Top 5 Things You Don’t Want To Say In An Interview

Avoid these Red Flags

Most job interview tips are based around things you should say and do to help position you for success. However, it is just as important to know what NOT to say in an interview. Avoid the below red flags below and keep the conversation in a positive flow.

I’m sure they seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised.

1. “I’ve got my eyes set on your job”

Red Flag – 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”.

2. I’ve no weaknesses

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

3. Don’t use profanity/slang or crack jokes

Red Flag – 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.

Always stay professional in an interview and know that it is NEVER acceptable to drop the F bomb in conversation.

4. Do you mind if I take this call?

Red Flag – “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.

5. What are you doing later?

Red Flag – 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”. If you are a female and do this, you could be perceived as being flirty. If you are a male, you might be seen as creepy.

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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