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6 things not to say in a job interviewPosted by Amanda Augustine

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12:55 PM

You'd be surprised how many people think these are fine responses. [TWEET]

Believe it or not, most interviewers aren't trying to trick you. They want you to do well in the interview, and bethe candidate of their dreams. As the interviewee, however, it's easy to overthink or underthink a questionand respond in a way that raises a red flag. Our jobsearch experts at TheLadders have gathered 6 of the topflagraising phrases candidates say in interviews, and we're telling you what you're really saying to theinterviewer.

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You say: I'm a highly motivated, proactive problemsolver. They hear: I have no noteworthy skills. Rattling off a list of industry jargon and phrases that anyone can say(but can't prove) shows your interviewer that you couldn't think of a solid skill related to your profession to useto describe yourself. Lean on your elevator pitch here and show why you're the best candidate for the role.

You say: What's your vacation policy?They hear: What do I get out of this job if you're so lucky to hire me? The company is hiring you becausethey have a need. Your job as a candidate is to prove that you are the person who can meet their needs andhelp the company meet their goals. Prove that you can grow the business, improve processes, and contributeto the bottom line. Save the perks talk for negotiations after you've been offered the job.

You say: My greatest weakness? I'm a perfectionist. They hear: Nothing. You haven't given the hiring manager any insight into what you're like as a worker, or howyou power through your own shortcomings. This is your opportunity to show how you can grow as a person andteam member. Be honest, share a flaw you're aware of, and explain the steps you're taking to overcome it.Providing a fake weakness makes you sound rehearsed at best, like you have something to hide at worst. Hereare a few more tips for answering this tricky question.

You say: My last boss? Terrible.They hear: I'm unprofessional. Everyone has gripes about their job or employer. But no matter how bad yoursituation was, you should never, I repeat, NEVER badmouth an employer. This makes you sound like anunprofessional complainer, and potentially difficult to get along with.

You say: What do you do around here?They hear: I didn't do any research! The most important thing you can do as a candidate is research thecompany you're interviewing with. Search online for employees who could potentially be interviewing you, andget an understanding of their background. If you're not prepared for the interview, what else might you beunprepared for in the future?

You say: No, I don't have any questions. They hear: I've heard enough, I'm not interested.

There's no way you know everything about the job, culture, and company at the end of an interview. So by notasking questions, you're signaling that you don't care to learn more. Arrive with a list of probing questions in tow

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that prove you're prepared, interested, and can continue an engaging conversation with your interviewer.

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Recommended Reading:

5 things successful people do each morning

Are you answering these job interview questions incorrectly?

The top interviewing tricks of successful job seekers

Amanda Augustine is the Career Management Expert for TheLadders.She provides job search and career guidance for professionals lookingto make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Followher at @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook foruptotheminute jobsearch advice.

Topics: Ask Amanda, Interview, New to the Workforce

jerome midddleton 2/12/2015, 5:14:30 AM

it was nice to hear

Reply to jerome midddleton

Alan 2/12/2015, 6:00:55 AM

I know you're trying to be helpful here but this is just like all of the other articles about what not to say during aninterview. You haven't really given an alternative or option for what one should say or how one should answer. Ithink most everyone is pretty familiar with improper etiquet but we'd like to have some exemples of the proper way(s)to answer these questions. For exemple, the link to the list of questions is very helpful, but it implies that you shouldask all 20 questions. I'm sure that's not what you meant, but it would be helpful to clarify...

Reply to Alan

Khalim 2/12/2015, 7:17:28 AM

Dude.. silliest comment ever. I'd you've never said this stuff in an interview then good for you and you're not theintended audience. Go and search for the other options. There are many articles that will give you better things tosay. That was not the intent here.

Reply to Khalim

Akash 2/13/2015, 5:47:46 PM

Yep, Khalim! As long you know what nottosay, it opens up a whole spectrum of possibilities for convincing your interviewerabout your potential to fit in their organisation. That's a question of perspective: some will always view the negative

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side of things, even in this case when the tip is being handed to you free; others will view it as a wonderfulopportunity to seek alternatives to their own traditional way of doing.

Reply to Akash

Mark Fan 2/21/2015, 6:31:50 AM

Khalim,,,,if you talked to like you did him, I would be pissed....Dude...that is the silliest...... You ain't got a clue, do you? Man, that was a lame response....very unprofessional..

