What NOT to Say In a Job Interview

In this column I’d like to focus on what NOT to say in a job interview.

How much does the job pay?

OK, I know some of you think it’s more efficient to discuss salary requirements with the employer right up front. Why waste your time talking to someone about a job if it doesn’t meet your requirements, right? Employers seem to agree with this logic as well and sometimes ask applicants about salary expectations even before they ask about work experience. 

From the applicant’s point of view it’s a mistake to discuss compensation too early because the information you provide will probably be used to screen you out. If you are able to postpone this discussion until after you have successfully established your value, you may be surprised how the employer can find a little more wiggle room in the hiring range for the right person. 

Don’t ask about the benefits package either. The employer will give you this information in good time. Focus on questions and discussions about the job responsibilities and company needs. 

My biggest weakness is…

“So, what is your biggest weakness?”  This is a common – and dreaded – interview question. 

Now that you know this, you can prepare for it. 

The trick to answering this question is to consider some of your weaknesses and then prepare your answer around one weakness that is not critical in the performance of the primary duties of the job. For example, if you’re an accountant, you could talk about a weakness in giving presentations to large audiences. This response won’t make the hiring manager nervous because she’ll probably be able to relate to it personally, and the job won’t require a lot of presentations. 

Be sure to explain that you are aware of the weakness and what you are doing to overcome it. In this example, the accountant could talk about taking a public speaking course at Dale Carnegie or how she joined Toastmasters. 

I plan to retire in five years.

True story: I interviewed a person for a senior manager level job this week and he voluntarily shared that he would retire in a few years. 

While you should never lie during an interview, you don’t have to go out of your way to confess all of your plans. Who knows what the future will bring? 

Make sure you convey your enthusiasm to work hard and that you look forward to a long and rewarding working relationship.

What’s your vacation policy?

Asking about time off during an interview is a mistake. Remember, it’s all about the employer and their needs. You are there to sell your ability to solve their problems. Therefore it’s not about what you need, it's about what they need.

My boss and I didn’t see eye to eye.

I’ve heard this statement from many applicants over the years. This makes the red flags start to wave in a hiring manager’s mind. They become concerned about the applicant’s interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. 

It’s important that you carefully craft and practice your reason for leaving statement. Again, you have to be truthful but your challenge is to explain your reasons without being negative if possible. 

It’s often helpful to position your explanation from the perspective of what you’d like to go to, rather than from what you want to leave. 

No, I don’t really have any questions.

Hiring managers expect you to have questions about the job, the company and about their management style and expectations. If you don’t ask questions it appears as though you aren’t interested. 

Make sure you ask thought-provoking questions that demonstrate that you did your research on the company. Don’t ask any question that you could find the answer to on their company website. 

If you think you’ll forget your questions, write them down and keep them in the portfolio you carry to the interview. 

Finally, be aware of the time constraints in an interview schedule. If the interviewer is sending signals that your time is over, be ready to wrap it up. 

I hope these tips on what NOT to say during an interview were helpful. Are there other things you’ve learned not to say during an interview that you’d like to share? I'd like to hear from you. 

Christy Suerth

Your Neighbor and Career Coach