Many people will tell you specific things you should do during a hospitality job interview. However, not many people tell you things that you should not do during a job interview. Understanding what will hurt your chances of getting a job is just as important as understanding what things will help you get a job.

To better prepare yourself for your hospitality job interview, consider these five things you should not do during the interview.

1. Do not give off negative body energy.

When people enter into uncomfortable or awkward situations, their body language reflects their feelings. Such body language may be shifting eyes, crossed arms, crossed legs and shifted bodies.

During your job interview, you should remain conscious about your body language. Keep your hands in your lap and both feet on the floor. You may use hand gestures while you are talking to create an effect to what you are saying, thus validating your confidence and charisma.

However, do not intently focus on your hiring manager. It is appropriate to focus your eyes on other objects. You want to keep your eyes focused on what is in front of you, such as papers or details on the wall directly behind your hiring manager. Never breaking eye contact may come off as socially awkward or appear nervous.

2. Do not get personal.

Your hiring manager does not have time to sit around and talk about his or her personal life unless, of course, they push the interview in that direction. Therefore, keep the topic about the job you are applying for.

If you rush into asking questions about your hiring manager’s personal life, they may become annoyed with your ploys to create unnecessary rapport with them. There is a good chance that your hiring manager wants to keep the conversation strictly about business.

3. Do not remain silent.

Hospitality job hiring managers want to hire employees that can offer something to their team. If you remain silent, or do not offer much opinion, your hiring manager may not think that you have any creativity. Your manager needs to know that they are hiring someone who can think outside of the box, and not just follow the consensus.

Of course, you should only speak when you are requested to speak. Do not try to turn the job interview into your time to share your thoughts. When your manager wants you to give your input, he or she will ask you to do so.

4. Do not be vague with your answers.

Many managers can tell stories of horrible job interviews they conducted with prospective employees. Most of these horror stories focus on the fact that many prospective employees lie about their experiences or do not offer creative conversation.

When you are asked a question, you should try your very best to provide an intelligent and factual answer. Do not be vague or too short with your answers. You want your hiring manager to receive a great impression of you. You want your hiring manager to know that you are an exciting and unique person – someone who can offer their talents to make the team better.

5. Do not be cocky.

The job interview is a tool for managers to discover new employees that will benefit the company. They are not looking for a cocky individual to replace someone who left the company. While cockiness is often associated with confidence, it is a gross misrepresentation of what managers are looking for in employees.

Be straightforward during an interview. You do not need to be meek and humble, but you should also not be cocky; be yourself. Talk with your interviewing manager like he or she is a human being and deserves respect. Be polite with your conversation, and treat your interviewing manager like an equal.

Keep these five things in mind when you are in your job interview. Always strive to be relaxed and ready to answer common questions, such as previous hospitality employment history, experience and teamwork. By being prepared you can greatly increase your chances of making a great impression.

Gail Wise is a regular article contributor to Hospitality Jobs LA an online hospitality job site. Find hospitality jobs in Los Angeles

Gail Wise is a regular article contributor to Hospitality Jobs LA an online hospitality job site. http://www.hospitalityjobsla.com

Author Bio: Gail Wise is a regular article contributor to Hospitality Jobs LA an online hospitality job site. Find hospitality jobs in Los Angeles

Category: Career
Keywords: Los Angeles hospitality jobs, hospitality job, hospitality jobs