What NOT to Say or Do in Your Job Interview HIRED Texas5/17/16 Linda Aleman

Do you feel like you have all the pieces –  the skills/experience  cover letter  targeted resume  super research skills  great phone skills  great interview prep But you just can’t seal the deal and can’t figure out the missing piece?

Let’s talk about some things you might not want to say to a prospective employer…

Some things you don’t want to say…  That you “couldn’t find” the office or that “traffic was bad” after you show up late for your interview.  It’s your job to plan ahead for both of those concerns. There is NO EXCUSE to be late for an interview. You get no second chance to make a first impression.

Some things you don’t want to say…  You don’t want to say anything less than cordial to the support/administrative staff.  Think about your experiences in the front offices, guarded gates, with IT staff, etc.  These individuals are the backbone of the company.  If you’ve been taken to lunch or dinner, the same thing applies. If you don’t treat the service staff well, you won’t be hired!

Some things you don’t want to say…  That you don’t know the company’s business, mission and vision statement, the name of your interviewer, the basic details of the job, skills & experience needed, expected salary range, etc.  Do your research! There is NO excuse for being unprepared for an interview.

You will often be asked about former jobs, bosses and co-workers  What is the number 1 rule here?  Never say anything negative!  It doesn’t matter how badly you feel you were treated. Bite your tongue! Keep any anger in the past.  Never criticize or use a negative example when answering behavioral (SAR) questions.  You may have to practice this with a buddy.

Some things you don’t want to say…  “I should have left years ago.”  This makes people wonder “Then why did you stay so long?”  Do you make poor decisions?  Why would you stay as a disgruntled employee who probably doesn’t give their all or really care?  Are you going to do that here?  “I quit before they could fire me.”  We prefer to say we quit rather than admit we were fired, but it makes you look impulsive & not in control unless you left for another job.

Some things you might want to say… Instead of saying you quit before getting fired, consider saying  “I got caught up in the changes going on at the company and now I am looking for another great opportunity.” or  “I had been trying to do both my job and search for the next great opportunity, but there was no way to give both the attention they required.”

Some things you don’t want to say…  “ XYZ Company is (was) going under anyway.”  When talking about a former (or current) employer, NEVER voice doubt about the company’s future, even if it is true.

Some things you don’t want to say…  Never give “constructive” criticism about your former (or current) company.  If you know/knew so much about working successfully for that company, why aren’t you there now? Talking this way could also damage relationships. You don’t know who knows who at that company.

Some things you don’t want to say…  Never throw anyone “under the bus.”  Potential employers want to know if you are able to articulate how you are different from the competition without resorting to “throw them under the bus” tactics. If you can’t balance confidence with humility, you will not be a desired candidate, regardless of your pedigree.

Some things you don’t want to say…  Never tell an employer that you have no weaknesses/areas for improvement.  EVERYONE has areas to improve. Stating you have none simply shows you aren’t self-aware enough to improve and grow on the job.

Some applicants just don’t listen  Are you actually answering the questions asked?  Often, applicants don’t listen to the actual question, or, they want to get their own point across so they fail to answer the interviewer’s question. Big mistake.  Listening is a key skill in an interview.  Also, never talk over the interviewer!

Some things you don’t want to do…  You never want to write “See Resume” on a job application.  It makes you look lazy, shows you don’t follow directions, and shows a lack of regard for company guidelines.  Don’t use your cell phone as your source of information for the application. Don’t even bring your cell phone into the interview!

Some things you don’t want to do…  Don’t send/present resumes and cover letters that haven’t been checked and double checked for errors.  A Career Builder resume survey listed the following as reasons for automatic dismissal from consideration:  Typos58%  Too Generic/Non-Specific36%  Didn’t include skills35%  Inappropriate address27%  Used decorative paper22%

Some things you don’t want to do…  Don’t send poor non-verbal cues. Body language accounts for about 55% of our impression (38% is voice tone; 7% is words)  Tilting your head. Can be interpreted as a sign of submission or flirting.  Folding your hands on your lap. Can be seen as a sign of untrustworthiness.  Folding your arms. Translates into insecurity or defensiveness.  Excessive smiling. Indication you lack seriousness.  Playing with/tugging hair. Signals distress or can be interpreted as flirting

Some things you don’t want to do…  You don’t want to give up!  Examine your resumes, cover letters, s. Think through your conversations and interviews. Try to determine if something you are doing is keeping that last piece from falling into place.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and fellow job club members.

Any other things you don’t want to say?  Your thoughts or personal experiences we can learn from?

 Thank you &  Good Luck in your Job Search!