We attempt to keep track of the interview tips that are offered all over the web to candidates to assist them in their job search. Some tips seem clever, others seem robotic. This StarTribune.com article – Ten Things Not To Do In An Interview – provides a general, helpful list of interview faux pas.
For instance:
3. Don’t speak badly about previous employers or co-workers. Make sure you’ve practiced an honest answer but one that doesn’t show that you’re angry with the previous employer or circumstance.
Very true and yet I have encountered many candidates who cannot resist the urge to denigrate previous managers. I worked for my share of bad managers, but I have not brought them up in an interview since I knew it was a big red flag for an employer. Again, I still encounter candidates who seem to take enjoyment from discussing the lameness of their previous boss.
Good tip here for sales candidates:
9. Don’t tell the interviewer you have no questions. This shows a lack of interest, curiosity and depth. Have 5- 10 questions prepared, and it’s OK to pull out the list if you need to.
Salespeople should be asking questions to qualify the opportunity. This is simply good sales behavior. We not only want to hear their questions, we pay attention to what questions they ask. Questions regarding vacation, work hours, etc. are less desirable than questions about sales cycle, targeted markets and average-sized deals.