Guilty of the last one. I sort of thought it would be a good idea to trash talk the competitor (my previous employer), but when I saw the look on the CEOs face I knew I screwed up.
Got the job anyway, based on other circumstances (and maybe also because it was common knowledge in the industry that the previous employer really was a nutter, which later became a matter of public record in a court case).
But generally, definitely not a good idea to badmouth anyone in job interviews. Or ever, even.
Also guilty. I answered the question "Why are you leaving previous company" with something terrible like, "I'm tired of working with old people." Foot>>Mouth
What I meant was more "I'm tired of working on 20 year old software and with coworkers who don't seem motivated or ambitious." Oh well. Live and learn.
Got the job anyway, based on other circumstances (and maybe also because it was common knowledge in the industry that the previous employer really was a nutter, which later became a matter of public record in a court case).
But generally, definitely not a good idea to badmouth anyone in job interviews. Or ever, even.