13 annoying words and phrases that'll kill your chances of getting hired
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Usually, you can tell when you've absolutely bombed an interview.
If, during the course of your conversation, you reveal that you're totally unqualified, let slip a particularly unprofessional anecdote, or manage to offend the recruiter or hiring manager, it's typically not a surprise when you don't get a callback.
But plenty of times, you'll leave an interview feeling great only to hear that they won't be moving forward with you, or worse: You won't hear anything at all. In situations like those, you might wonder: What did I do wrong?
It just might be the case that the actual words you're using in your interview might be rubbing employers the wrong way. Take a look at the following words and phrases that drive recruiters crazy, and make sure to eliminate them from your vocab!
1. "I really want this job."
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It's a fact that recruiters want to see passion and enthusiasm from their candidates — but there's a right way and a wrong way to show it. You might intend for this phrase to demonstrate your eagerness, but in reality, it "comes off as slightly desperate, and desperation doesn't look good in any context," says Zachary Painter, Career Adviser and Hiring Manager at ResumeGenius.com. "You want to appear confident and competent — not as a hopeless applicant seeking a means to an end."
Instead, try saying, "I'm very excited that you requested an interview with me, and I look forward to discussing the details of the position," Painter recommends.
2. "Does this position include benefits?"
Don't get us wrong — it's definitely worth finding out the answer to this question, but there's a time and a place for everything. "The mistake interviewees make is asking this question too soon," says April Klimkiewicz, career coach and owner of bliss evolution. "This is an important question, [but] one you should ask once the employer has extended an offer."
Why? "Unfortunately, this can make you look like you're pursuing this position for all the wrong reasons," Klimkiewicz says. "Instead, be sure to ask questions that get at how you could ultimately help the company reach their goals. 'How do you see this position moving the organization toward the mission we've discussed,' is a good alternative."
3. "Um…"
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Who among us hasn't had a moment when their mind goes completely blank in the middle of an interview? It happens to even the most seasoned veterans, but there are better ways to handle it than just saying "Um…" followed by an awkward pause. The key is to sound thoughtful rather than empty-headed.
"Trying to fill up the silence with words like 'um' can make it look like you're grasping to think of what to say. If you need more than just a few seconds, say, 'That's a great question. Let me take a moment to think about it.' This way, you'll come across as calm and collected rather than nervous," Klimkiewicz suggests.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider