You may be qualified and well-suited for a job, but saying the wrong thing can cause you to lose your job entirely. There are times when people say the wrong thing and believe that what they said is unimportant. Here are a few things you should never say during a job interview.
1. I’m sorry for being late.
This is one of the most common things that people say inadvertently during a job interview. The only sure way to avoid making this mistake is to arrive at least an hour early for the interview. Being late for an interview indicates that you are untrustworthy and that relying on you is a bad idea. An interview allows you to demonstrate that you are the best candidate for the job and that you are trustworthy. If you’re late for an interview and still don’t have the job, how late will you be when you finally get it?
2. I prefer to work alone.
This is a red flag because all the interviewer hears is that you are unable to collaborate with other team members. Although there is nothing wrong with preferring to work alone at times, you should not disclose this to a prospective employer. Furthermore, most businesses require employees from various departments to collaborate in order to achieve specific objectives or goals. By admitting that you prefer to work alone, you are simply stating that you are uninterested in the company as a whole.
3. I’m quitting my job because I despise my boss/company.
Whatever your boss is like, keep it to yourself during the job interview. In fact, refrain from mentioning anything negative about your previous employer or company. Working in a toxic environment can be exhausting, and you may be tempted to tell the world and your potential employer about it. However, you can only tell your closest friends and family members about this. If the interviewer asks why you want to leave your current company, simply state that you want to challenge yourself or work for a larger organization. Interviewers prefer candidates with a positive attitude over those who have nothing good to say about others. Expressing dissatisfaction with your current or previous employer indicates that you are a difficult person who may not get along with others in the new company.
4. I Have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Avoid using this statement during a job interview unless you have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which is a mental illness. The majority of people interpret this statement to mean that they are well-organized and pay close attention to detail. However, if you do not have the condition but claim to be OCD about your work, you will offend those who do and may jeopardize your chances of getting the job. If you do have the condition, you have the option of telling your interviewers or avoiding the subject entirely. Some people, on the other hand, use their health conditions or disorders to get people to do things for them or to get what they want. As a result, unless specifically asked, avoid mentioning that you have a medical condition.
Do not mention your strengths and weaknesses in the same sentence. Do not, for example, claim that being a perfectionist is your weakness. Because everyone has a flaw, your interviewer will detect deception. When you portray your strength as a weakness, you are saying that you prefer to be seen as right even when you are clearly wrong.
5. I’m applying for this job because it will allow me to…
These words shift the focus away from the job interview and toward you. To avoid making this mistake, discuss what you will bring to the company. Remember that most people are rarely certain that they will be hired after a job interview. As a result, trust your instincts and give it your all. In addition, make a point of emphasizing your strengths and accomplishments.
6. I’d Like to Learn More About Your Vacation Policy
Please do not ask a question like this during a job interview. Asking such a question shows that you are eager to take a vacation even before you have proven your work. Prospective employers want to see that you are excited about your new role, not the company’s vacation policy.
If you want to learn more about how to ace a job interview, you should read the following book: ‘Why Should We Hire You?’ is the title of the second edition of ‘The Successful Interview.’