Blog Never Say In A Job Interview

You've been in this game for years, and you've taken a bunch of jobs, so you know you'll be facing another hiring manager at some point. Now, there are a ton of articles from people telling you what to say in a job interview, but what not to say... that's another story. 


So, we've put our heads together here at Trojan Recruitment Group and created a list of 7 things you should never say in a job interview. Here are the offenders that could cost you a great gig. 


1: I Hated My Last Boss.
He or she may well have been a pain in the backside, but don't let on. When you say anything negative about your current or former manager, alarm bells go off. Maybe you were the reason behind the bad relationship, like always being late or rude. Or perhaps you're just difficult in general. Better to let that one lie. And in future, you could consider finding new ways to deal with a nightmare boss. 

2: What Does This Place Do?
You mean, you don't know? Let's get real; it's on you to learn at least the basics of what the company you're interested in working for does. You can definitely ask questions that an outsider wouldn't know, but the nitty-gritty is something you need to have nailed before you walk in. 

3: I'm Kind of a Loner
Saying anything that hints you're not a team player or making yourself look like you can't collaborate, is an easy way to lose the next gig. You don't have to be the life of the party, but don't mention you prefer not to engage with others.  

4: I've Got No Idea
Honesty isn't always the best policy, especially in a job interview. You might encounter a hiring manager who likes to ask difficult questions, but telling them you're stumped is falling into the trap. They want to see you tackling the tough ones, so try to figure out what they may be ahead of time and have a good answer prepared. 

5: I've Been Doing This for Ages
You are going to get asked about your experience. Whether it's been a few years or a few decades, the hiring manager is probing about your background. And you should know the specifics, like when you got into the trade, and when you learned a particular skill. You don't have to have it down to the day, but "ages" isn't going to cut it. 

6: What's Your Policy on Taking a Sickie?
Everyone needs to take time off work when they get ill, but an interview is not the time to bring it up. Talking about leave days before you've even got the job will make the hiring manager think you may well be planning to pull sickies now and then to watch the footie. Keep that one out of the conversation. If you need to know, ask around outside of the interview.

7: I'm Desperate for Work
The company wants people to work for them because they're stoked about the position, not because they haven't been able to land a job. Desperation should never be the reason you want the work, even if you have hit hard times. Remember, you're trying to show the interviewer your best side, and that means staying positive. 

Summary
•Don't be negative about your former boss or employer as it may reflect poorly on you.

•Know before you go. Research the company and understand what they do.

•Avoid mentioning you like to go-it-alone as it screams that you aren't a team player. 

•Don't answer tough questions with "I don't know." Well prepared candidates win every time. 

•Be well-versed in your own career, including important dates and skills. 

•Don't bring up sick days; it may come across as you're planning sickies.

•Never show desperation as it may make a potential employer nervous.


If you need assistance with hiring, contact a recruitment agency like Trojan Recruitment Group and receive advice from the experts in labour-hire, permanent and contract staff.

Sources

https://hbr.org/2019/11/how-to-deflect-difficult-questions-in-an-interview-or-negotiation

https://hbr.org/2016/12/do-you-hate-your-boss

https://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2014/05/22/the-ultimate-guide-to-researching-a-company-pre-interview/#4949331d5ee6