Reply to Mark Fan

Mark Fan 2/21/2015, 6:37:48 AM

Khalim,,,,if you talked to me like you talked to him, I would be pissed.... For example...I would expect this comment "Dude...that is the silliest......" to come from a jock who has had his headbashed in a few too many times. You ain't got a clue, do you? Man, that was a lame response....very unprofessional..

Suzy Baker 2/12/2015, 11:59:31 PM

Alan, I interviewed a candidate yesterday that actually asked me details of the benefits package. Not everyone knows theinformation provided by Amanda, and I wish I could send this link when I send out interview invites!

Reply to Suzy Baker

Jamie 2/13/2015, 4:22:58 PM

Suzy, you're awfully full of yourself. As most professionals understand, not only are the candidates the interviewees,but they are also the interviewers; also interviewing the prospective company to be sure it is a fit for them! You thinkasking about a benefits package is unprofessional? The only thing unprofessional is YOU, and I hope to neverinterview for someone such as yourself, or any company that you're associated with.

Reply to Jamie

Henni 2/14/2015, 7:55:05 AM

I guess the main point to ask about the benefits package is not the first interview of the same company but thesecond or third interview ... After you know the company wants you...

ahmad afraz 2/12/2015, 6:11:07 AM

Hello,my name is ahmad afraz, we are two brothers,living in iran and weaving Persian authentic high quality handwoven (Tabriz) silk carpet with twenty years background. Our art is uniqe entire the world and in our carpets thereare 1000 nodes per 1 meter and with more than 80 different colours with kind of size like 3*4 meters and3/5*5and4*6. with the best iranian design and woving. Include (salar and garabaghy and gasr and kohan and qoum) and we can teach our art to persons who intrest in our professional and we are looking for employer or sponsor

2/23/2015 6 things not to say in a job interview

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who interested in our uniqe art and migrate us to unitted states and we present our abilities..thanks and best regardsfrom iran.

Reply to ahmad afraz

rohtash rathore 2/12/2015, 8:25:38 AM

hey contact me on.emailid .......i will figure out what i can do.with you

Reply to rohtash rathore

Ivan Offlich 2/12/2015, 6:36:56 AM

They ask ``What are your hobbies'' and you answer ""I give my all to work, so don't have much time for hobbies.''They hear, ``pfff,, what a liar. Better to answer`` I love porn, but never watch it at work.' They hear, ``Hey, you are anormal guy'' and hire yo on the spot..

Reply to Ivan Offlich

Jack Rymsha 2/12/2015, 6:59:29 AM

Well, duh, Amanda!

If I were a hiring manager interviewing an applicant who gave the 'answers' you warn against in this article, I'd(politely) show the applicant the door after the first five minutesand then invite the twentysomething (that's yourgeneration, right?) HR flack who wasted my time by allowing that unqualified applicant through my door to consider"other career options elsewhere that might be a better fit for your skills than here."

Amanda, please offer some advice of real value. Like what codewords to use (or avoid) in a resume or cover letterso that an applicant for a job that fits perfectly, in every detail according to the Job Description and Qualifications,doesn't get automatically and instantly deleted by a proprietary computer application, or screenedout by somebodyof an age to be be my son or daughter.

Screening is important, of course: Nobody wants to waste time interviewing 200 applicants when only ten of themhave the essential qualifications for the job. But the hiring managerthe person who actually makes the decisionafter the nonqualified 190 are weeded out by the computer app or the lowlevel PR flacks, and will work with thesuccessful one after he or she is hiredshould meet with, and evaluate, by objective criteria, those applicants.

Some gray hair (or lack of any) shouldn't be an automatic disappointment and disqualification for the job ifeverything else about the candidateincluding his or her references and portfoliocheck out.

Or do you disagree?

I look forward to your thoughtful, responsive reply to these realities.

Reply to Jack Rymsha

John 2/12/2015, 7:57:12 AM

Wow. Apparently gray hair is neither an indicator of wisdom nor class. What an arrogant, selfaggrandizing,

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unprofessional response. This reeks of selfentitled, selfimportant middle manager whose attitude and mouth havekept him from any significant advancement, and now he has to take it out on anyone below him on the food chain."Lowlevel flack"?? Honestly?? You repel me and I guarantee I'd show YOU the door five minutes after meeting you.

