Stupid things to say/do in a job interview

[KindergartenKop]

I've got an interview coming up for a job I'm a bit under experienced for. How can I make an impact? What stupid things have you said or done at an interview that I shouldn't do?

Bit of an odd way to get help OP, isn't it more effective to get tips for what you should be doing? If I were you I would go through the job description with a fine tooth comb and pick out any bits you feel you are inexperienced about, find relevant examples, mention skills that could be transferable.

You could reference something that you read in the daily mail as lazy journalism, I suppose...

Its amazing how many people in interviews openly complain about their current workplace, how they have clashes with managers, etc and generally slag off their current bosses. Even if you're looking for a new job don't give the reason 'my colleagues are bitches' instead just say that you're looking for a new challenge or you want different working hours, or a shorter commute, whatever.

Would be far easier to tell us the type of job you are going for to gauge how your interview is likely to go.

Get yourself on youtube looking at interview techniques.

If they ask you why you applied for the job, please don't say a shorter commute, or convenience etc! To me, it always feels as if you're not that bothered about the job/workplace itself.

I was once interviewing someone for a fairly senior IT role in a bank. The guy was a complete idiot. First thing he said was, he wasn't going to turn off his mobile as he was expecting an important call! He then went on to tell us that he had been sacked from his last job for not being a team player.
He did get the job, but more because the boss was under pressure to appoint permies rather than have a team of contractors. He was a disaster. Left after a year and I bet nobody could have told you what he was doing in all that time.

When asked a question, try to take a second to consider why you have been asked this, and answer accordingly. I used to interview a lot of new graduates and a surprising number either answered too honestly or ignored the question completely to tell me something they thought was more interesting. Some examples that stick in my mind are a) candidate who when asked about how he handles disagreements in teamwork basically told me that this happens to him a lot and and when it does he gets in with doing things his way and ignores everyone else b) candidate who totally ignored a question relating to his understanding of our industry and instead told me anecdotes from his year out travelling. I tried repeatedly to gently steer him to answer the question but he would not take the hint and afterwards sent an e-mail complaining that his interviewer was not interested in his unique experiences.c) a candidate who, when asked about H&S/risk management told me that he thought this could just be ignored as it's just form filling really and if there was ever a problem he'd lie his way out of it.