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These Are The Things You Shouldn’t Say On A Job Interview

These days, everyone is in the search for a nice steady job. But as with most things, those jobs require some sort of experience. At the start, you are sending applications here and there, and then, you and your lack of experience land you an interview. Everything is going just fine, but then, the interviewer stares at you, and there is the question: ” You seem to lack the experience needed for this job. Why should we hire someone like you and what can you do for this job?”  Does that sound familiar? Well, these three things you definitely should restrain yourself from saying:


“Besides getting several paper cuts on the same day or receiving the news that someone in your family has betrayed you to your enemies, one of the most unpleasant experiences in life is a job interview.” — Lemony Snicket


I learn really, really fast!

baranq/Shutterstock

Well, this isn’t a bad thing. Actually it’s great, but unfortunately, most of the time, employers don’t look for someone who can learn fast. They need a qualified worker, not someone they can train. They often look for someone who can do the job right away. Yes, you can learn fast, but do that before going for an interview.

Maybe you should try a job that is less demanding and more suitable for your (lack of) experience. There are many not-so-demanding positions where you can actually learn and gradually progress. Or look for companies that have great training programs. Such companies will more likely hire someone like you so they can train and shape you for their needs. Don’t get obsessed over just one difficult job position. If you are unable to do the job properly, there is a great possibility that you will be fired fast. So, there is no real need to utter this sentence because you really don’t want to be hired for a job you can’t do.

Nattakorn_Maneerat/Shutterstock

I am a hard worker!

So yeah, you are asked about your lack of experience, and you start with I am a hard worker! I can do more that anyone! If you give me a chance, I will show you! Please hire me, if you give me a chance, you will be surprised!

See where this is going? Begging or trying to convince your potential employer that you are the one they need and that not hiring you will be their biggest mistake won’t take you far if you lack for what they need. The thing is, even before you started with your little speech, employer already decided whether they will hire you or not, and there is nothing much you can do about it.

Instead of begging and convincing someone that you are capable for a job, it’s recommended to ask the interviewer if there is a more suitable job for you, or what role he/she would recommend you at that company. If there is no job for you at the moment, ask them what the best way for you to gain the experience required is.

I am more capable than I look

Mangostar/Shutterstock

This one you shouldn’t say for two reasons. First of all, you don’t have what you are asked for, and secondly, with this attitude, you probably won’t leave a very good first impression.

You may be passionate about the new job, have many good ideas, but for now, that is unimportant. The employer is asking for one thing—your experience—which you don’t have. And there you are, telling your own ideas, making it look like you are maybe even superior for the position you are applying for. Don’t get me wrong. Candidates like that maybe have good ideas, and some sort of experience, but coming with the attitude: – If you hire me, your company will bloom”, the interviewers may think you are saying they are not doing their job as they should and you may be better than them. And that is surely not going to give you a good first impression on that interview.

Instead of telling them that you got ideas and you are the one, start by being genuine and curious. Ask questions. Ask them about what they expect from employees, company goals, what do they think about certain things, ideas. Lead them by asking your questions about areas where you actually may have some good ideas and experience but don’t get too pushy or tiresome.

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