There’s no denying that job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but try to keep your cool, as what you say matters as much as how you say it. Unfortunately, nerves can make us say things we shouldn’t, sometimes just in the form of small missteps, but potentially as a major blunder. Either way, these misspeaks can leave a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons, so we’ve prepared the following list of things that you should be careful not to say if you really want to succeed at your next job interview.
“I Don’t Know”
You might think that admitting you don’t know something will come across as honest, but it’s more likely to just make you look unprepared. Instead of simply saying, “I don’t know”, you should instead say that you’re eager to learn more or would take the time to research and understand. Employers value problem-solving over blank admissions, and showing curiosity can leave a much better impression.
“What Does Your Company Do?”
It’s a terrible idea to turn up to an interview without basic knowledge of the company, as this suggests you didn’t care enough to prepare. This only takes a quick look at their website or recent news to learn the essentials. Take the time to learn some specifics and drop them into the conversation, and this will show that you’re genuinely interested in what the company has to offer.
“I Just Really Need a Job”
Even if you’re desperate for work, you should never use this phrase. Focus on why the role excites you or aligns with your skills rather than making it clear that you’re in it for the money. Ultimately, employers are looking for enthusiasm about the job itself, not someone who will jump at any opportunity without commitment to the role or the company.
“I Didn’t Get Along With My Last Boss”
Criticising past employers is never going to be a good look during a job interview, as it can make you seem difficult to work with. As an alternative, it’s better to frame challenges as learning experiences or discuss what you’re looking for in a positive work environment. Employers want team players, not drama.
“I’m Not Sure I’m Qualified for This”
Never undermine your abilities during an interview, as this will put doubt in the interviewer’s mind. Rather, you should focus on the skills and experience you bring, even if you feel you don’t tick every box. Confidence in your potential can often outweigh a lack of direct experience, and when in doubt, fake it til you make it!
“I Can’t Think of a Weakness”
It’s common for an interviewer to ask an interviewee, “What are your weaknesses?” You might be tempted to reply by claiming that you don’t have weaknesses, but this will only make you seem insincere and arrogant. Choose a genuine area for growth and explain how you’re working on it. Employers don’t expect perfection; they value self-awareness and a willingness to improve.
“What’s the Salary?”
While salary is certainly an important factor to consider when applying for a job, bringing it up too early, especially in an initial interview, can make it seem like your primary motivation. Let the employer lead the conversation on pay, or save it for later in the process when you’ve demonstrated your value.
“How Long Is the Lunch Break?”
If you focus on perks or benefits during the interview, you’ll probably shift attention away from your interest in the job–especially if it concerns something as trivial as your lunch break. British companies have a legal obligation to provide such breaks, so don’t worry about it; just stick to discussing how you can contribute to the company and save these questions for when you’ve received an offer.
“I’m a bit of a Perfectionist”
Similar to the point regarding weaknesses, don’t try to use perfectionism as a strength or weakness in an interview. It might seem like a witty response, but it has become a cliché. Employers have heard it all before and may see it as a lack of self-awareness, so offer something more personal and relevant to your work habits instead.
“This Job Seems Like a Stepping Stone”
Ambition is great, but no employer wants to feel like a temporary stop on your career ladder. Even if you do see the job as a potential stepping stone, you should still talk about what excites you about this role and how you see yourself contributing in the long term.
“I’m Late Because…”
Being late to an interview is already a bad start, but drawing attention to it by over-explaining won’t help. If you find yourself in this situation, apologise briefly and move on. Better yet, plan ahead to avoid lateness entirely and start off on the right foot.
“I Don’t Have Any Questions”
Even if you legitimately don’t have any questions after your interview, it’s best not to admit to this, as it can suggest a lack of interest in the company or role. Try to prepare thoughtful questions about the team, the company’s goals, or the expectations for the role ahead of time, ensuring that you’re prepared for such a question. That way, you’ll show that you’ve put effort into understanding their expectations.
“My Last Job Was Awful”
As with complaining about your previous boss, don’t be tempted to speak negatively about past roles in an attempt to flatter your prospective employer. In reality, this will just make them wonder whether you’ll do the same about them. Be positive, focusing on what you learned or how you’ve grown from those experiences, even if they were pretty terrible, and this will speak volumes about your character.
“I Prefer to Work Alone”
While independence is valuable, most jobs require collaboration at some level, so don’t emphasise that you’ll work better alone. Sure, you can highlight how you balance working independently with being a team player but don’t focus heavily on one or the other. Employers want someone who can adapt to their work culture, not someone who isolates themselves or depends on others.
“I Don’t Have Experience With That”
A lack of experience doesn’t always have to be a deal-breaker. Instead of admitting your gaps in knowledge, redirect this into a willingness to learn, providing examples of how you’ve picked up new skills in the past. Show that you’re resourceful and ready to take on challenges, and your prospective employer will love that.
“Do You Monitor Emails or Internet Usage?”
It should really go without saying that asking whether the company monitors your emails or internet usage is a terrible idea. Unsurprisingly, this question could set off alarm bells about your priorities while making it look like you’ll be getting up to trouble.
“What Are the Work-from-Home Policies?”
These days, flexibility is important, especially when it comes to working from home, but don’t jump straight to questioning about remote work policies. It will make it seem like you’re not keen on being in the office, so if working from home is a priority for you, wait until the right moment or bring it up after they’ve offered the role.
“I Don’t Have Any Hobbies”
Last but not least, you might think that hobbies seem unrelated to a job, but they can reveal a lot about your personality and how you’d fit with the company culture. Therefore, even if your interests are simple, sharing them helps you stand out and shows you have a well-rounded life outside work.
