vincevincevince - 3:39 am on Jun 7, 2006 (gmt 0)

Whilst some things come across as a weakness to you, they will come across as a strength to the right employer.

Take, for example, getting married and having children:

Tradition in Britain has it that a respectable firm does not employ those who did not become family men in a timely fashion and in the past employers would certainly do their best to hint to and even matchmake amongst staff.

Attitudes in some firms have changed to the extent that having two kids and plans for two more will sometimes be viewed as a negative point. Incidentally these also tend to be the kinds of firm which expect employees to work late and socialise with each other. I suspect it's possibly to make up for the more empty lives of other such employees.

Another example is personal presentation:

Traditionally, turning up for a job interview in less than a smart suit, tie and polished shoes was a sure way not to get the job. If you cannot persuade the employer that you are 100% professional and an upright kind of a chap, what chance do you have of giving that impression to clients and partners.

I now am told, but have not seen, that some firms prefer both candidates and employees to dress in a casual style, even to the extent of wearing jeans. A friend of mine attended an interview for a commerical design post and said not a single applicant was wearing a suit and tie.

With that in mind I doubt there are any stupid things to say in an interview. What you think of as stupid has just saved you hiring the wrong candidate, and I'm sure that wouldn't be in the best interest of either party. Likewise, failing to say the so-labelled stupid phrase in another job interview could mean the difference between being recognised as the perfect person for the position and being put in the run-of-the-mill pile.