7 Things Interviewers Are Tired Of Hearing In Interviews

Job interviews can be super stressful. With all the pressure to do everything right, it’s easy to slip up and make a mistake or two. 

Interviewers are people too — they understand that people make mistakes, and they can be forgiving of a small slip up or two.

However, there are some mistakes you can make during an interview that are so bad, they can make your interviewer disqualify you from the hiring process.

Answering their questions with one of these cliché phrases might just cost you the job!

1. I really want this job

You might be passionate about the job, and mean well, but this sounds a bit too much. Don’t come across as desperate, but rather explain why you’d love to work at their firm, or what inspires you about the position.

Interviewers love to hear your passion and motivation to work for them, not to just work period.

2. Memorizing All Of Your Interview Answers

While you should definitely prepare to answer the most common interview questions you can expect to hear, you should try to avoid memorizing a detailed script.

You should be focused on engaging with your interviewer and forming a genuine connection with them. If you answer questions by reciting from a memorized script, you’ll just come off as detached.

Have your general answers ready in your mind, but leave some room for improvisation so you can have an actual conversation with your interviewer. Employers like people who are personable and good communicators.

Our tip is to come up with relevant stories that cover the basic categories of interview questions, like accomplishments, conflict, time management, etc.

That way, when you’re asked a behavioral interview question, you’ll have no trouble employing the STAR method. If you have bullet points in mind, it’s easy to arrange your story into the four sections of the STAR method — situation, task, action, result.

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3. Anything About Time Off

In the same category; sick days, maternity leave, leaving policies and everything else that has nothing to do with what you’re applying for –  that is the job itself.

Don’t ask about those details in your first conversation, but make sure they like you first. If those details are very important to you, save them for a later conversation, or only bring it up if they ask if you have any trips planned.

4. What’s In It For Me?

You probably won’t say those actual words, but you might say something that means the same. “Are there any chances for a promotion?” makes you sound like you’re saying this job isn’t good enough, and “How much will I earn?” makes you sound greedy.

Again; save those questions for a later moment, when it’s clear you like the job, and your future boss likes you.

5. I’m Looking For Something More Interesting

The reason you’re applying for this job, should be because you love it. Because it’s something you’ve been hoping for, and now it finally came on your path. Not because your current job is boring, or your boss is a bad person and this feels like a way out.

Also; never say negative things about your current boss, because who says you won’t do the same about the next one?

6. I’m Really Nervous

You don’t need to say this, because it may be a little obvious.

Most of us find it nerve-wracking to apply for a job. Not only because you really want it (or need it), but because you’re being judged, and the judging part makes you insecure.

It shouldn’t. Who knows, you might hate the job or your future boss! Remember; you’re just talking about a job you might love, and seeing whether you’re compatible with the team. No stress.

7. I Don’t Know

In the same category; “I’ll try”, “maybe” and “I guess”. Those phrases make you sound insecure and uncertain. Not good. Even when you’re nervous, you should be certain about what you want and who you are.

Chances are, you’re just a little shy and selling yourself short. Don’t worry, there’s hope for all of us. Remember, Beyoncé felt the same, which is why she created Sasha Fierce.

Final Thoughts,

An interview is a big moment to prove yourself. You want to prove that you’re capable of doing the job.

Employers don’t go into interviews looking for reasons to not hire you, in fact, they go into every interview hoping that they’re about to meet the best candidate for the job.

You want to do everything you can to show them that you’re that candidate. Make a lasting impression by booking a one-to-one coaching session and ace your next job interview!