Top 10 dumbest things ever said in an interview

When you did not plan for your job interview, you plan to fail. It’s as simple as that.

In my years of experience as a recruiter, I've seen plenty of candidates sabotaging themselves during job interviews. Many in fact determined their destiny in the first five minutes. Ramblings about your problem of getting a parking and a limp hand shake are things that you should avoid.

And here are the top 10 dumbest questions or statements made. Avoid these gaffes that could cost you a great job.

1. Before we begin, may I know how much you can pay me? Salary package should never be raised at the beginning of the interview. Always leave it at the end or sometimes, defer it till you are short listed for the second interview.

2. May I know what does this company do? You don’t know what the company’s business is and dare you ask the interviewer? Do your homework before the interview. This question implied that you are not serious about the job at all.

3. I was very busy the past few days and can’t get the resume updated. I have also forgotten to make copies of my certificates. In other words, you are telling your potential employer that you are disorganized and probably cannot see through any project or assignment. You have just shown yourself the exit door. (read my entry on 10 Things You Bring To An Interview)

4. Before we go too deep into the discussion, can you tell me upfront what exactly the job is all about? Never asked this too early in an interview unless you are faced with an incompetent interviewer that is not leading the interview to any direction.

5. This is rather confidential but I am going to share with you anyway. Never go overboard in sharing private and confidential matters about past or present employers. You will make the interviewer wonder if you can be trusted.

6. I don’t like to talk bad about my boss but…. Being negative and critical about your current or past employers or colleagues is a major turnoff and will make your value as a potential employee drop immediately.

7. You didn’t ask me this question but let me tell you…. Giving answers to a question that was not asked because you have been preparing your perfect answer the whole night. Mistake!

8. I don’t really have any weaknesses oh yeah…you’re right! Are you implying we finally found the perfect person in the whole wide world?

9. I’m not the type that likes to wait too long for an answer. Can you tell me NOW whether I got the job or not? Aggressive candidates can be quite scary and interviewers probably not keen to have you as a colleague either.

10. I have no question - when asked whether you have any question to ask at the end of the interview. No question even given the opportunity to ask indicates your level of interest right away. Do you care about the job in the first place?