4 Sure-Fire Ways to Sink Your Interview

The Interview. It can be intimidating, frustrating and occasionally (OK, rarely) even exciting. Whatever your feelings about your next interview, it’s important you’re well prepared and know what you want to highlight during the process.

Regardless of what you’ve decided to include, you want to be sure you leave your interviewer “wanting more.” That’s why it can be equally (if not more so) important to know what not to say and do in any interview session.

Over the years I’ve interviewed many candidates for various positions and worked with clients (both, interviewees and interviewers) to help them prepare for the big event. Allow me to share a few of the worst things you can do in an interview. Steer clear of these potential potholes.

Danger here!

Talking about how much you hate your current or last boss/company.
If you want to sink your chances of success, this is one way to do it in a hurry. I’ve heard interviewers go into detail about how unfair their boss is, how sick and tired they are of working for the company, or how happy they’d be to tell their current employer just what they can do with their job. Listen, if you’re fed up and frustrated with your current position that’s no one’s business but yours. If you decide to share that tidbit with the interviewer, you can be sure they’ll likely assume it’s only a matter of time until you’ll work up the same feelings in your new role. Don’t even plant that thought in their minds — just keep this information to yourself.

Excusing yourself during the interview.
Keep in mind that the interviewer has a limited amount of time dedicated to your interview. Do not ask to be excused to go to the restroom, take an “emergency” call, or run to catch someone you know in the hallway. Additionally, if someone you know pops their head in and wants to chat during your interview, graciously tell them you’ll contact them a bit later (unless they happen to be the CEO of the company). Your interviewer wants to know they have your full attention and are your priority.

Being argumentative or correcting your interviewer.
Even if you’re absolutely sure your interviewer just misquoted your favorite author of all times, keep your lips sealed. Arguing, correcting or patronizing the interviewer in any way will rarely work in your favor. There’s enough conflict to go around in just about any organization and the last thing an employer is looking for is someone who may make the situation worse. If you can keep it to yourself, do it.

Talking about the time you almost got fired.
While conducting an interview, I once asked a candidate how they’d handled conflict in the past. The interviewee actually said,  “Well, I was lucky because I didn’t end up going to jail … so I didn’t get fired.” She then went on to say that during the conflict with another employee she was frustrated and an argument broke out, security was called, etc. Um, What?? She lost me as soon as she uttered the word “jail.” Never, ever talk about the time you told off a patient, co-worker or boss or the time you narrowly avoided being fired for whatever reason. I can’t imagine how this could possibly work to your advantage.

The bottom line is this: There are plenty of people looking to fill a limited number of positions these days. Your main goal is to show the potential employer why and how you will provide value and be an asset to their organization. Try to see yourself through your interviewer’s eyes and err on the side of good judgment.