Jul
10
What Not to Say During a Job Interview
Filed Under Etiquette
As promised, here are eight through ten from the article in Real Simple Magazine called 18 Common Phrases to Avoid in Conversation…
What Not to Say During a Job Interview
Don’t Say: “My current boss is horrendous.”
Why: It’s unprofessional. Your interviewer might wonder when you’d start bad-mouthing her. For all you know, she and your current boss are old pals.
Instead Say: “I’m ready for a new challenge” or a similarly positive remark.
Don’t Say: “Do you think I’d fit in here?”
Why: You’re the interviewee, not the interviewer.
Instead Say: “What do you enjoy about working here?” By all means ask questions, but prepare ones that demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
Don’t Say: “What are the hours like?” or “What’s the vacation policy?”
Why: You want to be seen as someone who focuses on getting the job done.
Instead Say: “What’s the day-to-day like here?” Then, if you’ve really jumped through every hoop and time off still hasn’t been mentioned, say, “Can you tell me about the compensation and benefits package?”
Expert: Mary Mitchell, president of the Mitchell Organization, a corporate-etiquette training firm in Seattle, and author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Etiquette (Alpha, $17, www.amazon.com).
