Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com
Interviews are nothing if not opportunities to drive yourself crazy. Just remind yourself to look good, appear confident, say all the right things and don't say any of the wrong ones. It shouldn't be so hard to follow these guidelines except you'll be on the receiving end of an endless line of questions. Factor in your nerves and you'll be lucky to remember your own name. Don't fret. If you walk into the interview prepared, you can make sure you know what right things to say, and you can stop yourself from saying the following wrong things.
Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com
Interviews are nothing if not opportunities to drive yourself crazy. Just remind yourself to look good, appear confident, say all the right things and don't say any of the wrong ones. It shouldn't be so hard to follow these guidelines except you'll be on the receiving end of an endless line of questions. Factor in your nerves and you'll be lucky to remember your own name. Don't fret. If you walk into the interview prepared, you can make sure you know what right things to say, and you can stop yourself from saying the following wrong things.
1. "I hated my last boss."
Your last boss was a miserable person whose main concern was making your life miserable. Of course you don't have a lot of nice things to say; however, don't mistake honesty, which is admirable, for trash-talking, which is despicable. "If you truly did hate your last boss, I would be prepared to articulate why your last organization and relationship was not right for you," says Greg Moran, director of industry sales and partnerships for Talent Technology Corp. "Then be prepared to explain what type of organization is right for you and what type of management style you best respond to."
2. "I don't know anything about the company."
Chances are the interviewer will ask what you know about the company. If you say you don't know anything about it, the interviewer will wonder why you're applying for the job and will probably conclude you're after money, not a career.
"With today's technology," Moran says, "there is no excuse for having no knowledge of a company except laziness and/or poor planning -- neither of which are attributes of potential employees sought by many organizations."
3. "No, I don't have any questions for you."
Much like telling the interviewer that you don't know anything about the company, saying you don't have any questions to ask also signals a lack of interest. Perhaps the interviewer answered every question or concern you had about the position, but if you're interested in a future with this employer, you can probably think of a few things to ask. "Research the company before you show up," Moran advises. "Understand the business strategy, goals and people. Having this type of knowledge will give you some questions to keep in your pocket if the conversation is not flowing naturally."
4. "I'm going to need to take these days off."
"We all have lives and commitments and any employer that you would even consider working for understands this. If you progress to an offer stage, this is the time for a discussion regarding personal obligations," Moran suggests. "Just don't bring it up prior to the salary negotiation/offer stage."Why? By mentioning the days you need off too early in the interview, you risk coming off presumptuous as if you know you'll get the job.
5. "How long until I get a promotion?"
While you want to show that you're goal-oriented, be certain you don't come off as entitled or ready to leave behind a job you don't even have yet."There are many tactful ways to ask this question that will show an employer that you are ambitious and looking at the big picture," Moran offers. "For example, asking the interviewer to explain the typical career path for the position is fine."Another option is to ask the interviewer why the position is open, Moran adds. You might find out it's due to a promotion and can use that information to learn more about career opportunities.
6. "Are you an active member in your church?"
As you attempt to make small talk with an interviewer, don't cross the line into inappropriate chitchat. Avoid topics that are controversial or that veer too much from work."This sounds obvious but many times I have been interviewing candidates and been asked about my personal hobbies, family obligations, et cetera," Moran says. "Attempting to develop a rapport is essential but taking it to far can bring you into some uncomfortable territory."
7. "As Lady Macbeth so eloquently put it ..."
Scripted answers, although accurate, don't impress interviewers. Not only do they make you sound rehearsed and stiff, they also prevent you from engaging in a dialogue."This is a conversation between a couple humans that are trying to get a good understanding of one another. Act accordingly," Moran reminds.
8. "And another thing I hate ..."
Save your rants for your blog. When you're angry, you don't sway anybody's opinion about a topic, but you do make them like you less. For one thing, they might disagree with you. They also won't take kindly to your bad attitude. "If you are bitter, keep it inside and show optimism. Start complaining and you will be rejected immediately," Moran warns. "Do you like working with a complainer? Neither will the interviewer."
Next: 43 Things Actually Said in Interviews >>
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Search by Company | Search by IndustryAnthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
Copyright 2008 CareerBuilder.com
Nov 1st 2009 @ 10:21AM REGINA
HOW ABOUT WHEN BEING INTERVIEWED, THE EMPLOYER TAKES CALLS AND LEAVES YOU SITTING THERE FEELING WORTHLESS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AND IT'S ME WHO FEELS LIKE CUTTING THE INTERVIEW SHORT AND SAYING YOU ARE A SELF-ABSORBED MORON.
