Top 10 Things You Don’t Want To Say In A Job Interview

Searching for a new job can be extremely stressful. It’s right up there with skydiving and bungee jumping. There is a lot of advice about what to say in that all important job interview, however, what you “SHOULD NOT” say is just as important.

We previously gave you our top 5 things you don’t want to say in an interview, however, as it’s the start of a new year, we feel it’s only right to give you gentle reminder. We have even extended the list, following some “memorable” interviews in 2013.

Top 10 things you “don’t” want to say in a job interview

1. “Sorry I’m late”

It goes without saying that punctuality is key. Arriving late automatically starts the interview off on the wrong foot.

2. “What’s your annual leave and sickness policy?”

” It doesn’t look good if, before you’ve even been hired, you’re planning your absence from the company.

3. “My previous employer was terrible”

No matter how mind-numbingly boring those roles might have been, “speaking badly of a previous employer is not only unprofessional, but also reflects on your character.

4. “I’ve got my eyes set on your job”

Showing ambition and drive in an interview is great, however, there is a fine line between “being ambitious” and “being cocky”. When an interviewer asks you where do you see yourself in 3-5 years, don’t say, “I want your job”.

5. “I’ve no weaknesses”

Never answer by saying you have no weaknesses. Again, leave the cockiness at home. Maybe one of your weaknesses is not recoginising your weaknesses .

6. “Don’t use profanity/slang or crack jokes”

An obvious one, “you would think”. No matter how relaxed you are in your interview, you may want to keep your tongue under control. There seems to be a social acceptance in Irish culture when it comes to cursing or using slang. Using mild slang or cracking an inappropriate joke could mean your application coming to a swift halt.

7. “Do you mind if I take this call?”

“Turn off your phone”. It’s simple, I would even go as far as to say, do not have your phone with you. Even when your phone is on silent you maybe tempted to check and become distracted.

8. “What are you doing later?”

When the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, this is not one of them. Never compliment the physical appearance of the interviewer, “EVER”.

9. “This is my second choice job”

Nobody wants to be the bridesmaid. Complete attention should be given to the organisation you are interviewing with.

10. “I heard on the grapevine that most people here work more than 40 hours a week”

Don’t make reference to the “40 hour week” as a standard. Nobody wants to hire someone who’s looking at the clock all day. They will be looking for a professional that will go the extra mile to get the job done.

Joe Robbins

(Director) BBS (Hons), MBPICS – Shannon Office

Joe Robbins is co-founder of CareerWise Recruitment. A graduate of the University of Limerick (Degree in Business Studies, 1985), Joe worked in the UK for five years where he specialised in materials management, production management and plant management for a number of companies.

He returned to Ireland in 1992 to become Operations Manager for a Cork-based start-up, FMC Automotive Division which was subsequently taken over by Snap-on Equipment. Joe managed the business re-location of this company to Shannon in 1997 before setting up CareerWise Recruitment in 1999.

He is a committee member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Mid-West region, and a former Director and Vice President of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce. Joe is former Chairperson of the Sixmilebridge Camogie Club and current Chairperson of the Clare County Camogie Board.

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