INTERVIEW CONFESSIONS:

1. “My boss is toxic.” / “The environment is toxic.” I’m sure it was, but I wasn’t there. I only know what you’re telling me, and now I’m wondering what the other side of the story is. 2. “I need a job.” You needing a job isn’t a reason for me to hire you. Tell me the value you can bring to the role. 3. “I’ll do anything.” You think this shows flexibility. I hear that you don’t know what you want. 4. “Can you tell me about the company?” My first thought is, have you done any homework on us? You should already know the basics. It’s one thing to have specific questions about the company. It’s another to ask me to tell you about it. 5. “My biggest weakness is that I’m a perfectionist.” “I’ve heard it hundreds of times. Give me a real weakness and tell me what you’re doing to improve it. 6. “It’s on my resume.” I know. I read it. I’m asking because I want you to expand and give me information that a paper alone will not give to me. 7. “I’m open when it comes to salary.” Don’t cut yourself short. Know your value, be prepared to communicate your range, and don’t leave compensation in the hiring manager’s hands. 8. I’ve never had a conflict with a coworker.” I don’t believe you. Conflict doesn’t have to be dramatic. I’m looking for how you problem solve. 9. “I don’t have any questions.” Your questions show genuine interest, help you evaluate fit, demonstrate critical thinking, and leave a lasting positive impression. 10. “I’ve hit the ceiling. There’s nothing more for me to learn.” There’s always something to learn. Focus on what you want to learn next, not what you can no longer learn. 11. “I don’t know.” … Then silence without backing it up. It’s okay not to know. Tell me how you would find the answer or how you would approach finding the answer. 12. “I’ve been applying everywhere.” It looks like you’re throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. Don’t share with the hiring manager. They want to know why you’re interested in their specific opportunity. You don’t need to give me the perfect answer. But you do need to understand how your answer may be interpreted by the person making the hiring decision. #job #interview #careeradvice #interviewtips #hiring