Interviewing for a job can be both exciting and scary. Nerves may be running high, and it’s normal to feel a bit anxious, especially if the opportunity entices you. Usually, you try to offset this by rehearsing your answers and preparing. You may even look at sample answers that can help you decide what to say. That way, you increase your odds of getting it right.
However, it’s always wise to learn more about what you shouldn’t say in an interview. Certain statements may seem innocuous to you, but, in the eyes of the hiring manager, they are massive red flags.
If you want to make sure that you don’t make a mistake, here are a few things that nobody should ever say during an interview.
I Only See Myself Working Here a Year or Two
Regardless of whether you think the role has long-term potential, you should never allude to the idea that you won’t stick around. The hiring manager wants to find candidates who want to commit to their employer, so blatantly stating that that isn’t in your plan hurt your chances of landing the job.
It isn’t a bad idea to abandon that mindset entirely. Often, you can’t fully understand what a role has to offer until you are working on it. You may be selling it short, so don’t assume the long-term viability of an opportunity.
No, I Don’t Have Any Questions
At the end of an interview, you’ll usually get a chance to ask a few questions. At this point, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is saying that you don’t have any.
Why is that a misstep? Because it makes it seem like you aren’t overly interested in the role. When a candidate is enthusiastic, they’ll seize every opportunity to find out as much as possible.
Make sure you always have a few questions in your back pocket. For example, “Can you describe a typical day in this position?” is a great one to keep ready. It lets you learn about the day-to-day duties, and can provide you with insights you’d otherwise miss.
I Want to Discuss the Salary and Benefits
While learning about compensation is a critical part of the process, you shouldn’t bring up the subject during your first interview. It makes it appear as if the pay is all that’s motivating you or could cause you to come off as overly aggressive. There will be a right time to cover these details, but the initial meeting usually isn’t it.
Ultimately, saying any of the statements above during an interview can hurt your chances of landing a job. If you’d like to learn more about how to stand out for all of the right reasons (instead of for red flags), the skilled team at TempStaff can help. Contact us today to speak with one of our recruiters and see how our interviewing expertise can ensure you stay on the right track.