Amanda, don't let this bitter, miserable bottomfeeder get to you. Keep doing what you do and helping those whoappreciate your efforts and insights.

Reply to John

Dan 2/12/2015, 8:46:55 AM

Well said John. I knew sour grapes were near after the (that's your generation) part.

Reply to Dan

Jack 2/12/2015, 9:00:23 AM

Thanks, John. I said "thoughtful, responsive reply." When you can post one, instead of sarcastic namecalling andcaricatures, I'm sure we'll all be interested in your feedback.

Reply to Jack

John 2/13/2015, 1:43:08 AM

Well, duh, Jack!

I was 95% percent certain that would be your response thanks for your predictability. "I await your thoughtful,responsive reply" would of course be the typical shield that a troll would throw up precisely so that someone whocalls them out on their incredible arrogance and nastiness would get that thrown back in their face.

There is no "thoughtful, responsive reply" warranted or even possible to someone as patently ignorant and offensiveas you. Your own bitterness and prejudiced views prevent any sort of intelligent, rational dialogue. You're aflamebaiter, and can't stand the fact that someone called you out on it. I feel sorry for everyone around you who hasto deal with your inflated ego and bountiful crop of sour grapes.

It sure sounds like your own interview experiences aren't going so well maybe take time to consider that it's notyour gray hair or lack of it that's not getting you those positions but rather your insufferable condescending attitude.

Thoughtful enough for you?

Nancy C 2/12/2015, 8:05:56 AM

As someone who helps people find work after they've been out of the workforce for a long time, or for studentstransitioning from high school into the workforce, the things in this small article may very well NOT be known bysome people. In kind, I live in a very small, what most people would consider rural, area where there are not 190applicants and the hiring manager is often the owner and general manager. Plus there are plenty of people who canlook fabulous on paper and then blow their interview. Personally I think her suggestion of an "elevator pitch" is agreat idea. Additionally, I don't see anywhere in this article that suggests having experience or being an "older"worker is a let down and should be ignored. What I do see though is you looking down on young people. Being a20something likewise "shouldn't be an automatic disappointment or disqualification for the job" nor should"somebody of an age to be [your] son or daughter;" that street goes both ways. And while I don't know your role or

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how big your organization is or anything like that, perhaps you should consider who hired YOUR "lowlevel HRflacks" if you're getting a bunch of crud your direction. Just my thoughts.

Reply to Nancy C

Richard 2/15/2015, 6:12:57 AM

That's a great point Nancy! People who are going after the entry level jobs probably don't know these things yet. Ithink the negative reactions to the article are from people who think The Ladders is still a site for experiencedprofessionals who have knowledge and skills that warrant a six figure salary. As hiring managers, we see most ofthat demographic has moved on.

Reply to Richard

T Tuohy 2/12/2015, 9:31:53 AM

As someone who interviews and hires, I will tell you what I like most in a candidate; I like honesty, straight forwardpure honesty. Tell me the truth, I have questions you won't be able to answer if you don't know what I need you toknow. Just tell the truth. If you're not prepared to do a job don't apply, apply for student loans instead.

Reply to T Tuohy

mist mist 2/12/2015, 12:52:43 PM

Anyone who says "just tell the truth" is a habitual liar. Noone wants the truth unless it is to manipulator others (see how bad the truth actually sounds). Only tell "Your Truth" if it is what the interview is likely to agree with, otherwise you've just narrowed the list for themby taking yourself off it.

What Touhy has just said is, If you don't know how to twist the truth like am right now to sound like something mycompany can sell, then you won't get a job here.

Reply to mist mist

Bill Filippone 2/12/2015, 10:17:18 AM

Thank you Jack. I was thinking the same thing when I read this article. "Who would be stupid enough to even thinkabout saying these things in an interview?" These are not real world examples.

I also agree that finding some insider knowledge on how to get past the filtering programs and H.R. screeners wouldbe far more helpful than an article depicting phrases or questions no one over the age of 16 would ever say in aninterview.

Reply to Bill Filippone

Randy 2/12/2015, 10:30:53 AM

Jack. Close the aperture a bit here. What she wrote may not apply to you, but I am certain that it might to manyothers. Sounds like you are somewhat bitter over age issues in a job search. I get it, but its not her fault. You areabove that Jack.

