more on yourself. For example, you can mention things along the lines that you wanted to explore new challenges in a bid to expand your experience, expertise and career. This will insinuate that you feel this new workplace would provide you will that.

“I See Myself In A Position Like Yours”

The question of where you see yourself in say, 5 years is a common interview question. It is a question that you must answer well lest you give off undesirable impressions. Let us say you are being interviewed by some of your would-be bosses if you are employed. Some interviewees think that saying, “I See Myself In A Position Like Yours” is an indication of being ambitious yet complimenting the listener. It actually is not like that and can derail your prospects of getting the job.

This is mainly because that statement can be misconstrued to mean something negative. The interviewer might take it as if you are planning on getting their position. Especially if you probably wield competitive qualifications they might be very uncomfortable with that response. Rather mention things that visionary and goal-getting you are but not in a manner that variably discomfits the interviewer.

“I Am A Self-Starter” (Or Any Variation Of That…)

In interviews, even early as in CVs you find this being a common feature. The major reason why you should not say this is because it is too commonly used. It virtually seems like a parroted response which interviewees say just because they heard you should say so. People commonly use it when asked about their strengths or personality attributes.

“I am a perfectionist”

When asked about weaknesses people love to mention this one. It sounds nice really but it reflects badly on you mostly. Saying you are a perfectionist insinuates that you are not self-aware of any weakness on your part. Such a perfectionist mindset can blind you from real areas that you must pay attention to. Your prospective employer will usually have a problem with that so avoid this statement.

Asking About Your Prospective Employer

You will find interviewees at some point saying stuff like, “Can you tell me more about your business or company.” At first glance, it does sound noble that you want to know more about them but it makes you look bad. Remember one of the most important things you must do in preparing for the interview is researching your prospective employer as much as you can. Asking this question will give the impression that you did not do so.

Asking About The Salary And Benefits

Understand that there is nothing wrong in wanting to know this. In fact, salary and benefits are usually the main reason why someone looks for a job. However, do not be hasty in bringing in it up; rather wait for the interviewer to start the subject. If you bring it up too early the prospective employer might just think you are too hung up on the salary and benefits rather than bringing real value to the company.

These are 6 of some of the most crucial things you must not say (or do) in an interview. Interviews are becoming more rigorous nowadays so any slight mistake can be your undoing. Usually, in your responses, you must strike certain balances. As you probably might have seen from what I said in this article so many things you can say might not necessarily be wrong. Rather it is the possibility of it being misconstrued to mean something bad that is the problem.