Man-Interviewing-a-Candidate-For-a-Cannabis-Industry-Job
Job Interview Tips: What Not to Say to a Hiring Manager

As we head into the new year, we wanted to share some of our best interview tips. In an interview, your primary aim is to show the hiring manager why you -above all other candidates- are the ideal hire for the position. Your goal is to show you have the correct set of talents, a good personality, and enough drive to execute in your new job. However, while you’re working on your interview responses, it’s critical to understand what the hiring manager considers a red flag. After all, a few missteps, and it won’t matter how successful your sales numbers were at your prior position.

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking. If you want to make a good impression, it’s essential to avoid saying the wrong thing. You don’t want anything to damage your chances of getting the job. 

We put together some responses you should avoid using to assist you in your interview process. You’ll ensure that your unique talents and accomplishments—not a massive blunder—are what your interviewer remembers.

Here are our top three job interview tips for “What NOT to say” to a hiring manager.

1. “I don’t have any experience doing this kind of work.” 

The fact is, many successful job applicants didn’t have much experience in the position they were hired for. But, that doesn’t matter. Don’t go out of your way to emphasize your lack of expertise in the specific industry. Try to describe your abilities and transferrable skills from previous jobs that would be useful in the position you’re interviewing for.

2. Criticize Your Previous Employer

Don’t criticize your previous employer or talk negatively about your last employment. This demonstrates your ability to remain calm and professional in any scenario. If you are openly critical, the interviewer could think, “What is this person going to say about our company to others?” Always be polite and upbeat! – Kevin Kan, Break Out Consulting Asia

3. “I didn’t have time to do any research on your company.”

This is the one thing that will immediately scare off any potential employer. Make time to study the company, the role, and the individual interviewing you in advance. This shows how serious you are about the prospective job and that you are diligent. Additionally, when researching a company and an interviewer, you build a connection to the position while gaining a deeper understanding of what tasks may lay ahead in your future employment.

If you are looking for a new job, it’s essential to believe in yourself and your abilities. To increase your odds of landing any job opportunity, be confident about what you have done so far in life and think outside the box when answering questions during an interview. You may not be able to predict every question they’re going to ask, but there are specific themes throughout most interviews that can help guide your responses. With this in mind, we hope these job interview tips will give you some pointers on how to land your next dream position! 

To learn more about the different career opportunities in cannabis click here.

Posted in: Career