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So, you’ve finally handed in your last assignment and you’ll soon be ready to receive your diploma and display it proudly on your wall. It’s now time to prepare for that all-important interview for your very first ‘proper’ job or internship. But what do you say during an interview? Or most importantly, what are the things to avoid saying in an interview?
Interviews can be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of your adult life, but you’ll be much more confident about the prospect of one if you prepare thoroughly in advance.
Everyone knows what they should be saying to impress the hiring manager but do you know what topics are off-limits? To help you, we’re bringing you five things you should avoid saying in an interview so you can ace your next job interview and get your dream job!
Things to Avoid Saying in an Interview
1. “This is just a temporary job for me”
True, you may have grand plans to go off traveling in a year or so, or even pursue a career in a different industry altogether, but does the interviewer need to know this? This is definitely one of the things to avoid saying in an interview.
The interviewer could go on to be your boss, so think about what you say in front of your potential future employer! Do you want to give them the impression that you won’t be sticking around long or that you’re only interested in the job for the salary it brings? Instead, make sure you talk confidently and positively about the job and ask well-thought-out questions. In doing so, your prospective employer knows you’re interested in the job itself and you’ll stand out as a good candidate.
Even if you are planning on staying at the job for a temporary amount of time, it’s important to give your hardest work and to do the job well. Your timeline for staying at that job is what to avoid saying during an interview.
2. “What’s the salary?”
Asking the salary during the first interview is a top thing to avoid saying in an interview. Of course, you’ll be itching to know what the salary for that hot new position will be. However, make sure you resist the temptation to ask – until the next stage. Your prospective employer wants to know you’re interested in the role and not just the perks it offers.
If you’re that curious about the role, you can research the company and role to see the median salary for that position. Sites like Glassdoor will show you what past and present employers were paid based on their position. You can even see ratings about the company on there!
3. “What does the company do?”
While you’re mass applying for jobs, it’s easy to get lost in the abyss. But if you make it to the interview, asking what the company does is 5 words to avoid in an interview. Before your interview, research the company to find out its core values and see how you can apply them to common interview questions that are asked. Thorough research will show that you’re serious about the job and actually want to work there. We know the job interview process is nerve-wracking but asking this general question is definitely something to avoid saying during an interview.
4. “I know I don’t have much experience, but…”
As a college grad, it’s true that you might not be bursting with the relevant experience needed for the job. Employers know you’re a fresh graduate, they’ve read your resume. But don’t allow that to come across in the interview.
Instead, tell the hiring manager or interviewer about your willingness to learn and succeed. Highlight similar experience and downplay any work-related weaknesses. After all, the interviewer needs to know they can put their trust in you to do a great job for the company. And it’ll make a great first impression!
5. “I hated my last boss/company”
Badmouthing a previous employer or old boss really won’t give off the right impression. Your former company or employer may have been the worst boss ever, but speaking negatively about previous work experience is something you want to avoid saying in a job interview. We’re not saying to lie and talk about how great your former employer was, but don’t make this common interview mistake that could cost you a great job.
So how do you prepare for an interview and avoid common interview mistakes? Follow these easy tips!
- Show up to your interview location 15 minutes early
- Give a firm handshake
- Greet the entire interview panel
- Share thoughtful responses
- Talk about potential career growth
- Read the job description beforehand and relate it to your answers
- Send a thank you email afterward
If you’re still nervous about your future job interviews, you can always speak with a career coach from your college!
How do you prepare for an interview? Do you have some top tips you’d like to share?
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