The Arsehole Test 10 things not to say in a job interview
10 things not to say in a job interview
With thousands of graduates struggling to even get an interview, it would be doubly frustrating to throw away the opportunity of getting a job by saying something stupid. With the job market more competitive than ever, it can be hard work just to get an interview. So once you’re actually in front of potential employers you don’t want to ruin your prospects with an unfortunate comment asfirst impressions are vital and are never forgotten. Don’t fluff it up as you won’t get a second chance. Here are some tips on how to not be a arsehole.
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‘Sorry i’m late’
Your interviewer doesn’t want you to arrive for work 20 minutes late every morning. Set your alarm early with plenty of time to spare as something will happen, it inevitably does. Remember that you cannot undo that first impression.
‘Do you know Paula Scher ?’
Don’t name drop because you sound arrogant and it does not impress the interviewer.
‘Hang on, I’ll just take this call’
Always turn your phone off! Never think that it is acceptable to take telephone calls, texts etc during an interview. It isn’t. Such a bad impression and is not professional.
‘In five years I see myself doing your job’
Don’t and act smart.This answer may be true but in the interviews eyes you are threatening their job and it is not a good move in a interview.
‘Hello, nice to meet you. I like the way you’ve done your hair, you look cute’
It should go without explanation, but any level of flirtation in an interview , subtle or blatant, should never occur.
‘Oh that looks shit’
Never swear in your interview. Even if the interviewer accidentally uses inappropriate language don’t think that it is a opportunity for you. Remain professional at all times.
‘My previous bosses were crap, never really thought much of them’
Being critical of a previous employer rarely sits well with a potential one. It makes you look like a negative gossip. Even worse, if you’re applying for a job in the same industry, there’s always the chance your interviewer knows the person you’re slagging. It’s a small world out there.
‘How much holiday do I get ?’
It doesn’t look good if before you’ve even been hired, that you’re planning your absence from the company to go on holiday.
‘I really like the packaging that you designed for that brand’
Always research the company before you go for an interview, the worse possible thing you can do is not know about the company as it is rude and disrespectful.
‘No, I don’t have any questions to ask you’
Have some questions prepared to ask about the company and the job. Saying no says to the interviewer that you are not very interested in the company and not very smart.
moral of the story, do your research and don’t be an arsehole!
Inspired by James Goodwin a visiting lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire.
are you a Arsehole? the 10 things not to say whilst in a job interview.
By samantha griffiths