Five Phrases to Avoid During Your IT Interview
Posted June 2nd, 2016
Sometimes what you don’t say is just as important as what you do say. In a job interview, you’re hyper-focused on communicating the right things to the person conducting the interview. But you can quickly sour a lot of accumulated good will simply by saying the wrong thing. Here are five phrases you need to be careful to avoid.
“I Can Pick Up the Required Skills Quickly”
You’re being hired for the skills you have now, not the ones you’ll have six months down the road. Admitting that you are deficient in a certain tech skill is simply admitting that you can’t fully do the job you’re being vetted for. And claiming to be a quick learner doesn’t make you sound any better. If you are not fully qualified, outline the steps you’re taking right now to broaden your skill set in relevant ways.
“I’m Experienced and Qualified”
Of course you are, otherwise why would you be sitting in the interview? Phrases like this are just fillers in an interview setting, and they do nothing to build your case as a candidate. Instead of stating the obvious or the irrelevant, use specifics to demonstrate how you’re experienced and qualified. Then go a step further and explain what makes you unique and how you will deliver true value to your employer.
“My Attention to Detail Is My Greatest Weakness”
Phrases like this only elicit eye rolls. At this point it’s an interview cliché to assert that one of your strengths is actually a weaknesses, but hiring managers still encounter these kinds of responses all the time. Answering like this makes you sound like you’re running on autopilot while offering basically useless information. When asked to describe your weaknesses, be honest, then talk about steps you’re taking to improve on the shortcoming.
“I Really Like Your Office”
It’s natural to want to build a rapport with your interviewer, and when done well it can even be an asset. But you don’t build a meaningful connection with faint flattery. Instead of talking about someone’s office, clothes or cute kids, focus on professional achievements like awards, project participation, or industry accolades. This might require some advanced research.
“I Don’t Have Any Questions”
Almost all interviewers will give you the opportunity to ask questions at the end. Declining to ask any makes you seem disengaged and unprepared. If you are seriously interested in a company/position, you should have questions about your responsibilities, the kinds of projects you will be working on, and the company’s long-term goals.
Your interview is where you make or break your chances for getting a job. Make sure you don’t spoil the opportunity with a misplaced phrase. Before you meet with a potential employer face-to-face, learn more about effective interviewing from the experts at Bayside Solutions.
