21 things that make you sound rude in a job interview

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Most people don't try to come across as rude — for whatever reason, they just don't realize how their actions look to others. That can lead to a rather rude awakening for them down the line, once they're confronted with the consequences of their conduct.

One of the worst places that you can come off as disrespectful is during a job interview. You want to charm and impress your interviewer, not turn them off with bad behavior.

Here are some particularly inconsiderate, alienating things to avoid saying in an interview:

'I've been waiting a while'

You are totally justified in being annoyed that your interviewer kept you waiting. That being said, you get no brownie points for grumbling.

'Hi! I know I'm late ... '

Yes, it's a bit of a double standard that the interviewee typically can't be late while the interviewer can get away with it. But the interviewer is typically the one with the power, so just get over it. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get to the job interview — even if that means showing up super early and waiting around at a nearby Starbucks.

And if you are late, don't draw attention to it or make excuses. Quickly apologize and move on.

'What happens if I don't get along with my boss or coworkers?'

This doesn't necessarily make you sound rude, per se. It's a weird question, though. Your interviewer may just assume you're impolite and unable to work with others.