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What not to say or do at a job interview!
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What not to say or do at a job interview!
“An interview is a vital process for the recruiter to eliminate doubts/mistakes before hiring. Recruitment errors can be quite expensive and can cost the company a fortune. A good recruiter, therefore, will probe to hunt for signs of diffidence, arrogance, lies etc to eliminate,” says Raj Louis, chief human resources officer, Knight Frank India Pvt Ltd.
In the light of this, it’s very important for the candidate that he/she projects himself/herself on the K-S-A – Knowledge, Skill and Attitude.
Here we take a look at some important things which a candidate must avoid doing or saying at a job interview:
Never ague
Stating facts as you know best is good, but you should always try to avoid a debate with the recruiter.
“I have seen candidates getting into an argument about facts which the recruiters know best. There is no use of proving a point over the recruiter,” informs Louis.
Never lie
If you do not know something – say it. Don’t hazard a guess. Simply because honesty is usually more appreciated than guess work.
Never sound over-confident
Sometimes interviewees tend to be what they are not in interviews with a view to impress the interviewer which is not right.
“An interviewee must avoid being dishonest in an interview and also avoid exaggerating about himself or his accomplishments. He should also keep from over exposing himself,” says Prafullachandra Bhamare, HR manager - Neev group of companies.
Never belittle the recruiting company or former employer
Always avoid saying wrong things about the recruiting company or your former employer, as this may put off the recruiter and also reduce your chances of getting a job in that company. “I have seen candidates from competitor companies blowing their trumpet and belittling the recruiting company. The question then is ‘Why did you come here?’” asks Louis.
This also holds true for your former employer or team members. “Some of the candidates criticize their former employer or team members. This comes across as displaying negative team skills and showcasing a lack of professionalism and ethics,” says Jacob Jacob, executive vice president, HRD, Oberoi Constructions.
Vinit Durve, VP - corporate human affairs, Zicom Electronic Security Systems Ltd, is also of the view that you should never criticize your current employer or the current manager who you report to. “This gives an impression of you not being adaptable and suggests that you have strong ideas,” he says.
Never get intimidated or be emotional
Sometimes the recruiter could be intimidating and may ask basic questions. Be prepared for the same and have honest answers. Don’t get emotional/offended.
An interviewee should also not get nostalgic and try to encash emotionally to the interviewer.
“It is absolutely important to be professional because that is exactly what an interviewer is looking for in someone they plan to hire,” says Bhamare.
Avoid salary discussions
Avoid initiating salary discussions or making demands in the early interview stages.
“Let the prospective employer initiate salary discussions. It is ok to give a range or to ask what they feel the range is for the position. However, it can be a turnoff if you are the one to initiate the subject of salary,” says Yasho V Verma, director, HR & management resource, LG Electronics.
Never get hard-to-get
Do not talk about serving long notice period and that you are indispensable in your current organization or a huge bonus is awaiting you after a few months and you also have the ESOP’s to consider. “This subject should never be raised in the first meeting till an offer is being discussed,” says Louis.
Never talk about other offers
You may have other attractive job offers. But don’t talk about having other more attractive offers in the first meeting. This will show that you are not very serious about the job you are trying to get.
Avoid talking about vacations, promotions
Do not talk about vacations, promotions or holidays.
“This can be a turnoff because you may seem more interested in time off rather than the job itself. Would a hardworking, dedicated employee be more focused on days off or doing a good job?” asks Verma.
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Source:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/quickiearticleshow/5164352.cms
