Avoid These 5 Job Interview DON’Ts

As  software sales recruiters, part of our jobs is advising my candidates on how to best nail their interviews and get the positions they covet. While many “Don’ts” are no-brainers (aka..dude, don’t show up in your sweatpants!..), some need to be reiterated every once in a while. Here are our top 5:

DON’T: Speak negatively about your past employer(s).

Phrases such as “Ugh, my last company…” or “I didn’t get along with my boss…” should never be uttered when asked about your previous work experiences. No matter how you spin it, it just won’t reflect well on you and can leave the interviewer wondering if they will be next, or even worse, if you are difficult to work with. DO: Keep your explanations light and be complimentary.

DON’T: Get too comfortable.

Even if you’re vibing with the interviewer, don’t get too casual or introduce anything during a discussion that could be perceived as potentially negative. DO: Stay away from too loose language, politics, personal opinions – unless you’re absolutely certain you’ll be aligned.

DON’T: Just wing it.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking your confidence will outweigh any ignorance.  Know as much as possible about the company and position by prepping thoroughly with your recruiter (if you’re working with me, I will ensure you’re prepared- Just saying!)  DO: Compile a list of open- ended intelligent questions that will challenge the interviewer to have to sell you in turn on the opportunity.

DON’T: Overshare.

Oversharing or saying too much can easily hurt you even more than providing just yes or no answers. A smart interviewer will ask an open ended question and give you enough rope to answer it adequately and move on. If you’re still talking 2-3 minutes into your answer, chances are you’re off on a tangent or are just flat out avoiding the honest truth. DO: Keep your answers brief, honest, concise and chalked full of successful results.

DON’T: Forget to close the “sale”.

It is not uncommon, especially for a sales position, to pass on any given candidate that doesn’t close at the end of an interview.  As a good salesperson (assuming you have enough information and are interested), you should always ask for the job- or at least ask for a next step (not in a sleazy sales way). DO: Find out if the interviewer has any concerns. If so, promptly address them and go for the close.

There are numerous things to consider before a job interview, and while it’s important to be aware of the “DOs”, it’s also important to avoid all the “DON’Ts”!