Most people try not to seem rude. But not everyone realizes how his or her behavior comes across to others.
That can be painful when you are confronted with the consequences of your behavior.
If there’s one situation where you don’t want to appear blunt, it’s a job interview. You want to impress your interlocutor and preferably appear thorough and charming. Not like a jerk.
If you have not already thought of it yourself, be aware that the following statements cannot be made during a job interview:
1. “Well, I’ve been waiting here for a while”
If the interviewer is late, ignore that. In any case, you don’t show any irritation.
2. ‘Hi! Yes, I know I’m late…’
Be aware that the interviewer is the one in a position of power. So accept the double standard and make sure you are not too late yourself.
In other words: come clearly too early and wait in a nearby coffee bar.
If you are unexpectedly late, don’t make it a number. Excuse yourself and focus on the sequel.
3. ‘What if I don’t get along well with the boss or new colleagues?’
This isn’t exactly blunt, but it is a strange question. In any case, you come across as possibly not being collegial.
4. ‘Are you married? Do you have any children? How old are you?’
Do not ask the interviewer personal questions.
5. “I heard the boss of this company…is that true?”
Don’t bring up gossip or rumors during a job interview, it will come across as unprofessional.
6. ‘Who better avoid here at the office?’
Don’t get involved in office politics if you’ve never worked somewhere, if you don’t want to appear petty.
7. ‘What exactly does this company do?’
If you haven’t gathered basic information about a company, you will appear ill-prepared and uninterested.
8. ‘I have no weaknesses’
Of course it is. Claiming that there is nothing you can improve on sounds pretty arrogant.
9. ‘Sh*t’
Avoid swear words or foul language. That makes a vulgar and unprofessional impression.
10. ‘What did you think?’ or ‘Will I get the job?’
This puts the interviewer under pressure in the wrong way. If you really want feedback, wait until you get the job or get rejected, then ask what you did well and what could have been done better.
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11. ‘I think this is your company’s biggest weakness”
Fine, if you have ideas about improvement, but bring it positive. Otherwise, your interlocutor will wonder why you are applying in the first place.
12. ‘Sorry, but this phone call can’t wait’
Excuse me?
13. ‘I just want a job’
This may well be the case. But don’t say that during a job interview.
14.Introduce yourself and let the interviewer take the lead in the conversation.
15. ‘Sorry – I really have to go now!’
Do you have a date? Make sure you have plenty of time on the day of the job interview.
16. ‘I want tea/water/coffee’
Please…and thank you. Good manners can’t hurt if you’re offered something at the job interview.
17. I …’
Yes, the conversation is about you. But remember, the goal is to determine if and how you fit into an organization. That should be the focus.
22. ‘That’s not how I’m used to working’
When it comes to details of your new job, don’t give the impression that you’re the one who knows exactly how to do it. Blatantly criticizing the way a company does things can irritate the interviewer.