What Not to say in an Interview

After grilling a candidate to decipher his fit for the position for about 30 minutes, I excused myself to discuss the candidate with my partner. I re-enter my office to find the interviewee shuffling through a music playlist on YouTube on MY LAPTOP!

I understand that an interview process can be nerve-wrecking for an interviewee. Having to display all you have got and to prove a panel or even an individual how you are right for the job - all within a span of half an hour is not easy.

As an owner of a recruitment agency, I want nothing more than to have all the candidates excel in their interviews and are offered the job. However, that is not always the case. Every now and then we hear some stories about the candidates who have said some inappropriate things during the interview. We have a plethora of resources to tell us what exactly to do in an interview, how to behave and what to say, but few that tell you what not to do.

Let’s look at the five most commonly asked questions irrespective of the role. Here goes –

Question 1: ‘What do you know about us?’

Do not say -

A.     Nothing. (So, you applied why?)

B.     I was told I will be briefed during the interview. (Yes, this has actually happened)

C.     You have this job opening

D.     Don’t mention anything negative you have come across about the organization on the internet or from a disgruntled employee.

Rule #1 of interviewing: Do your research. You never want to walk into an interview knowing next-to-nothing about the position or company—you want to show that you’re excited enough and have taken the pains to do some homework and thought about how you’d fit in. To get started, do some online research, and try to find a current or past employee you can talk to before the big day.

Question 2: ‘What is your weakness?’

Do not say –

A.     I am too much of a perfectionist (Too cliché, chances are that the hiring manager will not be surprised and it will come across as a rehearsed answer. If you really are a perfectionist then just spin it right)

B.     I am too smart, I am too hard working, my house is too clean, etc. (Please don’t)

C.     I am a little slow to grasp things (Just stop!!!)

D.     I don’t have any (amazing and unbelievable!)

E.      Don’t highlight a weakness that is a core competency of the job. (Know the job description “inside and out”.)

The reason why this question is asked is to gauge your understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses. However, always remember that this is not a counseling session but an interview. Here is what you can say – “I use to stress and worry about my weaknesses but I have decided to build on my strengths and stay focused to things that help me achieve and grow.” In a nutshell, find a way to sneak in your strengths while answering this question.

Question 3: ‘Why should we hire you?’

Do not say –

A.     I need the money (Everyone does)

B.     I don’t know (Neither will the employer)

C.     I think outside the box (No catch phrases please)

D.     Don’t be too modest. This is your time to shine.

E.      Don’t go overboard as well at the risk of coming across as arrogant

This question gives you this opportunity to display your strengths - grab it!! Do your research, sum up everything you have done different and right and match it to the role you are interviewing for. It should be focused on the benefit to the employer and his/her company and not the benefit to you for having the job.

Question 4: ‘Why are you looking for a change?’

Do not say –

A.     I hate/dislike my boss or the company (If you speak poorly of your company or boss during an interview, you are more likely to do the same about your new company or boss. Everyone is smart!)

B.     Because you approached me, I have no specific reason (very committed!)

C.     I broke up with a girl in the organization and there was a lot of tension in office (No kidding)

D.     I am tired of doing the same old thing

It is always insightful for the employer/recruiter to have an idea about what motivates you. The answer to this question goes a long way. The problem is the moment there is a ‘why’ people get onto their defensive side and give out some not so nice information about their current job or workplace – this creates a very negative impression.

The most common answers to this question are actually the appropriate ones – “Desire to take on more responsibility” , “growth opportunity” , “better prospects” , “desire to relocate” , “looking for a career change” etc.

Question 5: “Tell me about yourself?”

Do not say –

A.     It’s on my resume (Here’s the thing; I know it’s on your resume but I asked so I can understand you beyond the written word. I am actually evaluating your communication and social skills)

B.     I don’t have much to say

C.     I stood 2nd in a singing competition in my school (how is this even relevant?)

D.     No life story narration please - Do not go on about professional or personal experience that is not relevant to the job at hand

While this may be among the first questions asked at the start of the interview, the goal of the interview is not to become best friends! The goal is to determine if you are a good fit for their job. You probably find yourself wondering ‘What do they really want to know’ - Excellent thought! They want to understand how well you can fit into the role.

Like the “why should we hire you?” question, this question gives you another opportunity to market yourself. Describe to them how you are the solution to their problem, emphasize on your skills and experience and tell them how you are the ideal candidate for the job you are applying.

Bottom line – Being prepared is the key.

With advance planning and research about the company and the role, you have a pretty good chance at being successful in your interview. Practice. Practice. Practice. Show that you are passionate about the position and make an impression! So, the employer or recruiter does not forget you the next day.

by Zainab Gheewala, Founder, Edu Jobs by Cinch Education