Utter Disaster: Five Phrases to Avoid During a Job Interview

You're set: Your resume and cover letter are edited to perfection; your portfolio is neatly tucked under your arm; and your business suit screams "professional." What company would pass up hiring you?

Well, before you start printing out business cards featuring your new employer's logo, you need to ace the interview. And, that often comes down to knowing what's appropriate - and what's inappropriate -to say. Want to ensure that your interview goes without a hitch? Avoid these five potentially detrimental phrases:

1. "My last boss was such a jerk!"

Even if your last boss made Cruella de Vil look like Mother Theresa, refrain from badmouthing him or her. If interviewers hear you complain about a former employer, they'll automatically assume that you'll speak similarly about them.

Instead, attempt to focus on the positive and discuss skills you attained at your last company. Did you learn cutting-edge software programs or gain valuable customer-service experience? Discuss how you grew professionally at your last job and save the sob stories for your therapist! After all, if you don't have anything nice to say, it's best to say nothing at all.

2. "Can you please explain what your company does again?"

Before you walk into your prospective employer's doors, you need to know the basics. For instance, you should be familiar with the organization's target market, mission statement and objectives. You should also have a baseline understanding of the company's corporate values and vision. How can you find all of this information out? Look no further than the Internet.

Thanks to modern technology, you can learn anything about a company with the click of a mouse. Peruse the organization's website; perform a Google-search of your prospective employer; check to see if any of your Facebook friends work there. Regardless of how you attain the information, show up to the interview fully educated about the company. Then, prove your knowledge by asking intelligent and well-calculated questions.

3. "If I get the job, can I have off the first week of June?"

Putting the cart before the horse, eh? Not only does asking for time off make you seem extremely presumptuous, it also makes you look flaky. Prospective employers will consider this request a red flag and assume that you won't take your new position seriously. Even if you have a legitimate reason - i.e., a prepaid honeymoon to Fiji or a nonrefundable trip to Paris - save the negotiations until you're offered the job.

The same logic goes for salary. Once the company has formally presented you with a job offer, you're free to discuss the logistics. Until then, refrain from discussing this topic; it will only make you look greedy.

4. "I actually can't think of any weaknesses."

Let's face it: We all have weaknesses. Mine? I over-commit myself and often double-book. So, when I was asked during my last interview about my weaknesses, I cited this personality flaw. Note: The last thing a prospective employer wants to hear is that you have no weaknesses. Although it may seem advantageous to keep your flaws concealed, it actually works against you.

Instead, put a positive spin on the conversation by explaining how you're working to overcome your weakness. For instance, do you struggle with leadership skills? Own up to your imperfection and discuss how you spearheaded your last company's new-employee orientation program. Chances are that your interviewer will be impressed with your initiative and desire for self-improvement.

5. "No, I don't have any questions for you."

Looking for a surefire way to guarantee that you're not hired? Make this oh-so-damaging statement. Prospective employers seek candidates who show interest in their company and ask calculated, well-thought-out questions. After all, if you don't care about their company, they won't care about you.

To ensure that you don't fall victim to this common interview blunder, write down at least three possible questions and commit them to memory. That way, when your interviewer asks you whether you have any follow-up questions, you'll be adequately prepared.

Up for Discussion

Have you ever put your foot in your mouth during a job interview? On the flip side, have you ever interviewed someone who committed the ultimate faux pas? Please share your stories with the OfficeArrow community.