There are plenty of tips on tricks on what to say to ace an interview, so here are quick tips of things to avoid saying during an interview.
These tips are not necessarily to tell you what not to say or ask in an interview, more than they are to tell you how to ask or say them. Interviewers pay special attention to everything an interviewee does, from their body language, tone and the kind of language they use to express themselves. There are many ways to ask or say things, and with interviews, there are certain acceptable ways to do that.
This is something people often do and I’m as guilty of it as the next person. When asked about dealing with pressure, you don’t want to say, “I can handle anything.” Granted, you can deal with a lot of things, but you’re not a superhero who has never made a single mistake in their life. Avoid speaking in absolutes because there’s not a single person who can handle everything that’s thrown their way without seeking help, even if they do it just once.
Never say you’re desperate for a job. I made this mistake once and fortunately for me, the hiring manager was a kind person who overlooked my desperation and focused on the positives. Although you might be desperate for a job, channel that as enthusiasm. Hiring managers are more likely to hire a person who’s more enthusiastic and passionate about the job, over a desperate candidate.
Don’t blame your conduct on nerves. It’s easy to spot a nervous person and some hiring managers will take a softer approach to try and accommodate a nervous candidate. However, don’t say it out loud that you’re nervous and don’t blame your mistakes on the nerves. This will make a hiring manager doubt your answers because you don’t sound confident, due to the nerves.
Abenathi Gqomo
