4 things you should never reveal at a job interview
Published
An interview is your chance to bring the information in your resume and cover letter to life. Your application has already passed the initial phase and the interview can determine whether you get the job or not.
The interview is an opportunity for the potential employer to learn more about you and determine whether you fit into the company culture. However, giving out too much information can ruin your chances of getting hired. Below are four things you should never reveal during an interview.
Conclusion
- To get a new job, you must first complete an interview and answer the interviewers' questions.
- A hiring manager will review your entire application, but the interview is the final, crucial step.
- Avoid these 4 mistakes job interview , which can doom even the most promising applicant.
1. Too many personal details
Interviewer Although they will ask questions to learn more about you, keep your answers at a professional level. Jane Trnka, director of the Career Resource Center at Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business in Winter Park, Florida, tells Investopedia that personal details are irrelevant to fulfilling your job responsibilities. “When an interviewer asks you if you have reliable transportation, all you have to do is say 'yes' and nothing more - no details about how you get your kids to school or how much money you spent repairing your 1992 car have."
Interview - Source: theladders
Unless you require medical accommodation, Trnka also warns against revealing details about your medical history. And she strongly advises against sharing your personal views on topics like politics, religion and economics - unless those topics are job-related.
These are the types of personal information that many applicants share while trying to appear likeable. Kristen Zierau, director of executive recruiting at JMJ Phillip Executive Search in Hills, Michigan, says candidates reveal far too many private details that can doom interviews. She tells Investopedia, "The company that selects you for employment doesn't need to know how messy your divorce was or that you're struggling financially."
And other information that seems harmless can actually be detrimental to your employment prospects and derail your job search. Stephanie Kinkaid, assistant director of the Wackerle Career Center at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, warns applicants not to reveal their marital or parental status because it could give employers the opportunity to discriminate against you. "But if you mention that you have a toddler at home and the job requires some evenings, an interviewer might think you're unavailable at odd hours, even if you know you have reliable childcare. Instead, focus Be sure to share information that demonstrates your skills and abilities.
2. Negative feelings towards employers/colleagues
Even if you think you had one of the worst jobs ever, resist the urge to speak ill of the employer during your interview. Kristin Scarth, career services manager at Employment BOOST in Troy, Michigan, says she's still surprised at how many applicants are willing to trash a former boss or colleague. "As a human resources manager, all I can think is, 'They're going to do that to me too.' When you're interviewing, you shouldn't say that you had a problem with your old boss or colleague, because if you had a problem there, that can give the impression that you will have this problem everywhere.
You may be asked about your current or previous employment situation. Tracy Cashman, senior vice president at WinterWyman Executive Search in Boston, advises Investopedia that if you're still at the company, your answer should be short and neutral. "If you are no longer with the company, explain why. If you were fired, be honest, but provide a brief explanation of what you learned. If your last boss happens to still serve as a reference, then mention it You too.
3. Specific reasons for leaving the company/looking for a new job
Even if you don't say negative things about your boss or co-workers, you need to be careful when explaining your reasons for looking for a new job. Of course, we'd all like to have a job that pays more than $100,000 a year, but Cashman cautions against ever saying you want more money. And she warns that sometimes your answers may not be perceived the way you intend. "For example, a human resources manager may interpret the statement 'I want more room for growth' as 'I get bored easily.' She recommends a short statement about how you enjoyed working for your current employer and how much you learned from them. Explain Then say that you are looking for a new opportunity where you can achieve everything you hope for in a new job and conclude by saying that this is why you want this job and want to work at this company.
4. Vulnerabilities
Our experts have different opinions about disclosing your weaknesses. Jason Ma, founder, CEO and lead mentor of ThreeEQ in San Francisco, says: "When asked about your past mistakes or missteps, answer honestly and share what you learned from them and how you overcame them or how you work to transform past weaknesses into strengths." He recommends showing your true character.
However, Chaim Shapiro, M.Ed., associate director of the Office of Career Services at Touro College in New York, says this question shows whether or not you were coached for your interview. "Don't answer with a real, unspoken weakness - that will help the candidate move on to another candidate. Shapiro recommends instead focusing on a weakness that can be seen as a strength. However, he advises Investopedia readers , not to mention the "Perfectionist" weakness as it is overused.
The bottom line
While an interview gives potential employers the opportunity to learn more about the applicant, you shouldn't be tempted to give away too much information. Companies don't need to know that you're over-indebted with student loans or having relationship problems. False personal information can often disqualify an otherwise excellent applicant.
