You spent time and money on your resume and your look. You woke up two hours early to make sure you got to the interview on time. All this work can be dashed to bits in seconds if you say the wrong thing!
Recruiters all have horror stories of candidates who looked great on paper but misrepresented themselves in person. The impression did not take long – one or two sentences that showcased an unwillingness to work, a culture disconnect or unrealistic expectations. Don’t be this person! Take a look at the top three things you should never say at a job interview.
“I’m interested in this job because I will get…”
This is an important phrase to never misunderstand. You may receive advice that tells you to pivot back to your skill set when describing your inspiration for applying to a job. This is actually bad advice. Pivoting back to yourself instead of focusing on the company seems selfish. You may want to use the company as a stepping stone, but this is not something to tell the company up front.
You may believe you are connecting with the interviewer when you offer personal details. Keep in mind your interviewer is an employee of the company, not your friend. Keep your attention focused on what you can provide for the company rather than on what the company can give to you.
“What is the budget for the position?”
Under no circumstances should you be the first to mention salary. This is a discussion to be had at the end of the process, not in the beginning or during the middle. No one wants to waste time, but you shoot yourself in the foot if you lead with salary requirements.
Some new age advice may tell you there are ways you can word the salary discussion to edge it into the conversation earlier. Don’t take this chance, even with youthful companies that are supposedly nontraditional. Get through the process first. You put yourself in a stronger position if the company is the one offering first – now you have the right of refusal or negotiation.
“I’m sorry; can I get this?”
There are actually some job search professionals who will tell you to answer a phone call or a text during an interview. By their logic, you are showing you are in demand because people are calling you during business hours. This is not the way to show you are in demand, and it can come across as extremely rude.
The advice comes from a good place – you will definitely get better offers if it is known you have companies competing for your labor. However, the way you show this is to let the industry talk.
If you are really as popular as you say you are, word will get around. You will also have concrete offers to consider from many companies, so you will not have to try to bluff your way into a higher salary.
Millennials stereotypically have a more laid-back approach to the interview process, but traditional manners and professionalism will never go out of style. Great jobs will always be a seller’s market. Do not give your interviewer any excuse to move you to the bottom of the pile.
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At New Era HR Solutions, we help our candidates find the right positions to move their careers forward. Contact our staffing specialists today to learn more!
