10 things you should AVOID saying in a job interview !!!!!!!!!!

If you think banking upon your professionally prepared CV and academic qualifications can help you bag your dream job, think again. While am impressive CV has fetched you an interview call, but it is how you perform in the interview that will decide your fate.

While it is important to prepare well for the job interview by doing research about the company, its profile, your expected role, one must know what not to say in a job interview.

1) How much will I be paid: Never ask a company about your salary in the first round of interview as it does not make a good impression on employers. If money is discussed, it is up to the interviewer from the company to broach that subject. If they ask you how much money you want, have a range of pay packages to give them and not a specific amount. But it is better to research how much the job you want really pays in your town or state and then come up with a range of a yearly salary to request.

2) 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. If you appear blank when asked about the company's profile, your prospective employer will not have a good impression of you. Search about the company on the Internet and read as much as you can about it and take notes.

3) Don't use slangs or phrases in your job interview: Avoid using words like 'jerk', 'cool', 'wanna'. Interview is not a casual conversation with friends in a lounge. It is a formal conversation which requires good English and communication skills. Using slang in the interview would make you look non-serious and unprofessional.

4) Never bad-mouthing your employer or boss: If you say things like my previous boss was a 'jerk' or there was lot of office politics, you may be perceived as immature, unable to handle work pressure or be discreet. Saying derogatory things about him/her will reflect on you.

5) Don't talk too much: When asked about yourself, don't tell your life story as it will lead your employers to perceive you as immature. You should just stick to your academic qualifications, previous work experience and any other added skills or achievements. Do not go into details or tell your personal problems.

6) "In five years, I see myself on a boat in Hawaii." When a company is asking 'Where do you see yourself in five years', they want to judge your long time goals. If you give answers like vacationing in Hawaii or cruising around the globe, it will have your employers questioning your sincerity. When interviewers ask you about long-term goals, they want an answer that relates to the company or commitment towards it.

7) "Sorry, I don't know how to do that: Rather than admitting that you don't have a specific skill or knowledge about a particular software, stress that you're a fast learner and are excited about the possibility of acquiring new skills. Most companies would rather hire an enthusiastic, smart person who needs to be trained than someone who already has the required skills but isn't as eager to learn.

8) 'I have no weakness': When prospective employers ask you about your weakness, they expect you to be honest or at least have some kind of answer. If you say you don't have any, the interviewer will believe that you are lying or that you are not thinking or being biased. You can say that you don't like to waste time on small talk.

9) Avoid saying unnecessary lies and stop exaggerating: Don't lie! You'll be found out, and you'll regret it. Lies like I was offered a job with so and so company with 3 times this amount or I have done the highest number of sales in my current company, such things can always be found out. Hence, you must never exaggerate.

10) What benefits does your company offer: This is a definite no, no as no one likes to hire selfish people. They want to know why they should hire you. Stress the contributions you can make. Tell them about how your efforts helped previous employers. Don't start asking about raises, bonuses, and promotions right away. They hate it when you ask them -'What can you do for me?'

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