Top 10 Things NOT to Say in Your Next Financial Modeling Interview

Interviews can be a stressful time. If you are in the process of looking for your next financial modeling job, you may be preparing for that upcoming interview and wondering what you should and shouldn’t do.

Here are the top 10 things you might want to consider NOT saying during your next financial modeling interview:

10 – What a nice suit you are wearing? Don’t compliment the appearance of the interviewer. You will just appear to be a suck up and that really won’t help you at all.

9 – My biggest weakness is that I am an over-achiever. Though you may be asked about your weaknesses, don’t answer with this obviously schmoozing answer. The interviewer will know you are just trying to brown-nose.

8 – Sorry I was late. Just DON’T BE LATE. You need to punctual and show commitment not that you have poor time management and are unable to get to work on time.

7 – Do you mind if I take this call? It’s a job interview and it won’t last forever. You REALLY don’t need to be taking any calls during your interview. In fact, you really shouldn’t even have your phone out or available during the interview. TURN IT OFF and concentrate.

6 – My last boss was such a pain. Don’t complain about your last job, coworkers or boss. Even if it’s true, complaining about your last job or boss can make you sound like a complainer or someone that is not a team player.

5 – I sure am tired today having to get here so early. Don’t complain in your interview and saying you have to be up early can sound like you have trouble getting up and moving in the morning and that likely isn’t the person someone wants to hire.

4 – I just need a job. Even if you really do just “need a job” telling your interviewer this can sound way too desperate.

3 – I really don’t know. Don’t answer ANY question with “I don’t know.” This answer shows you are unprepared, unwilling to think about the question, or too concerned about something else to care about the interview.

2 – What are the perks and benefits at your company? Though it is nice to know, asking about these in the initial interview can make it seem like you only care about what YOU get not what the company does and what you can bring to the company.

And the #1 thing NOT to say in your next financial modeling job interview is….

1 – What does your company do again? This is obviously NOT a good thing to ask. You should have done your research and should definitely know what the company does that you are hoping will employ you.