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Interviews are uncomfortable at the best of times, but if you try to think of it as just a conversation you can maintain your composure. For examples of what not to say, and for a bit of humour, here is an article that may relieve some tension.
43 Things Actually Said in Job Interviews
Posted Jul 17th 2009 2:30PM
by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer
- "I'm not wanted in this state."
- "How many young women work here?"
- "I didn't steal it; I just borrowed it."
- "You touch somebody and they call it sexual harassment!"
- "I've never heard such a stupid question."
Believe it or not, the above statements weren't overhead in bars or random conversations -- they were said in job interviews.
Maybe you were nervous, you thought the employer would appreciate your honesty, or maybe you just have no boundaries. Whatever the reason, you can be certain that you shouldn't tell an interviewer that it's probably best if they don't do a background check on you. (And yes, the hiring manager remembered you said that.)
We asked hiring managers to share the craziest things they've heard from applicants in an interview. Some are laugh-out-loud hysterical, others are jaw dropping -- the majority are both. To be sure, they will relieve anyone who has ever said something unfortunate at a job interview -- and simply amuse the rest of you.
Hiring managers shared these 43 memorable interview responses:
1. Why did you leave your last job?
"I have a problem with authority." - Carrie Rocha, COO of HousingLink
2. Tell us about a problem you had with a co-worker and how you resolved it
"The resolution was we were both fired."- Jason Shindler, CEO, Curvine Web Solutions
3. What kind of computer software have you used?
"Computers? Are those the black boxes that sit on the floor next to the desks? My boss has one of those. He uses it. I don't have one. He just gives me my schedule and I follow it." - Greg Szymanski, director of human resources, Geonerco Management, Inc
4. What are your hobbies and interests?
[He said] 'Well, as you can see, I'm a young, virile man and I'm single -- if you ladies know what I'm saying.' Then he looked at one of the fair-haired board members and said, 'I particularly like blondes.'" - Petri R.J. Darby, president, darbyDarnit Public Relations
5. Why should we hire you?
"I would be a great asset to the events team because I party all the time." - Bill McGowan, founder, Clarity Media Group
Click here for the other 38 examples of what not to say.
The Interview
There are few things in life that make people's hearts race like a job interview.
A little bit of nervousness is natural. There are few other situations where we just lay ourselves on the line to be judged. We can get through, however, if we focus on the three secrets to successful interviewing.
- Be prepared.
- Be yourself.
- Be realistic.
Preparation is key. Eveyone is bound to feel a little nervous before an interview. If you take time to prepare beforehand, though, you will be more successful in calming yourself down and focusing on what you want to achieve in the interview.
Possible Interview Questions
1. What do you know about our organization?
2. Why do you want to work here?
3. What job experience do you have in this area?
4. What achievement are you most proud of in you last job?
5. Tell me about a conflict you ran into in this job and how you resolved it.
6. How did you do in school?
7. Who was your favourite teacher and what were they like?
8. What are your interests or hobbies?
9. How does your schooling relate to this job?
10. What are your long term career goals?
11. How would you feel about relocating to another city?
12. So, why should we hire you for this job?
13. What kind of salary are you looking for?
14. What kind of hours are you looking for?
15 Do you have questions for me?
In most interviews, the interviewer will eventually ask you if you have any questions for him or her. If they don't ask you, tell them you have some questions you'd like to ask them. A list of your own questions will show the interviewer you are serious, and it will give you valuable information you may need in choosing a job.
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