An interview is imperative to the hiring process. Both you and the interviewer are thinking about the same thing: Are you a good fit for this organization?
Ideally, you would be a good fit for the organization, and you can showcase your talents during the interview. But candidates may make statements that don’t bode well with the interviewer. If you may have said these things or want to avoid them in the future, check out these tips and tricks.
“It’s on my resume.”
Interviewers will always ask about your previous experience, especially if it’s listed on your resume. If you point them back to your resume, it shows the interviewer that you don’t have much to say.
Instead, use this time to elaborate on your experience. Showcase your skills and how they apply to the role. Include data and evidence to support your statements. This shows the interviewer that you’re interested and leaves a great impression.
“I don’t have any questions.”
Asking questions at the end of the interview is important. It’s an opportunity for you to learn more about the organization and to see if it’s a good fit for you. If you have no questions, it’s a sign of disinterest.
So what kind of questions can you ask? Ask about the position and the company culture. You can also ask for clarity on something previously stated. Don’t ask questions solely about pay or how the role will benefit you. If you do, it will leave a negative impression with the interviewer.
A good guideline is three to five questions. This will show the interviewer that you are interested without overwhelming them. Click here to see more questions to ask during an interview.
“I don’t know.”
This answer shows that you are unprepared and unable to speak about the subject at hand.
Instead, repeat the question in your own words and ask for clarity. If an aspect of the question was confusing, then an explanation or further information will help your understanding. This also gives you enough time to think of how to best answer the question.
“I hated my last job.”
Saying this in an interview leaves a negative impression. It leaves the interviewer wondering: are you going to hate this job too?
If you had a negative experience, it’s okay to say so. Follow this up with how you handled the situation and what you learned from it. This shows growth and experience instead of a negative attitude.
During an interview, it’s best to avoid these and similar statements. These statements work against you rather than for you. Think through potential interview questions and answers to better prepare yourself. It will help you tremendously in the interview.
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