In an interview, stay out of the "Excuse Zone!"

There are simply some things you do not ask in an interview.

And there is one area in particular that you absolutely need to stay away from. I call it the “Excuse Zone.” In the Excuse Zone reside many pitfalls, many traps: journey there during an interview and it cannot help your prospects. In the Excuse Zone – any questions about vacation, sick time, breaks, lunches – anything to do with time off.

If you are asking about sick time, an employer figures you are planning to take time off. If you are asking about breaks, an employer figures you will be taking advantage of that opportunity. If you are asking about lunch time, an employer figures you are more concerned with how you can relax, instead of what you may be able to offer.

None of these things help. An employer will get the impression that what you don’t have to do and where you won’t have to be is more important to you than anything else. Frankly, it’s a turn off to prospective employers.

Ask several Excuse Zone questions during an interview, and there is a good chance that much of the positive effort you had already put in will not count all that much. It’s human nature. We remember the best and the worst more than the mediocre. When the worst stands out more than the best, we don’t remember so much about the good side.

Of course, time off, lunch, sick time, etc. matter in a job. However, until you are offered the job, it doesn’t matter at all, does it? When someone offers you a job, you can ask about benefits and also ask about Excuse Zone area questions. At that time, employers don’t mind. They want to hire you, and are happy to provide answers.

Focus on what sells you best: your talent, your experience, your accomplishments, your education. Show an employer you are a motivated solution provider. That can create a positive impression and certainly can help your chances.

If you are working hard to find a new employment opportunity, play to your strengths. It’s easy to stay out of the Excuse Zone. And it’s very important that you do so in an interview.