The Interview – What NOT To Talk About

Having talked about what you should talk about at interviews, there are some no-go areas for interviews.  They are as follows;-

1. Never argue with the interviewer.  This will be taken as a direct personal attack and should be avoided at all costs.  If you think the interviewer is wrong, resist the temptation to correct him.

2. Taboo subjects for interviews include:-

• Sport
• Politics
• Religion
• Philosophy

These are emotive subjects, and if your views differ from the interviewers’ you will most likely not be offered the job. Sorry, that’s the way it is! Think about it, if you start bragging about City and he’s United…well you know what the likely outcome is. The same as if you start spouting blue and she’s red…you make barriers that are very hard to subsequently break down.

3. Name dropping is to be avoided at all costs.  If you know someone influential in the industry, a politician or pop star, do not mention it.  If the subject arises be restrained, but do not bring it up.  If you do, the interviewer may well either feel threatened or think you are bragging.

4. Do not tell jokes.  Sense of humour is something that is very personal.  It is unlikely that you and the interviewer will share the same sense of humour and you risk alienating yourself by telling jokes.  Having said that, it is important to show that you do have a sense of humour.  Being totally dead-pan throughout the interview will not get you hired.  It is best to try and show a common sense of humour with the interviewer, if he laughs at something it is O.K. for you to do the same.