Never bring up these topics in a job interview
Many writers and experts have addressed the topic of what to do during a job interview to increase your chances of getting a job offer. The articles discuss the correct clothing to wear and the best documentation to carry. However, few people discuss what not to do or what not to say. Some things are better left unsaid and some topics are downright taboo when talking to a potential employer. The following are some of the most common topics that a person should never bring up during a job interview:
Why the applicant hated the last job
One of the biggest mistakes interviewees make is speaking unfavorably about their former employers. Some applicants may think they are currying favor with the prospective employer by downplaying the last employer, but the opposite is usually the case. Prospective employers are often put off by a candidate’s blatant disregard for the former employer’s privacy and worry that the applicant will one day do the same to that company.
Religious topics
Religious issues and politics have always been kept as separate as possible from the workplace. And that need for separation increases with each passing year. It is politically incorrect to talk about politics and religion at work. Therefore, an applicant may want to stay away from that type of conversation during their interview. Some applicants may feel that honesty is the best policy when it comes to informing the employer that they observe religious holidays. Some employers will respect you and hire those people anyway. Other employers will see the information as a red flag.
Disability Information
One’s disability is not something that is brought up in a job interview unless the prospective employer asks about it, which is not likely to happen. The reason disability information is not a good topic to present is that it could allow for potential discrimination. The disabled employee is left open to the employer hiring someone else for fear of sick leave and accommodations.
Plans that are not long term
Potential employers want to hire people who will stay with a company for the long term. Anything that goes against that expectation is unwise. An applicant must not mention plans to move or find a better paying job elsewhere. While that sounds like common sense, many applicants are guilty of providing too much information during interviews.
personal information
Finally, giving personal information to a potential employer is like “too much information” part two. A potential employer doesn’t want to hear about marital problems, non-work activities, family matters, and the like.
What to mention during an interview
Job skills, positive personality traits, achievements, and talents are things a potential employer wants to hear. Prospective employers want to know how the applicant’s myriad of skills can help reduce the cost of training new hires. They also want to know how hiring the applicant can help the company prosper. Anything less than that is counterproductive and does not put the applicant in the best of ways.
