10 things you MUST NOT say at a job interview

Do not give your employer the impression that attractive remuneration is the only incentive that attracted you to the job.

Are you searching for a promising career option but find yourself struggling at the interview stage?

Getting the right job isn't a cakewalk.

You can't control the outcome of your prospective job interview, but you can definitely step up your preparations and use it to your advantage.

Before appearing for the job interview, you must not only pay heed to the things you must do but also be aware of the things you must avoid for your own good.

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Sometimes, due to nervousness, a student ends up giving a lot of wrong answers.

Many individuals land up giving wrong answers due to the mysterious and intimidating atmosphere created by the interviewer.

This ruins your chances of getting the desired job. But, if you have prepared well for the interview, the experience can actually be fun and informative.

For that, you need to practice by giving a lot of interviews and getting accustomed to different scenarios that you might confront during a job interview.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

You must never ask the interviewer about the salary that would be offered to you.

Some candidates ask the salary question even before their interview begins. This is a very discouraging, as it shows that all you are interested in is the money.

Instead, you must wait for the employer to open up the subject.

Also you must ask around and check with other professionals, besides researching the salary that is being offered in your profession in your city and other organisations before even bringing it up.

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It is highly unprofessional to appear for an interview without knowing about the company's background and its market presence.

You must assimilate information from as many sources as possible.

Read the company website and journals thoroughly beforehand.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

You must never use slang words or phrases in an interview.

Remember that it is not a casual conversation between friends or family.

You must never appear informal in your conversation, rather always try to be formal and grammatically correct while communicating.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Asking questions like -- "What is the holiday policy or other incentives like bonuses or promotions?" -- in the first stage of your interview is a sign that you are selfish.

Interviewers like confident people but they do not like people who are selfish and give priority to money.

You must avoid asking these questions till the last stage of recruitment.

No doubt, these questions are important but asking them in the initial stages of the interview can serve disadvantageous.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

You must never grumble. Whether it is being late for the interview or lower grades in your graduation, you must never blame others.

Although every one loves a healthy argument, do not stretch it too far.

As a fresher, you must be able to convince the employers that you are a responsible person and can take credit for your failures.

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Never reflect that you are stereotypical about certain issues.

Therefore, while referring to a certain gender, nationality, religion or diversity, don't use any slangs or abusive terms.

Rather, show respect towards all irrespective of caste, creed, colour or gender.

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You must reflect a passion and enthusiasm towards the job.

If you are given an opportunity to ask questions, you must use it to your advantage. This is where you utilise your research and knowledge.

Before appearing for the interview, ensure that you have prepared at least three questions for your prospective employer.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

The job might be your dream job and just perfect for you, but you must not waste time in proving to the employer that this is the job you always wanted.

Instead, you must try to prove to the employer that you are the right person for the job without being pushy.

Show what YOU have to contribute to the job and not what the job has for you.

Talk about your skills, strengths and achievements.

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Questions on your strengths and weaknesses are part of every job interview.

Whenever you are asked this question, you must never say that you don't have any weaknesses. If you say that, the employer assumes that you are either lying or you are not trying to improve or think about yourself.

Rather, when you talk about your weaknesses, also add what you are doing to overcome it.

Similarly, you can always mention about the skills you are still learning and developing.

Besides the ones mentioned above, you must always try to be honest and appear confident, leaving an affirmative impression on the employer.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh