Interviewing: What NOT to Say
September 29, 2009
There is a lot of information online about potential interview questions, but not as much about “no no” topics and comments. Given that, we thought it would be helpful to have a “What NOT to talk about in an interview” list.
Below are some examples of topics to refrain from discussing. To some, they may be common sense, to some a surprise. To all, take note.
- You were fired from your last job for violating the NDA, but who cares, NDAs don’t matter
- How much you enjoy drinking on the job
- You are planning on moving out of the country in the near future
- You’ll sue anyone if they make you angry
- You really need a job, any job
- You beg for the job
- You ask if you can wear pajamas to work
- You got in a fistfight with a co-worker who disagreed with you
- You discuss your previous boss’s personal problems
- You discuss your religion and ask the interviewer to come to your church
- You don’t have references because you never got along with anyone at any job
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Research
September 25, 2009
Here is a scenario.
Julie wants a job. She sends in her resume and somehow gest an interview with a company. Julie shows up for the interview and the first question asked is “What do you know about our company?”.
The problem is, Julie didn’t research the company beyond a quick glance through their website for the job posting and contact information. She knows the general industry, but none of the details contained on the website or available in a quick google search.
Her answer is “Your company is a leader in the paper cup industry.”
1 point for the right industry, 0 points for any other information.
To the interviewer, if you are really interested in the position, you know something more. Facts like these show you have done some degree of research, you have put in some effort and actually are interested in them, not just any job:
- How long the company has existed
- Company size
- Annual revenue
- Market share
- Bonus: Challenges they face
- Bonus: Ideas you have to help with challenges they face
Your perceived value increases when you obvious interest in and understanding of the company increases.
So, before the next interview, research the company!