Reply to Randy

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Michael Ward 2/12/2015, 1:16:33 PM

Jack, I don't think a comment can cover the answer to your question, however I believe your concern just illustratesthe importance of having a properly written and properly targeted resume and cover letter to land the interview in thefirst place. There is much information already available on the topic but the truth is you should find someone whohas a high success rate landing jobs and ask to see their resume style or pay a professional to assist. It is anecessary expense in today's competitive job market to differentiate yourself.

Michael

Reply to Michael Ward

Heywood Jablome 2/12/2015, 3:57:00 PM

Why do you expect the writer to post anything of value? Dude this is The Ladders a proven scam outfit. Google "The Ladders" fraud and see what comes up. Oh, look, they're getting sued bigtime...hmmm.

Reply to Heywood Jablome

Tony 2/13/2015, 7:25:26 AM

@ Jack Rymsha Why would you interview 190 people for a job and why are you relying on a "computer app" tomake decisions for you? Guess that's the problem these days, people just want a shortcut. Unfortunately, in thehiring process there is no shortcut. You actually have to talk to people. As scary as talking to people sounds, it is partof the job for a recruiter/HR. Emailing 5000 people is not recruiting, its annoying to those who receive those emails.Relying on a "computer app" simply tells me that you are only using applicants, while using an ATS to weed outcandidates. Having used most of the systems on the market I can assure you that they are not that effective. You areloosing out on many qualified applicants simply by using this method. Research has shown that if it takes more than30 seconds to apply for a job, most will forego the application. Additionally, most applicants these days are notqualified for the job to which they apply. You need to actively search for qualified candidates; these include bothactive and passive candidates. If you are applying on Kenexa/Bassring or Taleo, you must really want the positionsince you will need to set aside at least 20 minutes on a good day.

Getting back to the topic at hand, I thought the article was well written and gave some food for thought. Seems likemost of these comments want someone to spoon feed them advice and tell them exactly how to interview. Again, weare back to people being lazy and not doing their homework. There is plenty of advice out there on how to interview,however, if you really need help, the EDD has free seminars on how to interview. If you want to invest further in yourinterview skills you can hire someone to coach you.

Some key points to consider 1. Dress the part for the interview 2. Research the company, the interviewers and bring your notes if you are not provided this information, ask beforeyour interview or figure it out on your own. 3. Come prepared bring extra resumes, questions 4. Arrive early 5. Interview the interviewer they may want to know why they should hire you but you also need to know why youshould want to work for the company

Ultimately, use common sense and don't give companies reasons to not hire you. It may be illegal for them to askcertain questions, however, if you volunteer that you are married, have five kids and need to leave early onThursdays, that can be used against you. If you come prepared and excited about the position/company, you will

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land a position. Now if you possess a very rare skillset that is in demand, then you can do whatever you want andmay still get the position.

Reply to Tony

Mist42nz Mist42nz 2/13/2015, 2:47:20 PM

Well said. As an owner one of the major things I'm wanting to see is "is this person here to see to our customers andour budget*". Or are they here for themselves/their career. If someone has a sick dependent or needs to pick uphikes, I can understand that...but they need to prove to me (without being asked so it shows prioritisation of tasks)that they've factored that in so our customers are happy. Happy customers keep everyone feed and busy, unhappycustomers take away all the good things.... As an employer, if my customers are happy and paying to target then Ican move heaven and earth for you... However if you put your needs above those of the customer which provide thebusiness with our livelihood you become an obstacle which must be removed asap. The first thing I need to see isthat a candidate appreciates that. That's why I don't mind wage and benefit questions....if they come with questionsthat show you're thinking business, not employee wants.

Reply to Mist42nz Mist42nz

Carlos Chavez 2/12/2015, 7:06:33 AM

Recall the 60 second interview. The concise summary of what you have done, what skills you have acquired, andwhat certifications you would like to acquire to enhance your contributions to the team (design for six sigma greenbelt /belt or black belt certification (for engineers)). DFSS is a certification most employers dream of seeing in acandidate. If you are an engineer, see about learning more skills, even if it you already have a bachelors of scienceand it means going to a community college to learn computer aided design (drafting), knowledge of CATIA V5, ProEngineer Wildfire 4.0, AutoCAD, Unigraphics (UG), may open doors for you big time. These are what some peoplecall the JESUS CHRIST GOD employees: they have the skills employers would kill for... well not really kill but fightover to obtain. Basically, never stop learning and acquiring relevant and on demand marketable skills.

