While preparing how best to present yourself during a job interview, you should note that there are some responses or remarks that the interviewer may consider as red flags. Read on and find out some of the remarks that may hinder your chances of landing your dream job.
Photo credit: drobotdean
The primary goal of attending an interview is to show the interviewer that you are the right candidate for the job. Just like a prosecutor must convince the judge that a defendant is guilty, you must also convince the interviewer that you can gel with the work culture and environment beyond any reasonable doubt. You might be wondering, what about the evidence? Well, I’m pretty sure you’ve already got that covered with your qualifications.
After all, you did make it to the interview, right? That means your evidence is sufficient enough. The only thing left is to prove your case to the interviewer.
Now, while preparing how best to present yourself during the job interview, you should note that there are some responses or remarks that the interviewer may consider as red flags. These red flags could be the deal-breaker that’ll make you miss out on the job offer. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you didn’t come this far just to lose, did you?
If your answer is no, this post is the golden goose you’ve been tirelessly searching for. Here’s a list of wrong responses, questions, and remarks you should resist to help you ace that job interview without breaking a sweat.
"I did not like my previous boss."
Honesty is a great way to land a better job, but how you phrase it is more important. If you had a horrible experience at your previous work or with your previous boss, you should refrain from trashing them. It's better to say that you left your previous work because you did not feel it was a good fit. Stay neutral and cheerful, as coming out negative leaves your interviewer feeling that you will do the same once hired and leave the organization.
When you feel tempted to bad-mouth your last employer, counter that by using statements of self-belief like, 'I believe I am a great fit to work in an organization with a great culture of nurturing and developing executives and a great sense of loyalty.'
You can also mention that while you worked at your last job, you had a chance to realize what your passion was and felt the need to switch careers. As you express yourself, ensure to mention a few things that made you better from your last job.
Related: How to Answer “Why Were You Fired” in a job Interview
"My greatest weakness is being a perfectionist."
It’s a no-brainer; no one is perfect. With that in mind, mentioning being a perfectionist as a weakness gives the interviewer the impression you are unwilling or unable to recognize your professional shortcomings. Most, if not all, managers ask personal weakness questions on all levels. Ensure to prepare in advance and get the right words to respond.
The best way to answer questions about your professional weaknesses is to be honest about a few areas you have realized you need to work on, especially from your last role.
Instead of using perfectionism in your sentence, use a phrase like, 'I easily get caught up in minor details that take away my attention from the ultimate goal.' The statement is more sincere. Remember to mention how you intend to work on it, so the same does not affect your delivery on the job.
"In X years, I hope to be in your position."
The above statement is rushed and thoughtless, and your interviewer may not necessarily be flattered by it. While the manager may be at an advanced level in their career, mentioning you would want to be in their position in a few years to come sounds dismissive and shows a significant lack of commitment to growth from your end.
The best approach to answering commitment questions and what you envision your career growth to be like is a piece of cake. Simply outline potential ways you feel would significantly contribute to your growth.
You can start by letting your interviewer know how you will help the company grow from its current position and how you can build on the skills needed for career advancement. This way, your interviewer will see you as a candidate who’s willing to grow with the company in the long run.
"I am a motivated self-starter."
If you find yourself using this statement at a job interview, you can expect that your interviewer will need a more apparent elaboration. The managers may not be impressed as the statement is joint and has been overused by many interview candidates.
You can use a more appropriate response like 'I am not afraid to head projects and will deliver my best with a little guidance.' Your interviewer will be impressed and see you as a candidate ready to take on a new challenge with a bit of help if necessary. You can add a little oomph to this response by giving an example of a similar scenario in your last job.
"What are your organization's benefits like?"
While it is unwise to take a job without knowing what your compensation will be like, it is worse to bring it up during an interview's early stages. It makes you look like a candidate who is after the job for the benefits and not to deliver on the job.
You can counter the need to ask about the role benefits by asking impressive questions such as; 'What are a few challenges you feel I may face once I take on the role?' or, ‘How will you measure my success if I thrive for the role?'
Such questions spark an interest in the interviewer wanting to know you more and give them the impression that you are genuinely interested in taking on the role.
"I am nervous."
The interviewer is looking for someone who can deliver exceptionally on the advertised role. Coming out as nervous and mentioning it limits your chance of getting the job offer. Honesty is the best policy, but it does not count here. Employers are usually sourcing for someone confident in themselves and their applied role.
If you feel nervous before getting into the interview, don’t stress. All you have to do is conduct thorough research on the company, the role you applied for, and practice basic interview etiquette. You can do this with the help of a mirror, a friend, or a sibling.
"I can do anything."
Most employers are looking for someone confident and passionate about the job being interviewed. However, it is a big red flag to mention that you are ready to take on anything available. You come out as incompetent and one who lacks focus. Approach this question by talking about the role you applied for, and how best you feel you can deliver exceptionally.
Instead of looking unsure about why you are at the interview, target a specific role at the organization and explain to your interviewer why you feel you would deliver exceptionally at it.
In conclusion
If you want to secure that dream job, remain positive and relevant throughout the job interview. Remember, your interviewer and future employer are looking for a candidate who is competent and ready to grow the company. These negative responses will quickly disqualify you from a job offer you qualify for. Ensure to do adequate preparation before the interview.