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Nov 1st 2009 @ 12:52PM Jaye
That would mean that the interviewers phone call is less important than your interview. So the real question would be do you need the job more than he/she needs to take that call?
I would guess that you need the job more.
In upper management some calls just can't wait.
Nov 1st 2009 @ 1:09PM Giomilio
If that ever happens again just compliment him/her on how important and busy he/she is. Then add: "I see how I am going to have to take some of that load off your shoulders"
Nov 1st 2009 @ 6:37PM Dave W.
I was interviewing for a new engineering manager. The applicant, referred by a search firm was from out of town. He drove in and checked in at a motel as directed. The following morning he failed to arrive at the appointed time. Calls to his room produced no response.
Finally, out of concern we asked hotel security to open his door if necessary. They did and found the applicant with two young women and drunk as a skunk. We did not select him for the opening.
Nov 1st 2009 @ 7:19PM Christine
Sit there and smile and show you are patient. That is a good quality is some people's eyes. Either you need the job or not. Better to sit there and listen to a call then sit on a "casting couch" being asked for special services.
Nov 1st 2009 @ 10:27AM KC
When asked by the interviewer if you have any questions, I've found that the following answer is effective:
I ask, "What immediate projects/goals is the company focusing on?" Then, when they answer, I say "Oh, that's excellent, because I was the (fill in the blank here, whatever it was you did), and I helped the company increase their efficiency in the order processing dept by 20%, when I suggested (fill in the blank)....."
While showing your interest in the company's projects, this also illustrates your strength for being able to identify where improvements can be made to increase efficiencies, which is a cost-cutting move.
A job candidate must always think of the prospective employer as being their customer. Do this, and you will be able to sell yourself more easily.
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Nov 1st 2009 @ 11:18AM b
Good points.
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Nov 1st 2009 @ 11:24AM b
"What immediate projects/goals is the company focusing on?" Too presumptuous and phony. This is something you will soon learn after being hired and working for a particular company for a while. Too scripted, and this is sure to put your resume` in the round file.
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Nov 1st 2009 @ 7:17PM Christine
I agree. Be yourself. You are better off saying," So, what is it you need this new position to do? Because I am ready to roll up my sleeves and dig in."
Nov 1st 2009 @ 11:47AM Kerry
I have ALWAYS walked into every interview for a job with the attitude that I AM DEFINITELY GOING TO GET THIS JOB! I SELL myself to the interviewer and let them know right away by my personality and by my responses to their questions that if they do not hire me for this position that they will be making the worst decision of their lives. I also live by this steadfast principle and it has ALWAYS and I do mean ALWAYS has worked for me! I NEVER APPLIED FOR A JOB I DID NOT WANT! AND, I HAVE ALWAYS GOTTEN EVERY JOB FOR WHICH I HAVE APPLIED! Typically my strategy is to anticipate their needs and the answers to their questions and provide such before they pop said questions. I am now 49 years old and I retired when I was 42. I was always put on the fast track using these basic principles and I always moved from entry levels into upper management within 9 months to one year. I have worked for LITTON INDUSTRIES, INTERNATIONAL PLAYTEX, MAX FACTOR, REVLON, UNION CARBIDE, SUNTRUST BANK and lastly for myself. I always worked a minimum of 2 jobs and during my college years I worked 2 full-time jobs and 1 part-time job all while attending UNC-Chapel Hill and graduating in Mathematics. Getting a job is a breeze! There is NO EXCUSE for anyone NOT to have one if they truly desire a job and don't mind working! The real problem with most Americans these days is that they feel that they are too good to do manual labor or to settle for anything less than what they had before. Well it's high time everyone woke up and realized that in the real world you do what you have to do to survive. If you have to, and I have had to in decades past, you take whatever is available and be happy to have it. I worked in a grocery store, as a bag boy for one week when they realized my talents were being wasted and I was promoted to Front End Manager, (Office Manager and head of all the Cashiers and bag boys and workers' scheduling), for a large retail grocery store chain. The GM wa so impressed with me that 1 year later when he took a better paying job with the competition, he insisted they take me too at a very handsome salary increase and with a full benefits package that rivaled any IBM or other BLUE CHIP STOCK Managerial Position! AMERICA! QUIT CRYING AND GET TO TRYING! YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE, ROLL UP YOUR SLEAVES AND GET DOWN TO WORK AND BE GLAD YOU HAVE A JOB OF ANY SORT! STOP BEING TOO PROUD TO FLIP BURGERS AT MCDONALD'S IF THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES! AT LEAST THAT IS A VERY RESPECTABLE JOB TO HAVE! JUST LOOK AT THE MESSAGE ALL OF YOU ARE SENDING TO YOUR KIDS AND TO MINE AND EVERYONE ELSE'S TOO. YOU ARE TELLING THEM TO SIT BACK AND WAIT FOR THE RIGHT JOB TO COME ALONG. THAT'S ABSURD! GET OUT THERE AND GET A JOB AND BE PROUD TO EARN A DECENT DAY'S PAY FOR A DECENT DAY'S WORK! AMERICA YOUR TOO SPOILED AND TOO SOFT! SHAME ON ALL OF YOU!
