Five Things Not to Say on a Job Interview!

Securing a job interview means you’ve got the hiring director’s attention.  It doesn’t mean you’ve got the job.  Not yet, anyway.  I’ve interviewed candidates who have literally talked themselves out of a job.   Following are five of the worse things you can say on a job interview:

1. “What do you guys do here anyway?”  Most companies have websites that provide a wealth of information about the company.  Asking questions that can easily be answered by doing a little homework is an immediate turnoff to hiring directors.
2.  “How much does this job pay?”  Don’t be the first to mention salary.  It is more important to indicate a genuine interest in the job, and to clearly articulate how your skills and abilities will allow you to do the job
3.  “I like working with people.”  Be more specific by giving examples, and pointing out “people” skills that you used in each instance to solve a problem or promote an idea.
4.  “What kind of benefits do you offer?”  This is the same as asking about the salary.  Believe me, when a hiring director is prepared to make you an offer, she will detail all of the benefits and perks of the job, often in writing.
5.  “What’s the dress code?”  This question is annoying because it gives the impression that the candidate may have a problem adhering to standard company dress codes.

In addition to the above statements, candidates should avoid being too critical of their current employer.  Once I interviewed a very capable young man, who had the education and the experience necessary to do the job.  He was also articulate, well-dressed, and instantly likable.  But, just when I was ready to make him an offer, he began to criticize his current employer.  When I didn’t comment, he continued to fill the silence with one criticism after another.  

I ended the interview by telling him that we would be making a decision in the coming weeks.  We did make a decision.  We hired a different candidate.