5 Things You DO NOT Want To Say In Your Next Job Interview

Doing interviews for a job prospect can be nerve-wracking. You might have already spent hours tailor-fitting your resume and cover letter for this job, but you still need to seal the deal with this interview.

On average, 118 people apply for a job posting, with only 20% of those applicants invited for an interview, which means you have to make a good and lasting impression for better chances of getting a job offer.

Often, you’re more concerned about what you should say during the interview. However, you also have to keep in mind a few things you should steer away from to keep that good impression and land the role you want. Here are five things you should not say during an interview:

You Hate Your Current Boss

Your resume and cover letter have already highlighted your career achievements and skills that make you a good fit for the role. So, why do you still need to do the interview?

Interviewers use this as an opportunity to get to know you better and see if you’re a good fit for the company and the team. So, one thing to avoid mentioning when asked about things you don’t like about your current job is that you hate your manager or boss.

Speaking negatively about them can come across as unprofessional and may raise concerns for the interviewer about your ability to work well with others. Instead of focusing on negative aspects, frame your reasons for leaving positively, like you are seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth or better alignment with your career goals.

You Don’t Know What Role Suits You Best

People often seek better opportunities or challenges when applying for a new role in a new company, so saying that you don’t know what role you will thrive best at is a big no-no. It suggests a lack of clear career direction or goals, and that you have not taken the time to assess your skills, strengths, and interests.

It may also show a mismatch between what you’re looking for and what the job offers. Employers would want to ensure a good alignment between your goals and the job role. It’s better to focus on the elements of the job that excite you and why you are interested in this particular role and company.

You Know Nothing About The Company Or Industry

Never show up in an interview empty-handed. Telling your interviewer that you don’t know anything about the company or the industry shows a lack of preparation, which can be interpreted as a sign that you are not seriously interested in the position.

It also reflects poorly on your work ethic, as companies prefer to hire candidates who demonstrate initiative and dedication, even in the early stages of the hiring process.

Indeed lists ten things someone should know about the company before jumping to an interview, which includes its history, unique selling proposition or USP, clients, services, products, and competitors.

You can also check recent news on the company or the industry to know trends and current problems they have encountered and how they resolved them. This could allow you to mention relevant details during your interview to showcase your expertise in the industry or field.

You Want To Start Your Own Company

Employers are always looking for a candidate who’s committed and likely to be a long-term fit for the role. So, telling an interviewer that you want to start your own company in the same industry could be concerning for them. They would be investing time and resources to train you, which poses a risk of you using their resources, knowledge, or contacts for your own benefit.

Mentioning your entrepreneurial ambitions can suggest that your primary focus is your future business’ future instead of contributing to the success of the company you’re interviewing for.

It would be better to frame your long-term career goals with skill development and long-term contribution. This approach shows that you are focused on the role and excited to contribute to the company’s success, which employers want to see in a candidate.

You Don’t Have Questions For The Interviewer

The question period is an opportunity for you to learn more about the company culture, team dynamics, and specifics of the role. Not asking questions means you miss out on valuable information that could help you decide if the role is a good fit for you.

Instead, you should prepare questions personalized to the person you’re interviewing with. If you know who you’ll be talking to, look them up online through the company website or networking sites like LinkedIn to get a glimpse of their background. For example, you can say, “I saw in your profile that you used to work in a competitor, what do you think is the difference in culture between this company and your former company?” or “You’ve been in this role/company for some years, what has made you successful throughout your career?”

Asking insightful questions helps demonstrate that you’ve considered how your goals align with the role, how you can contribute to the team, and how you can grow within the company.

Interviews are not just about proving your qualifications but also about presenting yourself as a compatible and enthusiastic potential team member.

If you need further support to prepare for your interview, you can also check out Workhap’s Free Interview Kit. Remember that during an interview, it’s essential to keep the conversation flowing naturally, so practice ahead to have a good idea of how you can leave a positive impression and land that job!