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What you shouldn't say during your next interview

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Last week we shared which key words you should be using in your next interview in order to help convey the message that you're the right person for the job. While focusing on what to say is sound advice, saying the rights things probably won't save you if you combine it with saying the wrong ones.

To stop you from ruining your chances by doing just that, Emily Moore at Glassdoor has compiled a list of 13 annoying words and phrases that are keeping you from getting hired. We've picked our five favourites below.

1. “Does this position include benefits?”

With more and more companies openly talking about the importance of happy employees, chances are you've realised that it's possible to find a job with great benefits. But just because they're out there and because you want some, doesn't mean you should make asking about benefits your number one priority during the interview.

As career coach April Klimkiewicz tells Glassdoor, asking too soon can make it seem like you're pursuing the job for the wrong reasons. She advises waiting until you've received an offer.

2. “I’m a perfectionist.”

It's not the perfect answer to the question "What is your greatest weakness?". It's a cliché, and you know it. More importantly, your interviewer will know it too, because they'll have heard it many times before.

3. “What are my chances of getting hired?”

This is a perfect example of "don't ask the one thing you want to know most". In short, asking this question will make you sound desperate to get the job. And not in a good way. Instead of asking about your chances, make sure you reiterate how excited you are about the prospect of working there, career advisor Zachary Painter tells Glassdoor.

4. Fired, hate, terrible, etc.

While this article focuses on interviews, avoiding overly negative language might be a good idea in any situation. We all have negative experiences and there's nothing wrong with talking about them. Just make sure you keep a balance and don't spiral off into a rant about how everything is awful.

5. “I don’t really have any questions about the company.”

If this sounds like you during an interview, there are two possibilities. Either you aren't interested in the company at all, or you've done so much research you already know everything there is to know. In the first case, you probably shouldn't be interviewing for the job. In the second case, try asking an insightful question that shows off your research.

ALSO READ: Interview questions you want to ask, but shouldn’t

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