Avoid Saying These Things During the Interview

Here are some smart tips for your next interview. I hope you land that dream job!

Smart Tip #1: When the interviewers ask, “Why are you looking for a new opportunity”, never say bad things about your past or current supervisor. It looks quite terrible for you to go on and on about how horrible your boss was or is. Instead of focusing on your boss, simply say, "I liked the company and the people I worked with but I am looking for a greater opportunity and more challenging project for myself".

If you keep talking bad about your boss and the company, they will assume that you will soon be saying the same things about them!

Smart Tip #2: This is one the most asked questions but many candidates still seem to struggle answering this question. When they ask you, “Tell me about yourself”, give a brief introduction of your personal self then get into the specifics. If you applying for a manager role, let them know that you are a great leader and tell them specifically how you went about leading a group. Give them specific examples of how you built the team from ground up to meet a deadline or to complete a project. Always say your strength, followed by a specific example.

Smart Tip #3: If they ask you if you have specific skill set and you do not, don’t just say, “No, I don’t know how to do that”. Practice saying, “I have not done that particular thing in the past but I have done something similar to what you are asking” and give them an example. In most cases, interviewers aren’t looking for candidates who possess all of the qualifications especially if the skills can be taught quickly. They are often looking for motivated and fast-learners.

Smart Tip #4: Do brief research about the company before the interview. You should NOT be asking, “So, what does your company do here? Even if you aced the interview, if you asked this question at the end, you are most likely not going to get that job. Know the industry and what products or services the company offers.

Smart Tip #5: Bring good questions with you. If you are asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” Never say, “No”. That shows that you have no level of excitement about this company or about what they do. You should have at least 3 questions. Some examples are as follows: 1. What are some of the challenges a person will face in this role? 2. What are some of the programs or trainings you provide for your employees for their career development? 3. What is your favorite part of working at this company and what is your least favorite part?

Please apply these smart tips for your upcoming interview. You will do great! Good luck!

P.S. Make sure you download FREE email template: Thank You Note after an Interview!

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