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Nov 1st 2009 @ 12:36PM scott
wow. A-type personality, much?
Nov 1st 2009 @ 1:11PM BluSu
Kerry, it is very hard to believe that you have done all that you say you have. If you have, good for you, but in today's market, you might find it tough going. I can point out one flaw that you have; you did not spell all of your words correctly! Yes, I am a retired teacher.
Nov 1st 2009 @ 4:00PM Christy
Kerry:
Why have you worked in so many different places? You are so young and that it is alot of jobs in such a short time! The job market is alot different now and you could even have a problem finding a job.
Also, the comment regarding Americans not wanting to work certain jobs is bull. Millions of Americans are working in jobs just to survive and this includes non Americans.
Maybe you should look in the mirror and pat yourself on your stuck up back!
Nov 1st 2009 @ 4:16PM Jo
Your 'rant' is commendable, however, if you were promoted in all of these positions why didn't you just stay put in one of them and REALLY move up (president, CEO, etc.)?
By the way- it is spelled sleeves- not sleaves. Funny, for someone who was so promotable and in demand, I wonder if your spelling skills were ever utilized.
Nov 1st 2009 @ 4:40PM CARLA J
What freaking planet did you just drop off of? Dont' you realize that it is not all about answers to questions, or about whether or not you want the job... (And, Why would a person interview for a job they DIDN'T want, anyway)...so much as it is about the company already knowing who they want to hire, they just want to see what the person looks and sounds like in person. Explain to me how I could be offered a position on the phone, (obviously, they've already read my resume) but, when I showed up for the interview (on time or early I might add) the job mysteriously disappeared? That is because I am an over 45 y/o Black woman who happens to sound "White" on the phone. I am also just a few pounds overweight. So, when the interviewer sees who I am in person, and figures I won't "fit in" with their corporate culture, and they would rather give the job to "one of their own kind", Voila! The job is history. This has happened to many times for it to be a fluke. The one with the nicest looking resume, most expensive suit, and the right "look" for the office crowd...gets the job everytime. This crap about being "overqualified" is a bunch of B.S., too. A person who is applying for a job, needs a job, they need money. They don't need people thinking that they are going to leave before they even get the job. What about the "qualified" candidate who gets pregnant, or who gets into a car accident, or gets sick the first week of the job and has to leave. Did the interviewer see that one coming? Come on now...this is not rocket science. Picking the right employee is a shot in the dark, of a crowded room full of hungry, qualified people. Somebody is going to get it...it just might NOT be you this time.
Nov 1st 2009 @ 5:34PM Gisela
BluSu and Jo, Haven't you noticed?? Spelling is no longer part of the educational curriculum in America. And Jo, staying put in a job is rarely as rewarding as taking on the challenge of something new! Moving ultimately puts you in charge of your own raises. It requires competence and CONFIDENCE in your own competence. Sadly, seems to be in short supply nowadays.
Nov 1st 2009 @ 5:31PM Dan
Carla,
I read your comment about how you have lost many jobs due to race. I think that's a bunch of BS, if you looked back at those employers you would probably notice that they have black employees. What companies are you referring to where you would be playing the race card? I'm black and my race has never been an issue when it comes to gaining meaningful employment.
Nov 1st 2009 @ 5:33PM Janet
First, I find it totally impossible that you could have carried 2 full time jobs plus a part-time job at the same time while you were going to college. You simply would NOT have been able to concentrate or have time for your studies. Second, I could roll up my SLEEVES and get a job at McDonald's except that then I will have to work 5 other jobs to be able to pay for my rent. Third, if I were an interviewer and saw that you have gone through so many jobs and haven't been able to hold onto them I would find that you weren't reliable enough to work for me either. Your speech didn't sell me. You belong in a PR job if anything.
Nov 1st 2009 @ 5:41PM Breeeze
Wow...if you could make it THAT far with your poor skills in written communication...then there is hope.... Bless you, and btw...you should have free spell-check on your pc.
Nov 1st 2009 @ 6:44PM TERRY
Well said, actually very well said