Reply to Carlos Chavez

Jonathan Klein 2/12/2015, 7:12:53 AM

The biggest weakness question always bugs me. Because yes, my biggest weakness genuinely IS that I'm aperfectionist. So now I'm set up to have to lie, yes? They don't want to know "I stink at math" or whatever. In fact, thequestion itself is BS. What they REALLY want to ask you is, "Name one area of weakness you HAD in the past ANDthe steps you took to overcome it." Because honestly, any weaknesses I have CURRENTLY either: 1. Don't relate tothe job and are therefore none of your business; or 2. Not something I'm going to share.

On occasion, I've even called people out who were interviewing me on this BS, if it was a job I wasn't particularlyexcited about getting.

As to my hobbies, you know, if my hobbies were mainstream like "I like watching football and cooking," well, fine anddandy. As things sit, if I said, "Well, my main one is dressing up about a dozen times a year in Civil War uniforms andshooting live rounds out of antique muskets," well, the politically charged nature of the world means that some antigun person will here that and immediately close you out for personal reasons. Heck, if I said fishing, who knows? Imight be in front of a vegetarian who would find that horrible. So again, I'm being set up to lie right off the bat.

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As to the vacation thing, I would say salary goes hand in hand. For some reason, companies often don't publish theirsalary/vacation policy up front. Because let's be honest. You and I (and a potential employer) all know, those are thetwo things I really DO want to know, yet it is a faux pas to ask for some reason. Why?

There are plenty of articles out there as to what you SHOULD say at an interview. While this isn't a bad list to startwith as to what you should NOT say, it could use some more fleshing out.

Reply to Jonathan Klein

mist42nz mist42nz 2/12/2015, 1:13:33 PM

As a perfectionist consider what the interview is actually asking for. They don't want to know your greatest hangup or barrier they really want to know that you know you're a normalperson that isn't arrogant or got a dealbreaker problem. A normal person knows they have weak areas, and goodnormal people have coping methods to get around them.

"So some people think I can be a bit of a perfectionist at times but I think that quality is important ... so when I'm in aproject I keep an eye on the time and watch for tension in my coworkers, that way I can have my quality withoutruining the group's effort"

Reply to mist42nz mist42nz

Michael 2/12/2015, 1:27:20 PM

I think the reason you shouldn't ask about salary and vacation is because their is no such thing anymore as beinghired on the spot. Typically you phone screen, have a face to face interview and then either receive a formal offer orrejection or have a second interview and then receive a formal offer or rejection. After you receive the formal offer iswhen you have the ability to counter with a request for salary or vacation modifications to the formal offer. Talkingabout that information before you are even the person they want for the job makes you seem focused on thinking ofthe position as a job and not a career choice. If the employer likes you they will often sell you on their benefits andvacation policy if it's good, if they don't you can safely assume the vacation is 2 wks and you will need to negotiatefor more during the offer window. Just my past experience on the topic.

Mike

Reply to Michael

mist42nz mist42nz 2/12/2015, 6:54:09 PM

Sorry, used to owning a business, not wasting time on minutae. Like I said they either know the range or they wasting my time and theirs. next company. They already have a budget figure for the hire, we can trade points later to settle the figure. I suppose that's the difference between owning a company (to provide a service at a profit) and being an employee(hired or hirer, where having your boxes ticked beaurifully is more important since you're just on the clock anyway)

Reply to mist42nz mist42nz

Sherry Young 2/13/2015, 1:16:01 AM

I can honestly say there is such a thing as being hired on the spot because I was. Good Lord! That felt GREAT. It is asmall company pay ain't great, no benefits (health), time off without pay. I have a wonderful boss and a good crewwho work well together. I am a professional driver, GREAT equipment, schedule with overtime(makes up for the low

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pay) 4 day work week most weeks. Feels like being an owner/operator without ALL the headaches. Most importantlyI am happy.

I have been through some tough interviews and although not happy that I had remained unemployed for almost ayear (had parttime work). Not getting a job that I thought was a good fit really hurt. So being over 50 does hurt someinterviews especially when the interviewer is very young. I am a relaxed individual and can be perceived as beinglazy when some things/situations just don't ruffle my feathers.

