When it comes to landing a new job, there are some tough odds to beat. In fact, the average number of people who apply for a job is 118. And, only 22 percent of applicants get called in for an interview.
Additionally, many companies make use of talent management software programs to weed out an average of 50 percent of applicants before ever looking at their resume or cover letter.
This means that if you make it to the interview, you’ve likely already beat out a lot of people. So, the last thing you want to do is say something in the interview that will blow your chances of getting hired.
Check out this guide to discover the top things to never bring up in an interview.
1. Your Plan for Short-Term Employment
Most companies know that when they hire you, they’re not hiring a lifetime employee. In fact, if this is your first job, many companies know that you’re using the job as a stepping stone and probably won’t stay on for more than three to five years.
However, you should never mention in an interview that if you get the job, you only plan to stay on for a couple of years. Even if you have big career aspirations, it’s important to put your focus on the job you’re interviewing for right now, and not fully disclose any short-term or long term goals. By saying you only see yourself staying on for a couple of years, you’re essentially telling the interviewer that you’re not committed to the job.
So, even if you bring your A-game and prove to be as talented and dedicated as you have mentioned in your resume made via ResumeBuild, the best online resume maker, saying something like this can severely hurt your chances of getting hired.
2. Personal Details or Beliefs
While a job interview is a chance for an employer to get to know you on a more personal level to see if you’d be a good fit for their company, this doesn’t mean you should be divulging all of your personal details and beliefs during an interview.
Sometimes, an employer will ask you about hobbies or what you like to do in your free time to get to know you better. But, if they ask anything along the lines of, “Do you have any other commitments that might get in the way of your job?”, this isn’t the time to dive into the messy details of your divorce or how you’re responsible for taking care of your sick parent.
Not only will this make the interviewer uncomfortable, but these details take the focus off of your competence in the workplace.
Additionally, you should avoid bringing up anything related to religion or politics, unless you’re working for an organization with a religious or political affiliation.
3. Dirt On Your Old Employer
While it’s okay to talk about things you would have liked to see improved at your old job, you shouldn’t start griping about your previous employer during your job interview.
For one, it’s very unprofessional and it can make you look like someone who is negative and likes to complain. Additionally, the interviewer may then worry that you’ll do the same thing in regard to their company in the future.
So, leave your complaints at the door and only talk about your former employer in a professional manner.
By avoiding these three things in a job interview, you’ll increase your chances of landing the job. Comment below if you have any questions!