Heads up, we’re gonna be talking about the things that really get us going after an interview. These ten phrases are some the most annoying, disappointing, and off-putting sentences to hear when conducting an interview. You might be thinking that you know just what to say in an interview, but our guess is that you are going to be surprised to see some of the phrases on this list. We’re going to cover everything from apologies you should never have to make, saying you’re open to whatever position is available, and being too eager on your interview follow-ups. Strap in, because this blog might just turn your world upside down.
“Sorry I’m so late”
You should never, ever, ever, have to apologize for being late because you should never, ever, ever be late to an interview if you can help it. Luckily, this one has an easy fix: Don’t be late. Check traffic reports, set alarms, leave early; do whatever you need to do to make it on time. And if you are going to be late, then call your interviewer to let them know and be prepared to reschedule if need be. It’s as simple as that.
“Sorry I’m so early”
We’ve addressed this a couple of times in past blogs, but arriving too early is almost as bad as arriving late. Don’t ever put yourself in a position where you will need to say “Sorry I’m so early”. Luckily this one is easy to avoid as well. In fact, if you have arrived early then you’re already half-way there. The next step is simple: Don’t go into the office until only about 5-7 minutes before your interview. If you arrive too early, then wait it out in your car. Listen to music, read a book, count the clouds, do SOMETHING to occupy your time and keep you from walking into the office 20 minutes early.
“It’s on my resume”
We know its on your resume, but if a recruiter is asking you about a particular job or experience, they are looking for you to provide information beyond what is on your resume. They want to make sure you have good communication and social skills. This helps your recruiter identify the types of positions you would be the best fit for: ones that require face-to-face or distanced/digital interactions. Be sure to be articulate and specific when answering questions about your previous experience and don’t just run through your resume word for word.
“Perfectionism is my greatest weakness”
No, its not. Even if it is, no recruiter is going to take it seriously because this is one of the most cliche, overused answers you can give in an interview when asked “What are your weaknesses”. Not only does it make you sound a little arrogant (it comes across as “my only problem is how perfect I am”), but it makes you seem like you didn’t really bother thinking about the question. When asked about your weaknesses, you need to be honest so that you are placed in a position that plays to your strengths while also challenging you to grow. If you say “My perfectionism is my biggest issue” than many recruiters would consider you for heavily detail oriented positions, but uh-oh: being detail oriented is not one of your strengths. This is just one example of how this answer can work against you. Always be specific and honest when asked about your weaknesses.
“I’ll do whatever”
I know you might think that saying you’ll do whatever work is available makes you a more attractive candidate, but in reality many recruiters often see this answer as a downside. It shows a lack of passion for your work, and that you see your job as just that: only a job. Compare that to someone who comes into an interview saying they are looking for a certain position based on their specific experience and interest in the field, a position they hope to turn into a career, and it’s easy for a recruiter to make a decision on who is getting sent out to work. When you go in for an interview, have a specific job in mind and express why you are interested in the job itself and why you’d be excited to be working for this new company.
“So, tell me what you guys do around here”
Oh boy. You never want to walk into an interview without having a good idea of what the company you’re applying at does. This is hands-down the fastest way to turn your interviewer off. By asking this question, you’re showing them that you had no real interest in their company until you actually had to walk inside. Make sure you do your homework on the company and walk in for your interview with a good deal of knowledge about their history, the product/service they provide, as well as their values and mission statement.
“Like, uhm… Like”
“So I’m, like, super excited to be here and uhm… it’s really nice that you could, like, meet with me today and I really hope this uh.. goes well”. Annoying to read right? It’s even more off putting to hear. Do your absolute best to not overuse “like” or “uhm” during your interview. While not bad to use once or twice, after several sentences like the one above your interviewer will be ready to put their head through a wall. Speak clearly and with intent. By overusing these words, you create a very disorganized and uncertain tone. If you need to take a second to collect your thoughts, do so. Just maybe not in the middle of a sentence.
“I don’t have any questions”
This is never good to say. Always, always, ALWAYS have questions for your interviewer! Even if they answer all of your questions regarding the position, ask questions about the company itself. Inquire about the history and story of the company. It makes you come across as a truly interested candidate who is invested in this interview and becoming a part of this organization. When you say “I don’t have any questions” it either makes it sound like you want to leave as soon as you can, or that you weren’t listening too closely to the recruiter during your interview.
“So, yeah…”
This one isn’t so much annoying as it is disappointing. We have seen countless candidates come in for their interview dressed to impress, they are articulate, and they are doing an amazing job of recounting a previous work experience with great details, and then they end with “So, yeah…”. It just ends. No conclusion, no wrap up; they just stop talking. It’s like reading a great book and then finding out the last chapter has been ripped out. Always make sure that every story or experience you reference in your interview is a complete one, and that means including a conclusion.
“I just wanted to follow up… again”
We know you’re anxious and on the edge of your seat waiting for an update on whether or not you got the job, but trust us when we say that nothing gets on a recruiter’s nerves faster than a candidate who won’t stop following up. It makes you look very impatient. We get it, you want to know if you got the job ASAP, but when a recruiter says that they will reach out with an update when they have one, they mean it. If they have not gotten in contact with you, it’s most likely because they are still reviewing applicants and deciding if you are right for the job, or the client themselves is still making a decision. Stay patient and trust that the interviewer didn’t forget about you, because they didn’t.
–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiter Assistant