- How much does the job pay?
Some people ask this question before the
interviewer has a chance to even ask THEIR
first question and this is a big mistake. It makes
it seem as if all you are after is money. As a
, wages and salaries are not discussed
during the first interview.
- 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 with them. Look the company
up on the Internet and read as much as you
can about it and take notes. 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.
It 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. They
also should not HAVE to figure it out. 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
and bonuses?
the benefits like vacations, promotions
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 favor by interviewing with them., so
keep these questions until the second interview
or until the interviewer opens up the subject.
The interviewer will ask you why the company
should hire you and then you can emphasize
your skills, talents and contributions you have
to offer them. Be prepared to tell clearly what
specific ways you have helped your former
employers.
- No profanity or cursing of any kind.
You must never curse, cuss, or use any kind of
profanity in any job interview. That includes
the word p ssed, as in "p_ssed off." That is
cursing and profanity. Do not say it. Do not say it. Do not say
"damn" ,hell' or the F-word or the n-word. In
addition, women are women and not "hos."
- No stereotypical language.
Do not refer to people of other genders, sexual orientations, nationalities, ethnicities, races, handicaps, religions or other diversity in any slang 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. You can say that you don't like to waste time on small talk and are working on being more friendly in the workplace. This is a positive "weakness.”
- 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.