Professionalism is the key to a successful interview. I’m not saying you can’t show your personality or creative side, but you have to think of interviews as a business transaction and maintain professional behavior throughout. There are certain topics that simply make interviewers cringe and then cross your name off their list of potential new hires.
In a recent Mashable post, Mona Abdel-Halim, co-founder of Resunate.com, provided tips on easy ways to turn off employers during interviews.
Here are a few things to avoid:
1. Talk about Other Job Opportunities. Throughout an interview, you should be focusing only on the opportunity at hand. The interview should cover why you are a perfect fit for that specific company. I have had interviewers ask me about my dream job or dream company before. When asked a question like this, it’s okay to describe the type of company you want to work for and then bring it back to the qualities you like about the company you are interviewing with. Abdel-Halim shared a story about a candidate who left an interview early because he had set an alarm to get to another interview. Do not let this happen.
2. Provide TMI. We all know the job market today can be difficult, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay to share all of your job hunt challenges with your interviewer. Not only can it make you look slightly pathetic, but no one wants to hire someone who is clearly negative. Don’t over-share when it comes to details of your personal life either—it’s unprofessional and can make your interviewer very uncomfortable.
3. Talk Negatively About Former Supervisors or Positions. This can be an easy trap to fall into, especially if you are currently employed at the time of your interview. If you start talking badly about a former supervisor or company it can show the interviewer how negative you are and also how freely you criticize former managers. It’s okay to say you struggled with a management style, but too much negativity is a serious red flag.
To read the rest of Abdel-Halim’s tips, read the Mashable post here.
What other topics should you avoid in an interview?
