5 Innocent Things That You Probably Say In An Interview But Shouldn’t

By Lilian Wamaitha
How many interviews have you attended but never got called back for a second of even a job?
All you get from the interviewer is the “we will be in touch” cliché and then weeks later they go and hire someone else.
While you may have had all the qualifications, there is just something that went amiss when you stepped into that interview room.
What you said!
An interview is your one chance to convince the hiring manager why they should give you a chance and not that other candidate.
You want to show them that you have the skills and qualifications they are looking for in a new hire.
But while you are familiarizing yourself with common interview questions and answers, it’s important to note down those things that might be termed as red flags.
After all that one wrong move that you may think is innocent may just end up undoing everything.
Here are things that may end up ruining your chances of getting that job.
1. So tell me what you do around here
Rule number one of interviews; always do your research.
I know by asking this question you may think that you will come across as confident and interested in the job and company but never do this.
The interviewer expects you to have done your research and have it at your fingertips who they are.
2. I am a bit nervous
Even if you have never reached that level of nervousness in your life, nobody wants to hire someone who has no confidence.
So in short honesty isn’t the best policy in this case.
Nobody has to know whether you are nervous or not.
3. I can do any job
When an employer shortlists you for an interview, they are looking for someone who is passionate about the role they are about to be given.
So when you tell an interviewer that, “You are flexible to do any job they have, it’s a red flag.
It means you are no even invested in the role and if you are not, why would they give you the job?
4. I know that I don’t have much experience but…
This can easily come out in an interview especially if you are a recent graduate or are looking to change your career.
The problem is when you apologize for lack of experience, what you are telling the employer is that you are not the best hire and that they should look for someone else.
Instead of drawing that much attention to your weaknesses try staying focused on your strengths.
5. My greatest weakness…I’m a perfectionist
Telling a recruiter that your greatest weakness is that you are a perfectionist won’t surprise him or her.
Do you know how many times they have sat in that very same interview room hearing the same phrase?
Not only will it make you come off as arrogant, it is an overrated cliché that you shouldn’t be using.
6. I am looking to start my own business very soon
Being business minded is admirable but it’s not something you say in an interview.
Any employer when hiring is looking for someone who is going to last for a while not one who is just looking for funding to start a business.
Even if you mean to start a business, you don’t have to tell the interviewer that.
Depending on who is interviewing you or the position, there are just things that you need to stop saying if you want to at least start hearing back from recruiters. An interview is an elimination session and what the employer is looking for is simply whether or not you are the right person.
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