You’ve finally landed the interview for the position you’ve been interested in for some time. Woohoo! Now, the next step is to prepare for the part. Interview preparation is imperative because this is your one and only shot to exude your characteristics and personality with the hiring team. They’ll use this opportunity to see if you’ll make a good fit for their company. There’s no doubt that you will, but here are five things I advise that you should never say or do during the interview, unless you don’t want to land the job.
- “What does your company do?” This question is disguised as a question that may spark the interest of the interviewers. But please remember that upon entering the interview, you should have already completed your research on the company. If not, this shows that you are lacking interest and wasting the interviewer’s time. Instead try asking this: “What does your company expect from its employees?”
- DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT answer your phone during an interview. The interviewing time should be dedicated only to the company and those who are interviewing you. You should not be worried about keeping in contact with those calling you or texting you in that moment as they are not the ones doing the hiring for your new job. Answering your phone during an interview is rude and if you know in advance that you need to be available to your contacts then I advise you reschedule your interview.
- “How am I doing?” Although this seems like a good question to ask, this is not the appropriate time to be asking your interviewers how well you impress them during the interview. This also signifies that you are unsure and you are constantly seeking reassurance for your actions, which may be questionable in a leadership position. Always be confident. You’ll know how well you did based on whether or not you’ve been offered the position at the end of your time with them.
- DO NOT bring your lunch to an interview. You may laugh but you would be surprised how many people think this is okay to do. I was conducting an interview one time and the person decided to unpack their entire lunch while we were sitting down. I’d advise you schedule your interviews before or after lunch (preferably before). Eating lunch during an interview is inconsiderate and rude because more than likely the interviewer is taking time away from his or her own lunch schedule to meet with you.
- “The money doesn’t matter to me.” As this may seem like an answer that would be admirable, I’d hate to say you’re wrong. The money does matter in a sense because if the salary doesn’t phase you, there are hundreds of other candidates who deserve the pay in order to make a living for themselves. You saying the money doesn’t matter to you shows the interviewer that you could care less about important factors in life.
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