6 Things You Shouldn't Say During an Interview

Job interviews, for many, are extremely nerve-wracking. You don’t want your first impression to be a negative one – especially if it is with someone who potentially could be your new boss. Simple things like greeting your interviewer with an incorrect name, mentioning the wrong company, or arriving late will ensure that you won’t get off to the best start.

Aside from the obvious - dressing appropriately, avoiding profanities and slang terms - there are a few things to remember during your interview. Demonstrate that you are enthusiastic about the role with a positive attitude and attentive body language.

There are plenty of things you shouldn't say in an interview, below are some suggestions of what questions and statements to avoid.
 

1. "What does your company do?"

Firstly, do your due diligence and research the company. When coming in for an interview, you should already know what the company does. Not knowing this basic information proves a lack of interest. You should know their service thoroughly and be aware of any issues they are currently facing.
 

2. "I hated my last boss."

Not only is this completely unprofessional, the hiring manager might assume that you were the problem. Speaking poorly of old colleagues and managers will only reflect negatively on you.
 

3. "No, I don't have any questions."

An integral part of an interview is asking questions. Simply asking for clarification or more information about a certain subject will show that you're interested in their company and their work. During your background research on the company, write down some questions that you may have pertaining to company services or role duties. This will show your interviewers that you prepared for the interview and are excited about the position.
 

4. "I don't have any weaknesses."

Nobody is perfect and saying you have no weaknesses is saying you are. We compiled a great resource to help you craft the perfect response to this question. Prepare for this question and always make sure that you put a positive spin on your weakness.
 

5. "I'll be needing the following days off."

Your interview is not the time to discuss this as you’re beginning to learn about the company and the job duties. A more appropriate time to bring this up is during your negotiations if an offer is made.
 

6. "How long will it be before I'm promoted or given a pay raise?"

You're just beginning to get your foot in the door, and asking this question will tell your interviewer that you don't regard the role you're interviewing for very highly. Furthermore, this shows that you're expecting to be rewarded for doing very little work.

There are other topics that shouldn't be talked about in an interview. For example, do not discuss your political and religious affiliations unless you're interviewing for a related position. This can be interpreted as being inappropriate or offensive by your interviewer. 

Overall, use your common sense and be polite during your interview to avoid any mistakes. For more interview advice, view our articles on how body language affects your interview technique and what questions to ask during an interview.