NEVER Say THESE in a Job Interview – The Complete Guide to Avoiding Rejection

Summary

In this video, the speaker outlines the crucial things to avoid saying during a job interview, emphasizing that certain phrases and behaviors can create a negative impression. Key topics include lack of research about the role or company, poor preparation, showing disinterest or disloyalty, arrogance, badmouthing others, and desperation. The speaker highlights the importance of professionalism, commitment, and positive body language, advising candidates to focus on selling themselves as enthusiastic, prepared, and dedicated to the job. The advice is meant to help job seekers avoid red flags and present themselves in the best light.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always research the role and company you're interviewing for to avoid looking unprepared or uninformed.
• 😀 Don't ask basic questions about the role or company that you should already know before the interview (e.g., 'What's the job title?' or 'What does your company do?').
• 😀 Always come prepared with questions to ask the interviewer, such as 'What are the biggest challenges for this role?' or 'What do you see as the biggest challenges for the industry going forward?'
• 😀 Never admit to being overly nervous or unprepared. Show confidence and handle questions smoothly.
• 😀 Avoid discussing salary, benefits, vacation days, or promotion potential in the first interview—focus on selling yourself first.
• 😀 Be cautious about mentioning that you are applying to other jobs during the interview. It can make you seem less committed to the role you're applying for.
• 😀 Don't ask about remote work arrangements early on—it can signal that you're more concerned about flexibility than about the role itself.
• 😀 Avoid badmouthing previous employers, bosses, or colleagues. Focus on positive aspects and diplomatically handle negative experiences.
• 😀 Avoid signaling disloyalty by discussing side hustles or future ambitions that might interfere with your commitment to the role.
• 😀 Never appear arrogant or dismissive. Statements like 'You're never going to find someone as good as me' or 'I don't know if I want to work here yet' can backfire badly.
• 😀 Do not lie or provide vague answers to questions. Be truthful and avoid overused buzzwords without examples to back them up.

Q & A

Why is it important to research the role you're interviewing for?

Researching the role ensures you're prepared and can show the interviewer that you understand the responsibilities and expectations. Asking questions like 'What would I be doing in this role?' signals a lack of preparation and may make the interviewer question your interest or commitment.

How does knowing about the company you're interviewing with impact the interview?

Knowing about the company's products, services, and mission shows that you’re genuinely interested and have taken the time to research. Not knowing basic information, like 'What does your company do?' signals a lack of preparation and could hurt your chances.

What are some examples of questions you should ask at the end of an interview?

At the end of an interview, ask insightful questions like 'What do you see as the biggest challenge for the person in this role?' or 'What do you see as the biggest challenges for the industry moving forward?' These questions demonstrate interest and preparation.

Why should you avoid saying 'I'm nervous' during an interview?

Saying 'I'm nervous' can undermine your professionalism. It’s okay to feel nervous, but you should be able to manage it and present yourself confidently. Admitting nerves may signal that you’re unable to handle pressure.

What does asking about salary or benefits too early signal in an interview?

Asking about salary or benefits early on may signal that you’re more focused on what you can gain rather than what you can contribute. It can give the impression that you’re not committed to the role itself and are only interested in personal benefits.

Why is mentioning side hustles or other businesses risky during an interview?

Mentioning side hustles or other businesses signals to the employer that your loyalty may lie elsewhere. Employers want candidates who are fully committed to the role they’re hiring for, and side ventures may make them worry about your dedication.

How should you handle a question about your previous boss or job?

Never badmouth your previous boss or job. Instead, focus on the positive aspects, even if there were challenges. For example, you can say 'I didn’t have any issues with my boss, but we did have different opinions on certain matters.' This keeps the conversation respectful and professional.

What does being overly arrogant in an interview communicate?

Overly arrogant statements like 'You’re never going to find someone as good as me' or 'I don’t know if I want to work here yet' can come across as dismissive and unprofessional. It signals that you may not respect the company or the position, which could make you seem unfit for the job.

Why should you avoid saying 'I really need this job' in an interview?

Saying 'I really need this job' can make you appear desperate. It suggests that you may be willing to accept any terms just to get hired, which can make the employer question your value and your ability to negotiate.

How does professionalism in language impact an interview?

Using inappropriate language or trying to dominate the conversation can make you seem disrespectful or difficult to work with. Even if the interviewer uses informal language, it’s important to maintain professionalism in your responses, as it reflects your ability to fit into the company culture.

What should you avoid mentioning when asked about your career goals in a job interview?

Avoid talking about ambitions that are outside the scope of the job you're interviewing for, like plans to start a business or become a CEO. The interviewer is looking for someone who is focused on the role they’re hiring for, not someone whose goals lie elsewhere.