Interested in learning what to avoid in an interview to ensure your success?

The prompt in an online recruiter’s forum was "Ruin a job interview in 5 words or less."

Recruiters went to town with what they had heard in interviews that had them shaking their heads. Some of these are strategic blunders; others are facepalm moments.

Whether you're preparing for your first interview or a seasoned pro, it's always good to know the common pitfalls that can derail an otherwise productive conversation.

So let's have fun.

Here are some doozies from recruiters across the US and the world.

Lack of Professionalism

"Can Mom join us?"

While having a supportive family is great, parents should not accompany Junior to his interview. You will have to do this job, not Mom or Dad.

"Let me take this call."

Not focusing on the conversation and asking the recruiter to hold while you take another call is very unprofessional and indicates a lack of interest in the role. It is also rude.

Negative Attitude

"Is there a background check?"

Asking about a background check immediately raises many red flags for employers. Are you concerned because you have something to hide?

"I hate my current employer."

Saying this generally reflects more poorly on you than the employer. You have introduced negativity to the conversation, and you never know if the interviewer knows people at that organization who have a completely different opinion.

Inappropriate Behavior

"What is your party affiliation (or religion)?"

You cannot legally be asked this in an interview in the US. So why would you ask it in return to the interviewer? You may be creating unwarranted tension.

"My Dad knows your CEO."

Saying this implies that you are asking for preferential treatment. The recruiter could consider this offensive or unprofessional.

Lack of Preparation

"What company is this for?"

I saw this many times when I was a recruiter. It shows a lack of preparation and interest, which can be a major red flag for an employer.

"What does your company do?"

This is another one that I have heard from interviewees. If you are going to talk to a recruiter, know about the role and organization before you have that conversation. You do not have to be an expert, but at least know the basics of what the organization does. That shows interest.

Poor Communication

"It is on my resume."

This is a dismissive reply. The recruiter is asking because they want you to elaborate on what you wrote on your resume.

Lack of Commitment

"How long will this take?"

While an interviewee's time is important, saying this implies that you are uninterested in the position. If you agreed to have this conversation, you should have cleared your calendar to ensure enough time for this interview. If you were called out of the blue, then saying you have another commitment coming up and whether the recruiter expects to be done at that time or whether the call should be rescheduled is a better way to approach this situation.

Inappropriate Priorities

"I'm only concerned about pay."

Are you interested in the role? The people you would work with? Your manager? There is more to a job than pay, and those who are only focused on that can be a poor fit for an organization.

Overconfidence

"How long before a promotion?"

Learning about growth opportunities can be something important to you. But if you are already thinking about the next role, this may shy recruiters away from you, as they may wonder if you will become unhappy with the role they have open.

Values Mismatch

"Your company sounds too woke."

This statement implies that you think the company's commitment to social issues or diversity is unnecessary. You should have researched the company before applying, and if your values did not align, you should not have applied. 

Well, there you have it—five words or less that can make or break your interview! 

While exploring these interview blunders has been fun, each one points to deeper issues like lack of preparation or overconfidence. Interviews are opportunities to showcase your best self, and avoiding these pitfalls is key to making a positive impression. Remember the three P's: preparation, professionalism, and a positive attitude go a long way in securing a job where you can thrive. 

So, keep these in mind the next time you're prepping for an interview. You won't make any of these mistakes and will wow your interviewers with who you are and what you can bring to the organization.

Shelley Piedmont is a Career Coach who focuses on understanding your unique skills, interests, and aspirations and provides personalized coaching to guide you toward roles where you can truly thrive. Whether you are stuck as to what your next career move should be or need help with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, or interview preparation, Shelley is here to help you. Please set up an exploratory call to find out how she can help you reach your career goals.