10 Sentences to Avoid at a Job Interview

Your primary objective in an interview is to demonstrate to the interviewer and the hiring manager why you are the ideal candidate for the position. You want them to leave the interview confident in your skills and motivation to contribute effectively to the role. It's equally important to understand potential concerns the hiring manager may have. So, what are these concerns? Below are the top 10 potential red flags you should be aware of.

1. "I did not have time to prepare". Conduct thorough research. Enter the interview well-informed about the position and the company. Demonstrate that you have done your homework by learning about the organization and the role. Utilize online resources and try to connect with current or former employees. Prepare questions and consider how you might answer them.

2. “My last company was unprofessional.” Avoid speaking negatively about a previous employer during an interview. Even if your past job or boss was challenging, the interviewer might worry that you could do the same to their company. Maintain a neutral to positive tone, focusing on what you've learned and your future goals. This is especially important when discussing your reasons for leaving.

3. “I know I don’t have much experience, but...” By apologizing for a lack of experience, you're implying you're not the best fit for the role. Instead, maintain a positive outlook, emphasize your strengths, and highlight your transferable skills and enthusiasm for the position.

4. “It’s on my resume.” The interviewer knows what's on your resume. If they inquire about a specific job or experience, they want more details than what's written. They are also assessing your communication and social skills. Use this opportunity to showcase your abilities instead of referencing your resume.

5. “Um, I don’t know.” Even with extensive practice, you might encounter a challenging question. However, saying “I don’t know” is generally not advisable. Consider repeating the question thoughtfully before responding or saying, “Now, that is a great question. I think I would have to say…” If you're still unsure, request what you need—be it a pen and paper, a glass of water, or a moment to think.

6. Don’t memorize word for word. Even if you've practiced your responses thoroughly, avoid memorizing them verbatim. Aim for a thoughtful and genuine reply rather than a scripted one. Interviewers prefer candidates who can engage in a genuine conversation. Be prepared, but don't over-rehearse.

7. “My greatest weakness has to be perfection.” Hiring managers have likely heard this cliché before, and it doesn't provide genuine insight into your work style or personality. Offer a more authentic response by mentioning a non-essential skill for the job and the steps you're taking to improve it.

8. “Um, you know, like…” Using filler words like “like” and “um” can give the impression of lacking confidence or clear communication skills. Consider strategies to eliminate these words from your vocabulary.

Additional words to avoid can be found here

9. “Sh*t, I’m so sorry.” Maintain professional language at all times.

10. “Thanks, but I don’t have any questions." Not having questions for the interviewer suggests a lack of interest in learning more. Prepare some thoughtful questions in advance to conclude your interview on a strong note.