What Not to Say in a Job Interview in 2018

As humans most of us experience some form of Foot in Mouth Disease (FIMD) from time to time. Whether it’s dobbing ourselves in for something we don’t really want to do, giving away too many hints for a surprise, or asking an awkward question. And when you’re on the reciprocating end, someone with a FIMD remark is hard to forget – usually for all the wrong reasons.

Landing a job interview in 2018 can be hard enough on its own. The last thing you need is catching symptoms of FIMD at such an important time and ruin the good work you have done.

As professional resume writers we have seen it many times before. Clients get their resume perfected only to come back with regret of something they said at the job interview… I mean, “was it something I said”? In these instances, we think so.

Take a look at these quick examples of how a seemingly innocent comment can come back to bite you in an interview.

Poor time management/organisational skills

Comments like these below can have a negative impact on your time management and organisational skills:

• Sorry I’m late – if you are genuinely late for reasons beyond your control (i.e. traffic or public transport issues), take a moment to contact the recruitment agency/employer before you arrive to explain your situation
• I didn’t get time to – being prepared for an interview is rule number one!
• I forgot to – see above
• I should have – double-check everything you submit before submitting. Plan, plan, and plan again so there is nothing left questionable from an employer’s point of view

Planning an absence

Questions that pertain to being away from work are generally best left out of the interview.

Want to ask about an employer’s annual leave policy? Sure, but leave it to the next stage if warranted. Sick leave? Of course there will be measures in place for sick leave, but do you really need to know this straight away? Asking these types of questions will in turn question your motives as an employee.

Don’t get cocky

Responding to any questions about where you see yourself in years ahead with “doing your job”, will not win you any favours. A more appropriate response would be about the experience and the level of responsibility you hope to gain, rather than threatening an interviewer’s role.

Avoid bagging anyone or anything

Obviously you are moving on as you want to expand skills not offered in your current role, increase your wages, learn and develop, etc… or maybe there is someone you simply can’t work with. No matter how boring or challenging your role is, or how much that person gets under your skin, refrain from negativity. Speaking poorly about something or someone only reflects badly on your character and on your professionalism.

Why you want to move on – what skills can you further develop, or those you would love to bring to the company that are not currently being capitalised on perhaps?

In a nutshell

Respond to interview questions optimistically and positively. Plan your answers ahead of time so you are not left thinking out loud and falling victim to FIMD.

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