Interview Time: What Should You Say, What Shouldn't You Say

March 2024
By NTI

Just as important as knowing what to say and do in an interview is knowing what not to say and do. 

Some of the “don’ts” seem like common sense but hiring managers will tell you they see them in interviews and candidates can find themselves eliminated from the consideration very quickly. 

“You don’t want to find yourself not getting a job because of something you could have prevent yourself from doing,” said Alan Hubbard, NTI’s Chief Operating Officer. “It’s important to make sure you are putting your best foot forward.” 

First, when you are getting ready for the job, according to LinkedIn, make sure you are dressed appropriately when you are doing an in-person interview or a video one. This isn’t the time to putting on your best t-shirt and shorts. 

“When you showed up dressed casually, it indicates you aren’t taking the interview seriously,” said Hubbard. “ 

You should also make you aren’t wearing too much perfume or cologne or smell of cigarette some. 

Another thing to do is to make sure you are leaving yourself plenty of time to get to the interview and don’t bring a family member or a friend. Any food or drink or gum should be left in the car or out of view of the camera. 

“You don’t want to be rushed and stressed,” said Hubbard. “You also don’t want to be in a hurry to get out of the interview. You need to be relaxed and ready to present your case for why you are the best candidate.” 

Once the interview starts you want to make sure you are pay attention, not moving around in your chair or making faces.   

LinkedIn also advises not to tell jokes or bring up controversial subjects or talk negatively about your past job or bosses. Your cell phone should be off and shouldn’t be checking your messages. 

You also don’t want to act like you are just using this job to practice for another job or are just looking for a big salary, great benefits or like the location. 

“This isn’t the time to bring up salary or benefits,” said Hubbard. “That will be a major red flag to the hiring manager.” 

You might be in the middle of a frustrating job experience, having personal issues or are running out of money, but you don’t want to discuss that with the hiring manager. You want to be positive and enthusiastic about possibly joining the company.  

During and after the interview you are going to be asked if you have any questions. 

“The last thing you want to say is that you don’t have any,” said Hubbard. “The hiring manager is expecting you to have questions. When you do it shows you are interested in the company and have done your research. You don’t want to give the impression you are just there and expect to get the job right away.” 

While it is a very good idea to send a thank you note to the hiring manager for letting you tell them why you are the best candidate for the job, don’t be calling when you get home to ask if you got the job or making repeated calls. 

“You want to avoid doing anything that is going to hurt your chances of getting a job,” said Hubbard.  

NTI helps Americans with disabilities and their caregivers find at-home employment with free training and job placement services. You can register at www.nticentral.org.