This list of topics to avoid in job interviews was compiled by careerbuilder.com:
“I hated my last boss.”
Don't mistake honesty for trash-talking. If you truly hated your last boss, be prepared to articulate the reasons why the organization and relationship were not right for you.
“I don't know anything about your company.”
Do your homework before any job interview. With today's technology, there's no excuse for having no knowledge about a company.
“No, I don't have any questions for you.”
Potential employers want you to be interested in the opportunity. Even if all your questions were answered, you should be able to come up with a few things to ask.
“I'm going to need these days off.”
Wait until you have a job offer to discuss your scheduling issues. Otherwise, you may seem presumptuous. “How long will it be until I get a promotion?”
While you want to appear goal-oriented, be sure you don't come off as entitled. Instead, ask the interviewer to describe a typical career path for the job you are seeking.
“Are you an active member in your church?”
When making small-talk, don't cross the line into a topic that's too personal.
“As Lady Macbeth so eloquently put it...”
Scripted answers make you sound too rehearsed and may prevent you from entering into a dialogue.
“And another thing I hate...”
Save your rants for your blog. Potential employers won't take kindly to what they may perceive as a bad attitude.
SOURCES: careerbuilder.com; cnn.com
