In front of a recruiter, you have to be sincere but that does not mean showing a misplaced frankness. Here are the ten phrases you should never say during an interview.
- Sorry, I’m in late because of the traffic jam – Being in late for a job interview is a big mistake. It is even often eliminatory. Should this happens to you, it is better to avoid blaming the traffic jam. The recruiter can think or tell that you should have anticipated these problems by leaving earlier or by taking a hotel room near the meeting place.
- I have another meeting very soon and don’t want to be in late – This kind of behaviour shows a complete lack of interest in the job. If you have managed to get an interview, block at least 90 minutes in your calendar. The recruiter must have the impression that you are completely available and focused to him. You can make two appointments in one day, but we cannot advise you too much not to chain them.
- I’ll tell you about myself – When meeting with a recruiter, there is an implicit order. He leads the dance during the first minutes, so it is up to him to take the initiative by asking you the questions. No need to take the lead in talking about your professional career or your last outing in Switzerland. This could make you look pretentious. Remember that the recruiter already knows a lot about you since you sent him your CV and cover letter.
- Remind me what the company does – It’s not during the job interview that you should find out about the company, but before! This preliminary work is absolutely essential. It is therefore necessary to document about the activities of the company, its environment, its customers and competitors, its history, its structure and its HR policy.
- I am the best in my field – A definitive error that will prevent you from accessing the second interview! You have to find the right balance, showing that you have confidence in yourself while displaying a certain modesty. Prove you deserve the position by detailing your professional experience and your achievements. You have to make the recruiter think you are the right person.
- I applied to get a better salary – The question of salary package usually comes up on the second or third interview. You should therefore avoid talking openly to your recruiter during the first interview. Show, on the contrary, your motivation for the challenge that this position represents for you, it will be much more appreciated.
- My biggest flaw? I am a perfectionist! – When the recruiter asks you your main flaw, never say that. Be imaginative! You could talk about your strong character, for example. Or your soft skill about training and helping your colleague despite your working load.
- My former boss was incompetent – Denigrating your old job or your previous boss is never a winning game. If the recruiter ask questions about your previous job, feel free to take the lead by remaining relatively evasive about any difficulties you may have encountered with your management. No judgment nor emotional remarks.
- I took a free year to avoid a burnout and had a long trip. Burnouts happen. Desire to think only to yourself and enjoy a ride to Bali may occur too. But it’s not exactly what the recruiter expects to listen during an interview.
- I have no questions – At the end of the interview, if you have no questions to ask the recruiter, this can be interpreted as a lack of interest for the company or for the position. You can ask for further details about the mission, the terms of the contract or the work environment. Questions about salary or benefits should be avoided as they will be discussed in a future interview.