Reply to Sherry Young

Rachel Tyrel 2/13/2015, 2:21:57 AM

I've found a good way of answering the hobbies question. Another way they ask this is to ask: "What do you enjoydoing when you're not working?" I do pitbull rescue, so I have lots of pictures of dogs I foster in my phone. I usuallygrab my phone and show the interviewer a dog picture, and respond, "I just love playing with these little guys. Idevote a lot of my spare time to canine rescue efforts."

As to not asking about vacation or benefits policies, it helps to think of the HR person doing the interviewer as one ofthose mean sorority girls/jerky frat boys from college. You can't really have a conversation with intellectuallyuncurious people like that, except about the most superficial of topics. The key is to use your superior intellect to trickthose shallow wastes of space into liking you, so you have to pretend to be interested in their flashy tiepin or theirdesigner scarf. Really vapid people are extremely susceptible to ego manipulation, so make sure you pretend totake a very personal interest in their health, and in everything else that they seem to care about usually some sortof status consumption. I've never had that tactic fail.

Reply to Rachel Tyrel

Mike 2/12/2015, 7:53:10 AM

To Jonathan Klein, what you stated makes absolute sense. The salary and benefits are the two things any candidatewants to know up front, but can't access this information until much later in the process. The whole catch 22 aboutweaknesses and hobbies are Russian Roulette questions. Unfortunately, hiring managers or panels cannot keeppersonal bias or prejudices out of the process. so what are we as the candidate to do at this point? Be politicallycorrect? I have a hard time with that. So now what? Again the candidate is forced to swallow their pride, convictions,and morality so they MAY hopefully be retained for a job.

Please share some advice on how to handle these interviewing death traps.

Reply to Mike

Charlie Garnett 2/12/2015, 8:39:46 AM

Concerning the article of things not to say..."I'm a people person..."

Reply to Charlie Garnett

Jo Milich 2/12/2015, 10:07:35 AM

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I don't have a problem with any of the questions except "My last boss was terrible". That is an absolute bull to believeyou will be considered as a complainer. Be politically correct then. No one is stupid and most often then not, oneleaves a job because is terrible. In that case, why not allow to explain why? Why can a recruiter figure out if thecandidate has a valid reason rather then willingly know he/she is lying to her/his face?

Reply to Jo Milich

jay roberts 2/12/2015, 10:12:39 AM

The best job interview I every heard was by Steven Wright:

* One time in the middle of a job interview with the president of a small company I took out a book and startedreading. The guy said to me "What the hell are you doing?" I said "Just let me ask you one question: If you were in avehicle traveling at the speed of light and you turned on your headlights, would they do anything?" He said "I don't know." I said, "Forget it then. I don't want to work for you."

Reply to jay roberts

Mist Moor 2/12/2015, 12:12:15 PM

What is wrong with telling the truth...I am so tired of the bull. My husband's past employer had a bully manager...Inow find myself in the position my husband was the last three years of employment with that company. I am so tiredof tiptoeing thru the tulips. We should be able to honestly say what the issues are and have an employer respect usfor being truthful instead of liars. Age discrimination is alive and well. The worst was having to listen to a businessassociate go on and on during my 'local chapter' for my professional career which I am still try to get a 'foot in thedoor' even after obtaining their certification...but beside that, having to listen to this guy go on and on about howwonderful particular company is and all I'm thinking is what a silvertongue devil you are. They lie, they cheat, theysteal, they ruin peoples lives and on and on it goes. People can't get a fulltime job. Employers are hiring all parttime so they don't have to provide benefits. It stinks. It's not right. I don't care how much technology has improvedthings...it stinks and it's not right.

Reply to Mist Moor

mist42nz mist42nz 2/12/2015, 6:57:08 PM

Generally it depends on who your boss is most managers are just employees and are far too busy covering assand keeping office politics in line. Hard to be honest when you know a competing department manager is going touse the information against you. Better to keep to "projections and statistics". Type B's love to hire Type C's after all.

Reply to mist42nz mist42nz

Cecilia 2/12/2015, 1:12:03 PM

I like the comments about the previous job...sometimes reorganizations leave you with a position you know is not foryou. I may say this in politically correct terms but I say something. Also, advancement opportunities...how longshould you wait at your company. At some point you're interviewing outside your company...to talk about careeradvancement outside your company seems ok to me.

