“How much does the job pay?”
Some applicants ask this question before the interviewer has a chance to even ask his or her own first question and this is a big mistake. To ask about money first makes it seem as if all you are after is money, possibly with as little work as possible.
“What does your company make (or do)?”
A job candidate must research the company for which they want to work before going into a job interview. Look the company up on the Internet and read as much as you can about it and take notes. Many company websites feature tabs for ‘About’ and History, so make sure to read them. Try to find the company’s Annual Report and read it. Your local libraries can help you do that.
Do not use SLANG words or phrases in your job interview
The interview is not a casual conversation with friends on a street corner or in a lounge. The interview is a formal conversation and requires the use of good English grammar – There is not time enough during an interview for the interviewer to figure out what you are talking about. On the other hand, even if they do understand you, you are being disrespectful and overly casual in the interview by using slang. You will also sound like you are playing and not serious about doing good work, and the interviewer won’t take you seriously. Just don’t do it.
“What can you do for me; what are the benefits like vacations, promotions and bonuses?”
Hiring officers and job interviewers like job candidates with self-confidence, but they do not like people who are selfish.
The first interview you have with a company is all about what you can do for THEM. You are not doing them a favour by interviewing with them, so keep these questions until the second interview or until the interviewer opens up the subject.
Eliminate profanity and cursing of any kind
You must never curse, cuss, or use any kind of profanity in any job interview. Profanity includes scatological references like the word pissed, as in “pissed off.” That is cursing by using references to bodily functions and it is profanity. In addition, do not say, “damn”, “hell”, the F-word, or the N-word. In addition, women are women and not “girls” or “‘hos.”
Eliminate stereotypical language
Do not refer to people of other genders, sexual orientations, nationalities, ethnicities, races, handicaps, religions, or any other diversity by using any slang, negative terms, slurs, or other denigrating language. Ever!
Do not criticize any former employer
Bashing a former boss, or criticizing them in any way, lets the interviewer know that you will do the same to them if you leave their company. Instead, you can explain that you had a difference of opinion with your former employer in work philosophies or styles. Do not dwell on your answer about an employer where things did not go so well for you, and make it short.
If you are asked if you have any questions don’t say “No.”
Saying NO says to the interviewer that you are not very interested in the company and not very smart. So be smart. When you research the company before your interview, come up with at least three questions to ask about the company itself during the interview. For example, ask what plans they have to expand in the next 10 years, or ask what new products and services they might be considering. This is not the time to ask about salary and benefits, either.
“I don’t have any weaknesses.”
You will likely be asked what strengths and weaknesses you have. If you say you don’t have any, the interviewer will believe that you are lying or that you are not thinking.
Don’t tell them your life story
The interviewer will ask you to tell them a little about yourself, but this means where you went to school, what you accomplished in school, where you have worked, and how you have helped your former employers. It can include a little about hobbies and volunteer work, but don’t dwell on these things. Don’t tell the employer anything that will lead them to knowing your age (unless you are under 18), race, policies, gender-related orientation, religious beliefs, medical conditions, or other personal information. Legally, until they are offering you a job, the employer is not allowed to even ask you if you are married, have children, or are planning these things in the future.
– ToughNickel
