Your goal at any job interview is to get hired. To prove your candidacy, you need to impress and tell hiring managers what you are capable of. However, there are things you can say and definitely should never say. Here are five messages you absolutely do not want to slip out of your mouth:

#1: "What does your company do/specialize in?"

It is expected that you do research on the company before the interview. The hiring manager should not be the one to inform you. Not knowing general information about business makes you seem unprepared and unfit for the job. If you are unsure, you can ask for clarification, but do know the basics, such as the type of restaurant it is or what type of cuisine it serves.

#2: "Um... I don't know."

You may be stumped by your interviewer's questions, but there is a better way to go around it. Try to avoid saying, "I don't know", and respond with, "That's a good question." That reply can help you segue the conversation or redirect it towards a topic you are able to answer. However, be sure to stay relatively relevant and don't go totally off topic.

#3: "My last boss/job was terrible."

Talking negatively about your former employer or workplace is not a good idea. Your complaining makes it look as if you are hard to work with and not a team player. Instead, mention how you able to take away positive experiences and learnings from your previous position.

#4: "You can find that on my resume."

Certainly, the hiring manager knows that, and just wants you to elaborate further. He/she most likely wants you to tell them more about your role that you did not have written down. Also, he/she could be assessing how well you are at communicating and testing your social skills. Basically, use this chance to highlight your skills in a greater way, rather than it being something listed on a piece of paper.

#5: "No, I don't have any questions."

Don't leave the job interview on a flat note. Ask your recruiter a thought-provoking question, because it can possibly help your memorability-factor. Prepare, in advance, a few you can perhaps ask, such as "Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications?" or "What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?"

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As with any other interview, there is always an uncertainty in the types of questions you may be asked by the hiring manager. However, the best approach in tackling interviews is preparing in advance. So to start, here are some common questions that you may face:

Tell me about yourself.

Typically, this will be the very first question you will be asked. Provide a brief, one to two minute introduction about yourself. Summarize main points, such as, the specific position you are applying for, past positions/roles that you held and general experience. Also, inform the interviewer of your times of availability.

What is your greatest strength?

This is the chance for you to highlight yourself. Focus on your key strengths and speak with positivity. In addition, make sure your strength is relative to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying to be a prep cook, it is best to not state that you are a good writer. Instead, mention how you are hard working or that you are comfortable in fast-paced environments.

What is your greatest weakness?

Following most strength questions, the interviewer may ask you about a weakness. The best way to respond to this daunting question is with the 'two-part answer' method. First, make the confession, then recover. Describe in short what you are weak at, then spin that response to how you would be to able to overcome or resolve the issue. Managers like to hear about the positives, rather than the negatives.

Tell me what you know about our restaurant.

Before the interview, do some research. Find out what you can about the restaurant and the person you will be interviewed by. Has the restaurant been in the news? Is it particularly known for something? Who is the person who is in charge of hiring and what is their professional background? From your answers, recruiters will try to find out whether you have genuine interest in the business, and see if you will be motivated to work there, as opposed to another restaurant.

What qualities make you a good addition to the team?

Here, explain why you are an excellent candidate for the position. Recount an experience where you performed exceptionally. If you are seeking a job as a server, tell about a time you provided great customer service. Discuss how you were a team player and were able to bring satisfaction to the patrons.

service first

service first

Service First

service first