You’re all dressed up and feeling confident about acing your job interview. Although your résumé is in tip-top shape and you have the work experience down, you need to be wary of what comes out of your mouth. If you use any of these 16 phrases, you’re going to sabotage your chance of success.
1. “Ummm, well…”
If you can’t think of what to say when asked a question, you might say “umm” or “well” because it gives you a chance to jog your brain. Try to break the habit of reaching for these filler words because they make you seem unsure of yourself, instead of confident and assertive. A good tip is to practice answering interview questions at home before the day so you go in knowing what you’re talking about, what you’re capable of, and what you have to offer. Don’t waver on that!
2. “You guys…”
During an interview, you might say something like, “What do you guys do?” or “You guys run an interesting company.” Woah, you’ve just turned a professional interview into a chill-out session at the beach! If the phrase “you guys” slips out of your mouth, it can make you come across as rude and unprofessional. Whoever’s interviewing you isn’t your buddy! This language is way too casual, even if the interview is taking place in a laid-back environment.
3. “I’m a hard worker.”
Although it might be true that you work hard, don’t resort to this overused and boring description of yourself. Rather explain that you’re motivated to succeed and provide examples of this in your life and work history so that you make more of a positive impact. It’s simply not enough to say you work hard and leave it at that. The interviewers want to know how you work hard and what this means to you. If you don’t explain, you’re not setting yourself apart from all the other hopefuls.
4. “I can’t…”
Be careful of using negative phrases during a job interview, such as “can’t” or “don’t.” For example, you shouldn’t say things like, “I don’t have any questions” or “I can’t start on that date.” These words are red flags to potential employers, who want to see that you’re up for the challenge and interested in giving your best. If you don’t know something or you don’t have a skill required for the position, reframe it in a positive way, like by saying, “I’m willing to learn and improve my skills.”
5. “I do well in all stressful situations.”
While you want to show potential employers that you’re strong and stress-free, it can backfire by making it seem like you’re trying to be perfect, which is unreasonable. Instead, explain how you work well under pressure by using the STAR method. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Discuss a job situation in which you were under stress, explain what your role/task was, talk about the measures you used to solve the problem, and finish with the outcome you achieved. This provides a thorough and well-prepared answer to how you deal with stress.
6. “Your company should…”
Although it’s good to show interest in the company, now’s not the time to tell potential employers what improvements you think they should be making—unless you’re asked. The interviewer might ask you what you think the company can do better, so do your research and learn about the company beforehand. When answering this question, be specific about a change, but mention a positive trait about the company too. For example, you could say, “Your company has a strong online presence. However, your social media profiles could be updated more frequently.”
7. “I don’t know.”
If you don’t know how to answer a question, this shouldn’t make you panic. It’s fine not to know something, but don’t let the words “I don’t know” be a dead-end. You want to show the interviewers that you’re willing to make an effort, so explain that you don’t have the information at hand right now but you’ll find it. The most important thing is to show potential bosses that you’re a problem-solver and you’re interested in increasing your knowledge.
8. “On my résumé.”
Yes, the interviewers have seen your résumé (that’s why you were invited to the interview in the first place!), but that doesn’t mean you should direct them to it for answers they’re hoping to get from you in real-time. If they ask you a question that you’ve already explained in your résumé, mention new and specific details that aren’t included in it. This helps to keep your information fresh. Be willing to elaborate as it shows professionalism.
9. “I got fired.”
Maybe you were fired from your previous job, but don’t mention it in this way because it sounds negative. Rather explain the situation surrounding why you lost your job, without pointing the finger at a previous employer—that’s just in bad taste and makes you seem bitter. So, what can you say instead of “fired”? Use a positive alternative, such as “job loss.” If you’re asked about why you were fired, be specific and honest about the situation but don’t ramble on about it. Now’s the time to focus on how you’ve grown in terms of skills and knowledge.
10. “What does this company do?”
Before attending a job interview, you should have researched the company by checking out their website, searching through their social media and LinkedIn pages, and reading any online news about them. If you’re unsure of what the company does, it’s a huge red flag that you’re clueless about the job position. Prospective employers might wonder why you’re even going to the interview if you don’t know what the job and company are about. You’re just wasting everyone’s time.
11. “I don’t have questions.”
The interviewers might have given you a clear, thorough explanation of the job requirements, but it always reflects positively if you have questions for them at the end of the interview. If you really don’t know what to say, ask about the next steps in the application process or ask if they have any questions regarding your ability to fill the position. This is much more productive than if you say you have no questions.
12. “Hated my job.”
Never speak negatively about your previous jobs, even if they were horrible. It makes you seem bitter. Try to focus on what you learned from the negative experiences, as this will enrich your future career prospects. For example, when mentioning challenges in a previous role, try to highlight all the growth opportunities that you gained. Similarly, instead of mentioning what a micromanager your boss was, mention that they motivated you to improve your skills, being specific about what the skills were.
13. “I’m nervous.”
Everyone feels nervous during job interviews, but it’s best not to talk about it or mention it. While you might think saying “I’m nervous” will help diffuse your anxiety, it might backfire by making things uncomfortable. Your interviewer might reply to your statement that you’re nervous by saying, “It’s okay.” But why dump your worries onto them? They’re not going to give you a hug and a cup of tea. Focus on dealing with your own nerves so you come across as professional and calm. Avoid fidgeting and smile warmly. Before entering the interview room, do some breathing exercises.
14. “Oops, my phone…”
If your phone beeps or rings during a job interview, it’s unprofessional. There’s nothing more frustrating for an interviewer than hearing all those annoying sounds while they’re trying to have a serious discussion. You don’t want to be seen as someone who’s obsessed with their phone—it gives the impression that you’re going to be more focused on your phone notifications than any task that comes across your desk. Always put your phone on silent before walking into the interview room.
15. “Flexible about pay.”
You might think saying you’re “flexible” about salary makes you seem adaptable, but it actually reflects negatively on you. Prospective employers will think you’re fine working for extremely low pay, you’re a people-pleaser, or you’re so desperate for the job that you’ll take anything. If you’re asked what your salary expectations are during the first job interview and you’re unsure, first ask more questions about the role so you’re informed about what it entails. This shows you’re not just after the money and want to provide a reasonable, fair number.
16. “I don’t have experience.”
Maybe you legit don’t have any experience in some aspects of the job for which you’re applying, but that doesn’t mean you should say so. We’re not saying you should lie, but the trick is to mention other things you’ve learned in your career and how they can help you to perform well in this specific role. Or, you could mention that you’re taking a course to learn those valuable skills that are required. The important thing is that prospective employers want to see that you’re willing to learn and roll up your sleeves to work hard for the company.
