Job interviews are part and parcel of career hunting, regardless of what level or position you’re gunning for.

Whether you’re interviewing for a waiter’s or lawyer’s position, you want to leave a great impression on your potential employer. So, keep in mind that some things are best left unsaid.

Yet, time and time again, interviewers find themselves face to face with candidates who sorely lack any sense of self and situational awareness.

Practise self-censorship, people! The list below is handy…

1. ‘I hate my previous boss’

It’s common for some employees to have a low opinion of their employer, and almost everyone has a tale or two about the boss from hell.

However, it is imperative that you remain professional during a job interview, particularly when discussing your employment history.

Perhaps your boss was the Devil himself, but slandering him or her in front of a hiring manager is like shooting yourself in the foot.

Additionally, there may be a chance that your previous boss and your potential employer enjoy a splendid working relationship that you’re unaware of!

So, if you must bring up your former boss, keep your negative experiences to yourself.

2. ’I have no weaknesses’

While it’s important to put yourself out there in an interview, be careful not to steer straight into the territory of arrogance.

Many interviewers have heard these perfectionists boast before and, more often than not, they are left unimpressed.

While discussing your shortcomings may seem counterproductive, crowing about your perfectionism can rub people the wrong way, too.

It is far better to be honest about a failing you are working on improving instead of coming off as egotistical.

3. ‘I want your job’

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” This is a common question since employers are often growth-focused.

However, telling the interviewer you’re imagining yourself in their chair is nothing short of haughty.

Of course, showing you are ambitious and goal-driven is a good thing, but no one likes a person with a superiority complex.

Show that you are willing to work towards accomplishing grand goals, but don’t give the impression you’d backstab everyone to get there.

4. ‘You tell me’

When the interviewer asks you a question, it goes without saying it’s best to give a straight but polite answer.

While answering a question with a question may work in the rarest of times, it is a gamble that often doesn’t pay off during a job interview.

For one, it gives the impression that you’re smug, particularly for someone who hasn’t even secured the job yet.

And two, the interviewer would obviously prefer a clear answer rather than a vague one, and expecting them to be telepathic is a bit much.

For example, if you are asked your expected salary, just give an honest sum and leave it at that. Throwing a “you tell me!” at them is one way to be shown the door quickly.

5. ‘I have another interview later’

Disclosing that you have better opportunities elsewhere is not a good look on anyone, even if you actually are being truthful.

Some people think doing this will push the employer to hire them without question, in fear of missing out on a good employee.

Sure, if the company is in dire straits, it is a strategy that could work. More likely than not, though, you will just come off as insincere.

If you aren’t serious about the interview, why should the interviewer take you seriously? There’s time better spent elsewhere!

6. ‘I don’t have any further questions’

Just as it is prudent to have answers at the ready, it is also advisable to have some questions at hand to ask your interviewer if provided the chance.

It may be difficult to come up with them on the spot, so prepare them beforehand. Researching the company’s background would prove useful here.

Why the need to ask questions? Questions suggest you are actually invested in working for the company, and that’s something employers want.

Make queries that show you want to learn more about the position, and maybe ask for an insight into the industry.

Of course, you should ask questions that pertain to the position offered or the company, not what perfume the interviewer is wearing.