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Lastly, I think you should ask about the day in the life or the team you're working on. 3 very prestigious companiescalled me for interviews. When I spoke to them, all of them said "oh we don't actually do that". For each of thecompanies, I asked that they talk about the "day in the life" or a favorite project to get a feel of it the position is asrewarding as it sounded on paper. I found out that the job was a support technician disguised as an executivetransformation consultant. The other was an entry level developer disguised as an Director of Client Success &Technology Advocate asking for CTOs and very senior technology professionals to apply.

A lot of bait and switch out there. I would pay for a service that has validated the position with the hiring manager andteam, not the recruiter, to see if the job is as great as it sounds on the requisition.

Reply to Cecilia

Mist42nz Mist42nz 2/14/2015, 2:55:57 PM

Exactly. Many hiring people are just employees and have no real consequences of poor choices. As long as theycan say they playing by their pretend rules that's all that matters. If they want a fully committed person who is making life choice to be engaged at their job, then knowing the details isimportant for both parties. No point hiring a career climber if you're wanting a .... God these iPads are shit for typing...w Got two lines and can't see sh.. But if they're wanting a shiny star with the latest scores under their belt then it pays to be upfront and not lie about jobprospects.... Also in the US many people are in a situation that requires either enormous salary or medical etc...hiding that that'snot available until later is just a waste of both parties resources.

THE _BEST_ way to deal with these questions is fir the employer to simply state them and the beginning of theinterview. this positions is X hours, location, we expect a salary range of low to high, a the company has thesebenefits for this contract.... Remember anything is negotiable, but that weeds out a lot of people.m but often the massive ego on hiring teamsdoesn't let them act on the level. Why mislead people or hide things...if they get hired they going to know the score.

Reply to Mist42nz Mist42nz

mist42nz mist42nz 2/12/2015, 1:22:43 PM

So what to do if I've been the owner and director of a business for 10 years and sold up, and now am "A highlyproactive problem solver" for whom renumeration is the first concern and the range must be acceptable to bothparties otherwise we're wasting each others' time surely as the hiring company you must know what salary range isbudgeted for the job... or is this the first company lie I'm supposed to buy into?

Likewise with the tasks...many companies don't advertise the actual task they require doing and take diligent effortsto resist industrial infiltration; It's like the "no questions" answer. I have no doubt in my ability to perform, and I'mcertain your corporate culture should be designed to enable it's contracted labour and skills to perform at optimumoutput... So why do I need extra questions if I know I can handle the job. After all they aren't going to reveal anythingsensitive or highly technical which is usually the only detail that would need to be asked.

Which brings me to the "skills" question; What to do if you're changing industries, or having over a hundred differentskills which probably won't be relevant to a specialist position, or if you aren't "mentioned in dispatches" on aprevious project (which could even be commercial sensitive and covered by Nondisclosures or other rules)

Reply to mist42nz mist42nz

2/23/2015 6 things not to say in a job interview

http://info.theladders.com/careeradvice/avoidthesewordsinjobinterviews 14/17

Heywood Jablome 2/12/2015, 4:04:49 PM

Renumeration not a word reenumeration counting again Remuneration getting paid

Big deal. Who cares, right?

Reply to Heywood Jablome

mist42nz mist42nz 2/12/2015, 7:00:50 PM

If you're a paying customer, then that will depend how many hows I've got for this project and how much time of mineI'm going to waste on it.

Is this marketing pitch going to 200 screened clients? Then yeah, I spell check that bitch until it weeps. Otherwise you'll get brief casual at best.

Let the grammar and spelling nazi's (both poor netiquette) sit around and whine with hte perfectionardios

Reply to mist42nz mist42nz

Veikko Punkka 2/12/2015, 6:42:04 PM

Perfectionism is a real weakness, not a fake one. It is the inability to distinguish between something that is goodenough and something that is not. Because of this inability someone who is a perfectionist always aims at perfection,consuming significantly more resources than needed to do the job well enough. There are perfectly valid andworking ways to overcome this weakness as well. If you are a perfectionist, you need to find one that works for you.

Reply to Veikko Punkka

Mohammad Abdur Rahim 2/14/2015, 3:32:52 PM

Thanks a lot for your valuable advice.Its very important things to a job seeker.In my practical life i have mistaken likethis point. it would be very helpful to me to improve my lackings...

Reply to Mohammad Abdur Rahim

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