Have you ever been in a job interview and said something that made the conversation grind to an awkward halt? There are few worse feelings than knowing your interview is not going well.

And while it's possible to turn around a bad meeting before you shake your interviewer's hand goodbye, it's best to avoid certain actions or phrases that are serious ship-sinkers. Here are a few to stay away from that I would like to share with you.

1)  Talking like a robot

Speaking in generalities like "Teams work better when a leader is collaborative," won't help you stand out. To the listener, this sounds like you know what you should do but leaves them wondering if you've actually done it.  Instead, give specific examples that you've prepared ahead of time to support your claims.

2) Making assumptions about the interviewer

If someone seems junior whether by appearance or title, don't assume they are the low man or woman on the totem pole with no decision-making power. For all you know, the interviewer may be one of the youngest graduates ever of an Ivy League school, or he/she is being groomed for an executive management position within the organization.

3) Being a motormouth

If you can't stop talking, the interviewer can't do their job. . Be clear, concise and stay focused on answering only the question asked. Recruiters have a number of questions and a limited amount of time to obtain information to help them determine fit and qualifications.

Just a few tips for you that might help land that dream job. Good hunting!

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