7 Stupid Things I Said in Job Interviews
I have read a hundred articles on job interview do’s and don’t’s. I sadly haven’t followed a single one. No matter how prepared I am for it, nothing really prepares me for the nervousness of facing a possible future employer. Apparently, honesty doesn’t really work. And selling myself to an employer is as difficult as waking up on a Monday morning.
Whenever I’m asked about my weaknesses, I’m almost tempted to answer, “Job interviews, sir.” I just don’t because I’m afraid that they’ll immediately escort me out. However, it doesn’t mean I haven’t said anything that make me cringe even now. Being accepted to anything is nothing short of a miracle. How did I ever land a job?
I have said some stupid things that make people shake their heads at me. I’m sorry, if some people are scared of cockroaches, I’m scared of job interviews.
1. “Yes, I only applied to this company for the sake of getting a job.”
It was the interview in which I actually tried to sell myself, and the employer saw through my answers. Instead of being awed at my supposed strengths and skills, the employer asked me whether I’m only applying for the sake of landing my first job. I said yes without batting an eye. Suffice to say, I got rejected.
2. “No, I haven’t experienced any hardships with groupmates/co-workers.”
This is the time when I should have lied but I didn’t. I was blessed with amazing classmates who work harder than I did, so when asked how I deal with difficult groupmates, I foolishly said that I haven’t dealt with anyone difficult yet. Not only does it show how clueless I’ll be when such situation arises, it also illustrates how inexperienced I am. Minus 10 brownie points for me.
3. “I don’t know.”
Because I could have said I’ve heard of it but I flat out said that I had no idea. Great. It shows how unprepared I am, and giving a three-word answer isn’t ideal in job interviews. Sadly, I’m still not sure how to answer during situations like this.
4. “Uhm.”
I’m afraid I’ve said more filler words than answers that interviewers actually want to hear. Fidgeting and long silences followed by uhm’s are sure signs of nervousness. Insert shaky smiling and looking at the ceiling and you’re a clear winner. Congratulations, go back to the comfortable life of being a bum.
5. *mumbles something incoherent*
All the reporting I did in school didn’t prepare me for this. Expressing myself in English while my every move and word is being scrutinized do nothing good to my confidence. I end up mumbling answers and spewing nonsense that even I don’t understand.
6. *shakes head* & *nods head*
Employers hate short answers, but they definitely hate this more. What’s so difficult with answering using yes or no? Obviously, I have no idea. While I’m in the hot seat, I pretty much know nothing.
7. “Nothing.”
When the question seems so vital but I don’t understand the context, I am plagued by fear and wide-eyed wonder. I could have easily said that I do not know, but I let the silence talked for itself.
More than 10 job interviews later, I am still no expert. I am still stuttering and wanting to die from embarrassment in every job interview I attend. I have said more stupid and more specific things in job interviews (“Sorry, I don’t know Toni Toni.”). But does this mean I’m scared for life and has no more motivation to attend job interviews? Of course not.
I’m in the process of learning from my mistakes. Let’s just hope that I remember my lessons during the next one.
Do you have some stupid things you’ve said during job interviews? Share it below!
(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures)
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Jane Galvez is a ditzy daydreamer and wannabe writer from Makati. She enjoys good sci-fi and cheesy YA. You can read more of her musings on Oh My Janey. She’s also a self-professed fangirl. She rants over here.
Jenneline De Luna Bulatao
O yea! So proud 🙂 ♥♥♥
Anthony Romero
Si Classmate Jane ba sumulat nito?? Nice! Represent! HAHAHA 😀
Jane Galvez
Haha baliw. Thanks Jen 🙂
Jane Galvez
Oo classmate Justin! 🙂
Raissa Noelle
Yes, I've done some of these interview mistakes in the past. T__T
Jane Galvez
Ang bibo kasi natin sa job interviews eh. </3
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Lambert Lambrinto
For item #3 “I don’t know”. More likely we’ve answered like that to some questions ask by the employer, especially if we are a newbie or changing line of work. The best way to keep your chance is to answer immediately “I don’t know” if you really don’t know the answer, but try to immediately give a solution on how you can learn the subject you don’t know, thus, it shows other positive input for the employer to consider with.
Janey
Thank you for the tip! I am often paralyzed in the face of difficult questions so “I don’t know” is the only answer I can think of. But I’ll definitely keep this in mind. 🙂
ishyg
One of my biggest life fails: Because of anxiety, when asked by the interviewer why I am apprehensive in answering, I said “because most of the things you ask me are written on my resume already”. I knew it made the atmosphere different, and I knew that it offended my interviewer, but at the end of the interview when she asked if I have anything to add, I passed up on the chance to apologize because I want it to be done and over with, to relieve the anxiety. I still regret that because I knew where I went wrong, but I let the anxiety rule over me.
Janey
Don’t be too hard on yourself. All of us say stupid things in job interview, and the only thing we can do is move on and learn from it. At least now you have a better idea what to do next time! I’m also a bit rattled when interviewers ask me if there is anything else I want to say. I’m in no position to tell you not to panic because I panic A LOT. But berating yourself will only make you feel worse.
ishyg
It’s just my tendency to not forget my slip-ups in the past, but forget memories that should be unforgettable haha.
Anyways I managed to get a second chance at that company, and at the end of my interview the interviewer (a different person) asked me if I wanted to add anything. I said my piece about the last interview, and offered my apology. I guess I was forgiven, but during the technical panel interview, I slipped up badly. I guess I weren’t really meant for that company, since half of my college class, including my SO, got accepted there on their first try, before graduating college.
disqus_ATNRK1VXct
When I was applying for a teaching position in a tutorial center, I was asked about the things that really piss me off. I honestly answered, “stupid people.” Needless to say, I got rejected. :))