Creative Financial StaffingCreative Financial StaffingCreative Financial StaffingCreative Financial Staffing
  • ABOUT
    • Join Our Team
    • CFS Technology
    • Embracing Employee Ownership
    • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • FOR BUSINESSES
    • Find Talent
    • Client Interviewing Guide
    • Salary Guide
  • FOR JOB SEEKERS
    • Find Jobs
    • Submit Resume (General Inquiry)
    • Salary Guide
    • Career Transition Guide
  • RESOURCES
  • PAYROLL CENTER
  • CONTACT

What NOT to say to a hiring manager

By cfstaffingadmin | Interview Tips | Comments are Closed | 17 June, 2016 | 1

It’s interview day, and needless to say you are nervous. You need to appear calm, cool and collected; did I mention confident as well? Your resume got you in the door, and now your personality, communication skills, and overall professionalism will solidify your chances. You’re prepared to answer all types of interview questions, but there are some things you should keep to yourself. Here are 6 things you should not say to a hiring manager:

I’m sorry I’m so late

This is no way to start an interview. Arriving late is a huge mistake, and a hiring manager does not want to hear your excuses or apologies. Things happen, but your time management skills will be questioned due to your tardiness.

Solution:  

Plan ahead! You must factor in traffic delays, accidents, and slow public transportation. Do a trial run of the commute if you’re unfamiliar with the area so you won’t get lost. Remember, it’s always better to arrive early versus late. Please note though, you don’t want to show up more than 15 minutes early or else your interviewer will feel rushed to meet you. Walk around or grab a coffee until it’s an appropriate time to check in with the receptionist.

What exactly does your company do?

Never ask this in an interview! It shows that you didn’t care enough about the position (or the company) to do your research beforehand. If you couldn’t make an effort to find this information out on your own, then what kind of an employee will you be? Will you cover your bases when working with a client? Or will you constantly be cutting corners?

Solution:  

Do some initial background research on the company before you step into the interview. Once you illustrate that you have an understanding of the company, you can ask, “What current projects is your company working on?” or “Out of the past projects you’ve worked on, what was one of your favorites?” These questions will delve into the specifics that you wouldn’t find online.

My last company was the worst

Even if your last company was horrible, you cannot badmouth them during an interview. Not only is it disrespectful, but also it’s extremely unprofessional. Doing so will only make the hiring manager question if you’re difficult to work with.

Solution:  

When discussing your previous employer, make sure to keep things in a positive light. When asked why you are leaving, simply discuss your reasons (corporate culture, lack of growth opportunities, etc.) with a non-hostile tone. You want to be honest while remaining professional.

I’m keeping my options open

This essentially means that you don’t know what you want. You’re hoping that the hiring manager helps persuade you into wanting this job, when in reality you’re the one who needs to convince them that you are the best fit. You also don’t want to give the impression that you’re interviewing for a lot of different jobs and that this position isn’t a priority.

Solution:

Even if you are unsure about the position, you want to portray yourself as 100% committed. Speak about how your skills align perfectly for this opportunity and show enthusiasm about the position and the company. Don’t lose your chance because the interviewer perceives a lack of interest for the job.

What are the hours?

Although you may be genuinely curious, asking this can bring your work ethic into question. What you’re really saying is, “How short is the work day and is overtime common?” The hiring manager could take this as you being unmotivated and lazy when it comes to your work.

Solution:

Try asking, “What does a typical work day look like?” This will give you a deeper understanding of the tasks you’ll be doing on a daily basis and what your workload will look like. In addition, the hiring manager is bound to discuss how many hours a typical workweek is.

I don’t have any questions

If you want to leave a lasting impression, make sure it’s a positive one. Hiring managers reserve the second half of the interview to answer your questions, so if you fail to do this then the hiring manager will think you’re not interested in the position. When they think you’ve written the company off, then they will write you off as well.

Solution:

Have at least three questions prepared before you get to the interview. Remember, this is your last chance to make a good impression! By asking unique and thought provoking questions, you stand out as a top candidate and maximize your chances of getting the position.

For additional interview tips and tricks,  contact one of our expert recruiters today!

  • How to Prepare for a Second Round Interview
    How to Prepare for a Second Round Interview
    April 20, 2022 Do you struggle knowing what to expect when going into a second-round interview? CFS is here to help you prepare and share what steps you can take to succeed. Second-round interviews can be stressful. From thinking about how many people will be there, the seniority of the interviewers, and what…
  • Tips for Shaking Your Job Interview Jitters
    Tips for Shaking Your Job Interview Jitters
    September 27, 2023 Uncover effective strategies to overcome job interview anxiety and enhance your odds of success.…
  • Top 6 Questions to Ask During a Job Interview
    Top 6 Questions to Ask During a Job Interview
    April 16, 2019 During an interview, you will be asked questions about your background, your interests, and the skills you possess. These questions assist your interviewer in determining whether you are the right person for the job. However, interviews are a two-way street. Your potential employer has taken the time to prepare questions…
  • 5 Ways to Make a Great First Impression
    5 Ways to Make a Great First Impression
    January 9, 2019 First impressions are important. It takes just a few seconds upon meeting someone to make a first impression. That first impression, especially in a job interview, can make or break a person’s overall opinion of you. Next time you’re meeting someone for the first time, keep these five things in…
  • GettyImages-500224882-d60564930b914e72be925d94ea31158c
    How to Prepare for an Interview
    October 30, 2019 Written by: Diane Delgado LeMaire, Area Director Plan Ahead Yes, it can be a hassle, but take the time to drive by the location the day before your interview. You’ll feel much more relaxed when navigating to the location. The last thing you need on the day of the interview is…
  • Addressing Employment Gaps in Your Job Search (1)
    Addressing Employment Gaps in Your Job Search
    September 19, 2024 Job seekers frequently face the challenge of explaining gaps in their employment history, whether due to personal reasons, health issues, or economic factors. Addressing these gaps with confidence and clarity is crucial. Here are some effective strategies for discussing these employment gaps: 1. Be Honest and Direct When discussing employment…
Interview Prep, Interviews

ABOUT US

Creative Financial Staffing (CFS) is a leading, employee-owned staffing firm founded by CPA firms. Find a job or find talent now.

Privacy Policy

RESOURCES

  • Payroll Center
  • Join Our Team
  • Resources
  • Client Interviewing Guide
  • See Our Locations

CONTACT

Creative Financial Staffing – Corporate

21 Custom House St
Suite 210
Boston, MA 02110

Phone: 1 (617) 880-7600

Connect With Us

Employee Owned Logo
©2025 Creative Financial Staffing. This website is the property of Creative Financial Staffing, LLC. Creative Financial Staffing, LLC is a licensor of Registered Representatives, separate and independent legal entities that are licensed to use "Creative Financial Staffing" or "CFS" in connection with providing staffing and recruiting services to their clients. Neither Creative Financial Staffing, LLC nor any Registered Representative is liable or responsible for the services performed by the other. Creative Financial Staffing, LLC acknowledges and agrees to maintain the confidentiality of SMS information received from users and pledges not to share, sell, or otherwise disclose such information to any third parties, except as required by law or with explicit user consent.
  • ABOUT
    • Join Our Team
    • CFS Technology
    • Embracing Employee Ownership
    • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • FOR BUSINESSES
    • Find Talent
    • Client Interviewing Guide
    • Salary Guide
  • FOR JOB SEEKERS
    • Find Jobs
    • Submit Resume (General Inquiry)
    • Salary Guide
    • Career Transition Guide
  • RESOURCES
  • PAYROLL CENTER
  • CONTACT
Creative Financial Staffing