Success on a job interview is dependent upon what you’re able to say about yourself and your career, but it’s also dependent on the information you’re able to withhold. Yammering about things that might make you look like a liability or someone who is ill-equipped to handle the role can sever your chances.
There are a lot of things a potential employer can’t ask you by law. Why bury yourself by volunteering information you don’t have to? Yes, it’s easy for things to just slip out. However, this is less likely to happen if you’re abundantly clear on what can quickly disqualify you from being considered for the job.
Here are seven sensitive topics to avoid during a job interview:
1. Negative things of any kind.
Potential employers are looking for exceedingly positive people. No one wants to hire someone that might bring doom and gloom to the office. Avoid negative or offensive comments at all costs. Talking about things you don’t like or focusing on challenges or difficulties you’ve had will immediately turn a potential employer off.
2. Grievances about your last employer.
Badmouthing your past employer is completely unprofessional. When asked why you left your last job, keep it about you – even if it’s not – and your need to seek out new opportunities or advance your career.
3. Secret information from a past company you worked for.
Disclosing confidential information about a company you worked for does nothing for you other than show you lack integrity and can’t be trusted.
4. Political or religious views.
Even if you think you know what the political or religious views of the person interviewing you are, these topics have no place in a work environment, let alone an interview. These are heated topics that have the potential to deeply offend. Bringing them up shows you lack tact and discretion.
5. Your age.
You don’t want to say anything that might give someone the idea that you might be too old or too young to do the job. This is something interviewers are not supposed to ask you, so don’t divulge the information.
6. Personal problems.
In the workplace, personal problems should be left at home. The same applies in a job interview. Anything that might point to you being unreliable or at work less is a no-no. Discussing things like financial or child care issues are not only inappropriate, they will scare the bejeebers out of potential employers. It’s best to keep personal information out of the conversation altogether.
7. Questionable life choices or hobbies. People have different ideas about what activities are appropriate or wholesome. While being an active member of a motorcycle club on the weekends may seem harmless to you, it may conjure up the wrong idea for the person interviewing you. They may immediately think Hell’s Angels. If the person interviewing you is an active member of PETA, talking about your passion for deer hunting may be an egregious error. If asked about your hobbies, stick to safe bets like biking or knitting.
Generally, unless it somehow pertains to the job, you want to keep your personal viewpoint out of the interview. Be appropriate and respectful. Keep it about the job and why you’re the best candidate as much as possible. Assume the person interviewing you scares easily, and you’ll do just fine.